CCNP 5.0: Building Scalable Internetworks (BSCI) Labs

NDG has worked closely with the Cisco CCNP lab team to develop BSCI labs that are compatible with the installed base of NETLAB+ router pods.

BSCI is supported by one or more of the following NETLAB+ pods:

• Cuatro Router Pod (CRP)
• Basic Router Pod Version 1 (BRPv2)
• Basic Router Pod Version 2 (BRPv1)
• Advanced Router Pod (ARP)

The supported lab list (below) provides a list of CCNP compatible labs and the pod types that can be used for each lab.

• Most labs may use Basic Router Pod Version 1 and 2, allowing existing NETLAB+ pods to service both CCNA and CCNP labs.
• For CCNP, we have added the Cuatro Router Pod (CRP), a four router version of Basic Router Pod Version 2
  • CRP provides the greatest lab coverage for CCNP1.
  • CRP is required for some case studies.
  • CRP can be used for frame relay labs without an Adtran Atlas.
  • All labs that work on BRPv1 and BPRv2 will also work on CRP.
  • CCNA 3.1 labs will be updated in Q1 2007 to also work on CRP.
• The routers used must meet minimum IOS requirements specified by the curriculum. The following recommendations are based on the official CCNP 5.0 equipment list (available on Academy Connection):
  • Cisco 2811: ISR Advanced IP Services K9 IOS (S28NAISK9-12410)
  • Cisco 2801: ISR Advanced IP Services K9 IOS (S280AISK9-12410)
  • Cisco 1841: Advanced IP Services K9 IOS (S184AISK9-12410)
• At least one router should be a Cisco 2811.
• Two versions of frame relay labs are provided
  • Version "a" labs are designed for Cuatro Router Pod and use router R3 as a frame switch.
  • Version "b" labs are designed for backward compatibility with the Advanced Router Pod and use the Adtran Atlas for frame relay switching.
• Skills exams are contained in separate lab package and are enabled in the class settings separately from the core CCNP1 labs. This allows instructors to defer access to the exams until the end of the course.

Enabling the Labs

To enable the BSCI labs, check the box for "AE CCNP BSCI V5.0 English" in the class settings. This must be done for each class requiring access to the BSCI labs.

You may also allow the class to make "pod-only" reservations using BSCI pod types listed above. To enable pod-only reservations, check the box for "AE CCNP Pod Reservations (no labs)" in the class settings.

These reservations are not tied to specific lab exercises. Therefore, the pod will be configured using the default network configuration. Please note however, not all BSCI labs use the default network configuration and must be completed by selecting the correct lab exercise (see the following discussion).

Using the Labs

Always select the correct lab exercise for the lab being performed. Students or teams should schedule the correct lab exercise from the catalog. NETLAB+ will only show those labs for which the required pod type is available. A lab that works on different pod types may appear more than once if your system is so equipped. Instructors should select the correct lab from the Exercise tab during instructor-led lab reservations. This can be done as many times as needed during the reservation.

Importance of Choosing the Correct Lab Exercise

Several of the labs may differ from the standard pod topologies. This is handled by NETLAB+ Dynamic VLAN Mapping technology. Always select the correct lab exercise for the actual lab. This insures that NETLAB+ will set up VLANs on the control switch such that lab devices and PCs are placed in the correct LAN segment for the exercise being performed. Selecting the correct exercise will also make the completed lab output easier to find in the archive.

Supported Lab List

¹This lab uses the MPING utility. Please download and install mping on your virtual machines, and add the mping command directory to the command search path.