Creating Asynchronous, ISDN, PPP, DDR, Dial Backup, AAA, and Security Labs

Figure 2-4 illustrates the topology you can use to practice asynchronous communication, PPP, DDR, and dial backup.

Figure 2-4. Asynchronous, PPP, DDR, and Dial Backup Lab Topology

You can use any Cisco router with an auxiliary port, a rolled RJ-45 cable, an adapter marked "MODEM" (Cisco part number CAB-25AS-MMOD), and any modem that is V.34-capable or better to build this lab. If you have one of the following routers, you can also use a SCSI-II 68-pin async port, an eight-to-one octopus cable, and a 25-pin adapter to build this lab:

Cisco 2509/2510
Cisco 2511/2512
Cisco 2600/3600 with SCSI-II 68-pin 16/32-port async port

The part number for the octopus cable is CAB-OCTAL-KIT. It also includes modem head-shells for any asynchronous devices, such as modems.

It might not be feasible to order ISDN lines from your service provider. Getting two physical lines can prove costly, because there is an installation charge for the ISDN circuits, as well as the ongoing call charges as you use and test ISDN within your lab. You still might want to do some research and find out if ISDN cost for your location is reasonable enough for short-term testing. ISDN simulators are also expensive, around $800. You might be able to pick up a secondhand ISDN simulator or even rent one for a couple of months. Investing in an ISDN simulator is definitely worthwhile if you are considering pursuing CCIE certifications such as Routing/Switching and Security in the future.

Cisco Secure Access Control Server software can be downloaded for evaluation from the Cisco website. It offers centralized control from a web-based graphical interface to manage AAA functionality.

Routers are the basic requirement for the CCNP remote-access lab. Three routers should be enough for you to practice most of the areas covered in the CCNP Building Cisco Remote Access Networks (BCRAN) exam.

Ideally, you should look for 2600XM routers. They are Cisco's current product line. They support all the new technologies, such as VoIP and VPN acceleration through hardware, and they also have software support to allow current Cisco IOS software images to be used. These are modular routers that allow a number of different modules to be included.

Older routers such as the 2500 and the 4000/4500/4700 might also be an option. These routers are less expensive than the 2600XM models and offer a range of interfaces. Memory restrictions on these models might hinder future proofing when newer processor- and memory-intensive Cisco IOS software releases are introduced.

All routers in the lab should have enough DRAM and Flash memory to load and use at least the IP PLUS IPSEC 56 Cisco IOS software feature set. This feature set has all the software functions required for the CCNP remote-access lab, including IPSec.

[ LiB ]