This quick reference page provides a summary of the specifications of this topology. For a complete reference including installation details, please refer to the Multi-Device Pod Planning and Installation Guide

The CCNAv7 courses supported using the Multi-Device Pod require NETLAB+ VE 19.5.0 or greater.

 

Lab Topology

MDP

The Multi-Device Pod includes two routers (R1 and R2), two switches (S1 and S2), and up to two PCs (PC-A and PC-B). The tables below indicate the recommended devices, based on the hardware lists provided by Cisco.

All NETLAB+ topologies with lab switches and Virtual Machines require additional switch configuration tasks for successful operation. The Multi-Device Pod requires switch configuration commands on control switch ports S1 and S2.

Lab Device Requirements

Lab devices are part of the topology and users can interact with them either directly through the console or network. The lab device requirements vary for the Multi-Device Pod, depending on the Cisco equipment you plan to use.

Hardware compatibility with NETLAB+ does not guarantee the compatibility of labs. Please check the Academy curriculum, NDG pod guides, and lab support pages for specific hardware and IOS requirements.

Other equipment may work if it is supported by NETLAB+ and can meet the minimum requirements for feature sets, interfaces, IOS, RAM, and Flash.

Router/Switch Recommended Models Minimum DRAM Minimum Flash Minimum IOS Feature Set/Technology Packages
R1 Cisco 4221
Cisco 4321
Cisco 4331
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 8 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Fuji - 16.9.4 IPBase, Security
R2 Cisco 4221
Cisco 4321
Cisco 4331
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 8 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Cisco 4 GB
Fuji - 16.9.4 IPBase, Security
S1 Cisco
WS-C2960+24TC-L
128 MB 64 MB 15.0.2-EZ(ED) LAN BASE
S2 Cisco
WS-C2960+24TC-L
128 MB 64 MB 15.0.2-EZ(ED) LAN BASE

Router Interfaces

The NETLAB+ interface name translation feature is supported on this pod type. This may influence the selection of modular interface cards and slot placement within the router.

Virtual PC Support

Remote PCs are implemented by integrating with 3rd party virtualization products. The NETLAB+ documentation library includes several guides with extensive detail on the implementation of virtualization with your NETLAB+ system.

The following operating system choices are typical based on the curriculum. These choices are not mandatory; you can make substitutions provided that:

  1. Your choice of NETLAB+ supported virtualization product supports the operating system (as a guest).
  2. Your choices are compatible with the curriculum.

Only virtual machines are supported on this topology. Standalone PCs are not supported.


The Multi-Device Pod supports two (2) virtual machines.
Virtual Machine Software Version Source
PC-A Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) Azure Dev Tools for Teaching
PC-B Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) Azure Dev Tools for Teaching

1See the planning and installation guide for details.

Control Device Requirements

Control devices provide internal connectivity, console access, and managed power. Control devices are dynamically managed by NETLAB+ and are not accessible or configurable by end users.

  • Control switches provide connectivity between devices in the pod.
  • Access server lines provide console connections to lab equipment.
  • Power Distribution Units provide managed electrical power, allowing NETLAB+ and users to turn lab equipment on and off.

Control Device Requirements for the Multi-Device Pod
Control Device Resource Quantity Required
Control Switch 4 Consecutive Ports
Access Server 4 Lines
Power Distribution Units 4 Outlets

The Multi-Device Pod requires 4 consecutive ports on a control switch.
MDP_CS
The Multi-Device Pod requires 4 ports on an access server.
MAP_AS
The Multi-Device Pod requires 4 outlets on a power distribution unit (also known as switched outlet device).
MAP_SW

For More Information