|
I'm looking to stand up a small virtual environment at home as a test bed for various operating systems/services/tools while I pursue some certifications. I'm going after the CEH at the moment, but may get CCNA again and may chase MS or VM certs in the future. I need a separate host since I plan on playing around with Metasploit and eventually getting into a little malware analysis, web application hacking etc., and don't want to risk anything getting out and loving up my home pc. I'm not sold on any particular virtualization solution at the moment, but low cost, and the ability to snapshot/roll back or easily stand up a new copy of a VM once I gently caress it up would be super. I don't need something blazing fast or reliable enough to run production data on, I just want something I can isolate away from my existing network, load up a bunch of OS(NT 4.0 through 2012 Server, XP through Windows 7, various *nix flavors, Backtrack, etc) and bang away on. I probably won't need more than 2-3 VMs active at one time (Attack Box, Target, ????), but the ability to keep more up at once might come in handy later. I've never really been a hardware guy, so let me know if I'm completely loving stupid with this. CPU http://www.microcenter.com/product/414698/FX_6350_Black_Edition_39GHz_Six-Core_Socket_AM3_Boxed_Processor MB http://www.microcenter.com/product/401771/970A-G46_AM3_ATX_AMD_Motherboard RAM 16gb of whatever to start, more if necessary. Case/drives/etc. Old Athlon 64 box and spare parts I've got sitting in the closet. Links are what's in stock at the local microcenter here in VA, I can buy off Newegg or Amazon prime if there's a better solution available, but having something I can pick up and assemble today would be great.
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 14:55
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 18:50 |
|
|
Sefal posted:I'm currently studying for my CCNA. I'm now at the part of subnetting router protocols is right after this. and I understand how to do that. I understand the theory but I have no hands on experience with it. i know which cables to use i don't know how to make them. I can identify them. The only hands on experience I have is with Packet Tracer and that is virtualized. I want to know how to connect switches with a patch through the wall to a central switch. I want to know how to actually subnet routers. I want to know how to actually subnet and connect a real work environment. I'd suggest picking up a With a trio of routers and the switch, you can break up the switch with VLANs into multiple network segments and then route between them with the routers:  Note that each of the network segments (VLAN1, VLAN2 and VLAN3) are actually the same You can also search eBay for "CCNA lab" and see what stuff appears. Often bundles appear that are pretty good values. edit: Dell gear for a cisco certification. Duh! Agrikk fucked around with this message at 22:47 on Jan 31, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 21:05
|
|
|
Why not just buy a few Cisco 2950s instead of a Dell switch since he's studying for, you know, a Cisco exam? They're <$30 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-WS-C295...1&keywords=2950
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 21:13
|
|
|
QPZIL posted:Why not just buy a few Cisco 2950s instead of a Dell switch since he's studying for, you know, a Cisco exam? Hah hah. Didn't even think of that.  It's become so ingrained in me to look to Dell for the cheaper version of Cisco that I wasn't thinking here.
|
|
#
?
Jan 31, 2014 22:48
|
|
|
Check those components against the VMware HCL for whitebox builds - ESXi is very picky about the hardware it will use. The advantage of using ESXi is that you can use ESXi for free, although some of the options you might want in the future (auto-deploy and cloning VMs) are not available unless using vCenter. A way around that is to use a 60-day trial version of vCenter, which you can endlessly recycle. You would just need to rebuild your lab every couple months, which if you're like me you do anyways just because you can and you want to try something new. If you have any specific questions about hardware I'm sure we can help.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 00:16
|
|
|
I'm assuming you're referring to http://www.vmware.com/resources/compatibility/search.php All I'm seeing there is Opteron and Intel CPUs, nothing about the other AMD chips. I've seen a couple people recommend them in this thread.Agrikk posted:<snip> Dilbert As gently caress posted:<snip> As far as I can tell, the FX 6350 should be pretty much identical to these two, minus speed, and being a power hog. If there's somewhere else I should be looking, I'd appreciate the pointers. Unfortunately, all the Intel chips at the local Microcenter are ****Ks which apparently are not supported.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 00:57
|
|
|
Wild Bill posted:I'm looking to stand up a small virtual environment at home as a test bed for various operating systems/services/tools while I pursue some certifications. I recommend checking out Dilbert As gently caress's presentation about setting up a virtualized lab before buying anything. You can probably start out with a copy of VMware Workstation on your existing desktop and shell out for a server once you hit the limits of your existing hardware.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 02:55
|
|
|
SamDabbers posted:I recommend checking out Dilbert As gently caress's presentation about setting up a virtualized lab before buying anything. You can probably start out with a copy of VMware Workstation on your existing desktop and shell out for a server once you hit the limits of your existing hardware. Seconding that. DAF's presentation really was well-done and gave me a few ideas I wanted to test out, so in addition to my ESXi box I threw Workstation 10 on my desktop PC and created a full-blown lab in it (after buying a 256GB SSD and 1TB WD Black spindle drive). The SSD is a lifesaver, since trying to run a full-blown lab using just a spindle drive will drive you to slit your wrists.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 04:40
|
|
|
Sefal posted:I'm currently studying for my CCNA. I'm now at the part of subnetting router protocols is right after this. and I understand how to do that. I understand the theory but I have no hands on experience with it. i know which cables to use i don't know how to make them. I can identify them. The only hands on experience I have is with Packet Tracer and that is virtualized. I want to know how to connect switches with a patch through the wall to a central switch. I want to know how to actually subnet routers. I want to know how to actually subnet and connect a real work environment. Have you looked into GNS3? For CCNA I would get some 2950 switches and emulate your routing.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 11:43
|
|
|
I have not looked into GNS3. Thank you guys for your advice. I was looking around ebay and I think I want to buy this. http://www.ebay.nl/itm/CISCO-Lab-CC...=item19e7e06e4b it's pretty cheap. and I think it would satisfy my needs Then I found this http://www.marktplaats.nl/a/compute...previousPage=lr which is a bit more expensive but looks really nice. but I don't think it's worth shelling out 500 euro's when I can get what I need for 150 euro's I think I will start with GNS3 after I get some hands on experience with the hardware.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 16:43
|
|
|
Sefal posted:I have not looked into GNS3. Thank you guys for your advice. I was looking around ebay and I think I want to buy this. As you get more experience you can bridge a GNS3 topology build into that physical lab and keep expanding.
|
|
#
?
Feb 1, 2014 16:57
|
|
|
Packet tracer and GNS 3 will take you farther for cheaper than forking money for a switch
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2014 08:17
|
|
|
So I'd like to get a rack. Any decent smalls ones that I can put on top of my desk? Currently have 6U worth of equipment, would probably need at least 9U or maybe even 12U to make sure I have room for expansion.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2014 10:55
|
|
|
sudo rm -rf posted:So I'd like to get a rack. Any decent smalls ones that I can put on top of my desk? Currently have 6U worth of equipment, would probably need at least 9U or maybe even 12U to make sure I have room for expansion. IKEA Lackrack - available in two depths and costs around 5 $ 
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2014 11:48
|
|
|
sudo rm -rf posted:So I'd like to get a rack. Any decent smalls ones that I can put on top of my desk? Currently have 6U worth of equipment, would probably need at least 9U or maybe even 12U to make sure I have room for expansion. I ended up getting a 12U cabinet off Amazon (it was wallmount so I had to add casters). http://amzn.com/B00GAPUMDE
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2014 14:18
|
|
|
H.R. Paperstacks posted:I ended up getting a 12U cabinet off Amazon (it was wallmount so I had to add casters). I love these, but half depth is so limiting.
|
|
#
?
Feb 2, 2014 16:13
|
|
|
evol262 posted:I love these, but half depth is so limiting. Yeah that is a downside since you aren't fitting a standard rackmount server in there. Home lab wise it's almost perfect since people are rolling their own server and the cases are usually shallow like that 2U I have in there.
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 01:18
|
|
|
H.R. Paperstacks posted:Yeah that is a downside since you aren't fitting a standard rackmount server in there. Home lab wise it's almost perfect since people are rolling their own server and the cases are usually shallow like that 2U I have in there. I had a lot of problems finding half-depth cases with ears on Newegg 4 years ago (last time I had a half-depth rack). Is there a good option these days?
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 04:00
|
|
|
evol262 posted:I had a lot of problems finding half-depth cases with ears on Newegg 4 years ago (last time I had a half-depth rack). Is there a good option these days? My 2U case is a Norco : http://amzn.com/B00BQY36DC They have some 4U options as well if you need the extra space for drives.
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 04:21
|
|
|
Any CCIEs in the house? I currently have the following gear, and I'm curious what else I'll need for the CCIE eventually. I guess I'm trying to "futureproof" my lab setup, so I only buy things I'll eventually need, instead of filling up with crap that'll be useless to me later on (like I've somewhat done already). Routers: - 1841 ISR - 1841 ISR - 2610 - 1721 Switches: - 3550 - 3524XL - 2924XL - 2950 Really, the only semi-modern items in there are the 1841s and the 3550 
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 15:08
|
|
|
I'm building a little home esxi server and have everything ordered but one last item. USB flash drive for booting off of. Are there any particular ones that are more reliable for this use? I'll buy a couple for backup, but right now I'm thinking Crucial because they are more likely to have built it start to end?
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 19:33
|
|
|
phosdex posted:I'm building a little home esxi server and have everything ordered but one last item. USB flash drive for booting off of. Are there any particular ones that are more reliable for this use? I'll buy a couple for backup, but right now I'm thinking Crucial because they are more likely to have built it start to end? They pretty much all use the same chips. Crucial is no more or less likely to survive, really. Buy one cheapish one for now. They'll only get cheaper and better in the future.
|
|
#
?
Feb 3, 2014 19:47
|
|
|
QPZIL posted:Any CCIEs in the house? I currently have the following gear, and I'm curious what else I'll need for the CCIE eventually. I guess I'm trying to "futureproof" my lab setup, so I only buy things I'll eventually need, instead of filling up with crap that'll be useless to me later on (like I've somewhat done already). When do you plan on taking the lab? v5 is moving to 15.0code, so you'll want gear that runs that along with anything else listed in the blueprint. If you don't plan on taking it for a few years, look into rack rentals or GNS3/IOU builds instead, as they'll at least remain somewhat close to the requirements code/feature. Keep in mind the v4 lab is comprised of something near 25 routers, so it's not something you are going to want to buy physical hardware for. H.R. Paperstacks fucked around with this message at 00:56 on Feb 4, 2014 |
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2014 00:54
|
|
|
phosdex posted:I'm building a little home esxi server and have everything ordered but one last item. USB flash drive for booting off of. Are there any particular ones that are more reliable for this use? I'll buy a couple for backup, but right now I'm thinking Crucial because they are more likely to have built it start to end? Alternate (Not-so) comedy option: Get familiar with vSphere Auto-deploy and skip the USB drive altogether  Of course you'll need more hardware to take its place, but it's much more fun 
|
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2014 04:55
|
|
|
Martytoof posted:Alternate (Not-so) comedy option: Get familiar with vSphere Auto-deploy and skip the USB drive altogether Actually you can use auto deploy in connection with your USB devices so if your Auto Deploy server is not working properly it will failback to the USB.  http://pubs.vmware.com/vsphere-51/index.jsp?topic=%2Fcom.vmware.vsphere.install.doc%2FGUID-0813B4BE-485D-4129-902B-49AA42EBF54E.html phosdex posted:I'm building a little home esxi server and have everything ordered but one last item. USB flash drive for booting off of. Are there any particular ones that are more reliable for this use? I'll buy a couple for backup, but right now I'm thinking Crucial because they are more likely to have built it start to end? Once ESXi boots it really doesn't touch the boot device, you can but el cheap USB drive that is 8Gb and yank the usb drive after it boots up and roll.
|
|
#
?
Feb 4, 2014 05:02
|
|
|
Ok how about a cheap Intel based PCI Express quad port nic that I can find on ebay?
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2014 08:40
|
|
|
phosdex posted:Ok how about a cheap Intel based PCI Express quad port nic that I can find on ebay? EXPI9404PT
|
|
#
?
Feb 6, 2014 18:04
|
|
|
Internet, I've priced a new lab box with 64gb of RAM, Core i7-4820K, 5 2TB HDDs* (4 for RAID 10, 1 for spare), for $1634.41. Do I need this? * I was closer than you want to know to rolling my own iSCSI SAN...
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2014 00:13
|
|
|
MC Fruit Stripe posted:Internet, I've priced a new lab box with 64gb of RAM, Core i7-4820K, 5 2TB HDDs* (4 for RAID 10, 1 for spare), for $1634.41. Do I need this? What do you want to do with it? I'd err on the side of "no." SamDabbers posted:I recommend checking out Dilbert As gently caress's presentation about setting up a virtualized lab before buying anything. You can probably start out with a copy of VMware Workstation on your existing desktop and shell out for a server once you hit the limits of your existing hardware.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2014 00:16
|
|
|
64GB seems like a lot, have you done the math on what you plan to run? And do you honestly need 4TB of storage? SSD pricing is really coming down, you might consider one 512+ GB SSD instead of shelling out for 5 spinning disks plus a RAID controller. Unless your "lab" is actually being used as a home media server or backup target.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2014 01:19
|
|
|
Be a man, buy a Synology NAS.
|
|
#
?
Feb 11, 2014 15:22
|
|
|
What is the current zeitgeist regarding AMD vs Intel ESXi whiteboxes? I decided that much as I love simming ESXi and my various projects on my desktop, I'd like to move that all to its own resources. Was thinking about something like the following: AMD FX-8320 ~$150 ASUS M5A78L-M ~$70 16GB Crucial DDR3 1333 ~$150 I've got things like the Case covreed. Mainly interested in the working bits. Storage would be iSCSI so I'm not concerned about storage. I'll probably be booting this off of USB anyway. Just wondering what the Intel equivalent would be. Of course if there is some good reason why this combo would be a bad fit I'm all ears too.
|
|
#
?
Feb 23, 2014 23:16
|
|
|
Martytoof posted:What is the current zeitgeist regarding AMD vs Intel ESXi whiteboxes? I decided that much as I love simming ESXi and my various projects on my desktop, I'd like to move that all to its own resources. I generally like AMD more for lab designs because you have a higher core count. Intel has many cpu's with higher performing cores.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 01:54
|
|
|
In a lab, more physical cores is more useful than faster cores but fewer of them.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 04:15
|
|
|
phosdex posted:Ok how about a cheap Intel based PCI Express quad port nic that I can find on ebay? This might be a dumb question (I am a noob to this stuff), but what is the advantage of an expensive a quad port 1gb NIC over a couple of cheap dual port cards?
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 20:32
|
|
|
ZetsurinPower posted:This might be a dumb question (I am a noob to this stuff), but what is the advantage of an expensive a quad port 1gb NIC over a couple of cheap dual port cards? Less PCI slots used.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 20:34
|
|
|
I have two 560 twin frozrs without the plastic fans because they died. What to do?
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 22:02
|
|
|
Can anyone recommend the use of this book in studying for a CCNA/networking in general? If not what would be a better suggestion. http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-CCENT-ICND1-100-101-Official/dp/1587143852/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1393281315&sr=1-2 Or should I just not bother with it at all and just download some router firmware ISOs and just play around with them in vmware with the official documentation until I understand it.
|
|
#
?
Feb 24, 2014 23:51
|
|
|
Methanar posted:Can anyone recommend the use of this book in studying for a CCNA/networking in general? If not what would be a better suggestion. http://www.amazon.com/CCNA-Routing-Switching-Study-Guide/dp/1118749618 If you actually intend to pass the CCNA (as opposed to just messing around and learning a thing or two about networking, which is a fine goal too!) you should probably invest in a book or two.
|
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2014 00:00
|
|
|
|
| # ? May 16, 2024 18:50 |
|
|
Methanar posted:Can anyone recommend the use of this book in studying for a CCNA/networking in general? If not what would be a better suggestion. I'd get the Lammle book that Docjowles linked instead. But you should definitely not just do one or the other. How well do you understand computer networks? The OSI model? Can you subnet in your head? Those topics need to be understood just as much as IOS itself.
|
|
#
?
Feb 25, 2014 07:12
|
|