Phillip Rhodes wrote:
Hi guys, have a question for you router experts! I'm thinking about going for my CCNA certification, and found today that we have a spare (old) Cisco 1601-R laying around the office not being used. I thought I'd set it up in a spare cube and use it to play around with as I learn Cisco router stuff.
When I took the CCNA, there wasn't any need to set up "external" interfaces, only know the protocols associated with it.
The issue I have though, is that this Cisco box was designed strictly for connecting WAN -> LAN. That is, it has one Ethernet interface, and one serial interface only (plus a slot for an optional WAN interface card).
So, given that, Could I possibly do a straight serial -> serial connection to a Linux box setup to simulate the upstream router at an ISP? If so, I'd appreciate any pointers on how to proceed...
I believe the term serial for the Cisco is a little different than a standard pc serial port but I am not sure. Plus you would have to have a CSU/DSU card for 1 or both machines, which depending on you router it may be build in to the WAN card
Oh, I should probably add that I'm willing to purchase either another WAN interface for the Cisco, and/or additional interface boards for my PC, if needed, assuming the price isn't outrageous.
Depends on what you consider outrageous, last time I checked the card was >$500 for the Cisco and ~$900 for the Linux card
Some Google searching indicates that it's not easy (if possible) to connect the Cisco serial port to a PC serial port, due to the Cisco being synchronous only, and the PC asynchronous only. However, I understand that you can buy a synchronous serial interface board for a PC... so if something like this would be an option, I'd go that route (no pun intended), as long as it's not too expensive.
More info is still appreciated though.. for example, if what I'm describing is even possible, I'd need to know what kind of board to buy for the PC and maybe some pointers on how to configure this setup...
Or if it's just plain not possible, somebody please tell me so I won't waste time on this.
I would investigate to see if there is a product called freesco still floating around, which used to be a linux distro dedicated to Cisco routing, or try VMware. Or go to your local bookstore and buy the ExamCram CCNA study guide.
Thanks,
Phillip R.
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