Cisco CCNA CCNP Home Lab Tutorial Cabling Your Access Server
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Computers Technology -> subcategory Computer Certification.
Cisco CCNA/CCNP Home Lab Tutorial: Cabling Your Access Server
Summary
Learn how to set up your Cisco home lab with an access server, guided by Chris Bryant, CCIE12933, and discover the necessary hardware and cabling.
Article
Creating a Cisco home lab is essential for anyone preparing for the CCNA or CCNP exams. After acquiring a few routers and switches, constantly moving the blue console cable can become tedious. The ideal solution is to purchase and configure an access server (AS).
Contrary to what some might think, access servers are not standard white boxes with Microsoft operating systems. Instead, they are Cisco routers designed to connect all the routers and switches in your home lab, eliminating the need to physically switch cables each time.
When shopping for an access server, there's no need to go for high-priced options. While some might cost up to $5000 on eBay, you should aim for models like the 2509 or 2511. These typically range between $100 and $200 and are a worthwhile investment. Once you start using an AS, you'll wonder how you ever managed without one.
You'll also need an octal cable to connect your AS to the other routers and switches in your home lab. This cable has one large end connected to the access server, with the other end branching into eight RJ-45 connectors.
The large end connects to the AS port labeled "async 1-8," distinguishing it from other Cisco routers. After acquisition, connect the octal cable to your AS as described and attach each RJ-45 connector to the console port of your routers and switches. Take note of the number on each connector, as it’s crucial for configuration.
In the next tutorial, we’ll discuss configuring your access server for optimal performance and share troubleshooting tips.
You can find the original non-AI version of this article here: Cisco CCNA CCNP Home Lab Tutorial Cabling Your Access Server.
You can browse and read all the articles for free. If you want to use them and get PLR and MRR rights, you need to buy the pack. Learn more about this pack of over 100 000 MRR and PLR articles.