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To practice for my CCNP, what's the best simulator?

I have completed my CCNA in June and I have worked with real routers and switches. During my study time I have tried some router and switch simulators, but, maybe because they were beta versions (like the one from Boson), they didn't give me the correct outputs. Now, I don't have access to real routers and switches and I want to study for the CCNP exams. What is the best simulator that I should buy?

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As far as simulators are concerned, you used one of the best ones out there. I have found that despite some of the canned commands and outputs in the Boson simulator, it is still one of the more accurate depictions of an actual IOS.

With that being said, if you want the real deal, I recommend renting online rack space from a provider that already has CCNP racks assembled and even some possible labs for those racks. If you happen to stumble into some cash, you could also look into taking a CCNP course that has the equipment to access in the labs. For instance, at my training company, Training Camp, we actually have the real equipment in the classroom so not only will you see the live IOS, but also physically connect and network the equipment.

This was first published in February 2008

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