Cisco Firepower
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It's been a minute since I have logged in here, so youre gonna have to forgive me if I am posting a repeat/annoying question.
(I searched, and from what I could tell I couldnt see an answer).I am trying to figure out which firepower to buy. I am not interested in a virtual or cloud solution. I probably should have researched more before I hit the buy it now button. I got a 2110 for $300, it powers on but no console or boot. So needless to say I am returning it. Should I have expected that for $300 at this point in time?
Currently I have an 5520 ASA, the firepower was going to be its replacement when I got done using it for learning. I cant help but think that I am being bailed out from choosing the wrong one in the 2110? Is there a better or more practical option... (Though, practicality is not really what I was searching for, not even with the 5520). I'm don't necessarily mean "cheaper", I thought $300 was fair, but I definitely don't want to spend a thousand dollars on a piece of equipment. I have fell out of fascination with certs, but, if I was to follow a track, it would be CCNP Security. I listened to the course a few times, and I considered what I could buy that was mentioned, a firepower being one of them. So that is where my mind is with that as far as "why", along side with replacing my ASA.
What would you suggest is the best purchase... and are there any features that I want to ensure are there?
Thanks
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I think you just had a rare experience on that used equipment purchase. I remember a lot of ads for used Cisco gear that would show a screenshot of boot, or at least promise that the machine boots fine.
Another option for you to consider is AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform. I was able to fully lab the LATEST Firepower code using free trial images from the AWS Marketplace. While the images required robust virtual machines, it was very inexpensive because I diligently remembered to turn off the virtual machines when not actually using them to test features.
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I tend to avoid eBay for purchasing used gear. Instead, I stick more to Amazon for renewed equipment. I was fortunate enough to snag a Cisco Catalyst 2960 48-port, 10/100 PoE switch for a whopping $50. I plan on buying a Cisco ASA 5515-X next-gen firewall for $65 and a Cisco C892FSP-K9 1GE high-performance security router for $75 (maybe the edutainers could comment on these two items? Curious on their thoughts).
I know people who have been burned on eBay (and people who have made out like a bandit), and am always worried about buying something that I won't be able to return if it arrives broken. I'd say, if you buy something from someone (like on eBay), ask them to show you proof that it works (maybe a video).
I also agree with Anthony... Maybe Azure, Google Cloud or AWS would be something more akin to what you're looking for.
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@David-Thompson I'm one of those people that have made out like a bandit on Ebay. For IT, over the last 15 years I have bought way too much than I care to admit on the internet... A lot (tons) of purchases that ended up pointless. But in all of that this was probably just the second time, I got a piece of bum equipment (that i know of, again, a lot of it never even got put to use and went to charity)... And even with this firewall, I bought it from a seller that I used before for equipment, and I still use that router today. So, I am not too down on ebay, itself... it's more a case of, are the sellers really capable of knowing what they have, when they say "tested"?
As for now, the seller accepts returns and it's in the mail, so we will see if I have to jump through any hoops to get refunded.
I've received an offer on another that I am considering. My problem is still trying to understand exactly what I am getting, as far as what is on the machine vs what I might need. Versions, licenses, images, etc. The old me would have bought several devices just out of doubt, to compare and see what's what.
When did you make your purchase? did you buy it to study? are those 2 pieces of equipment still relevant for the topics you are studying?
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@WU-TANG That's what I'm trying to ascertain. I'm going for my CCST, which is fundamental, and then my CCNA after that. I might give eBay a shot, as Amazon is too rich for my blood regarding newer switches (even the refurbed ones).
Keep us posted on the returned 2110.
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@David-Thompson Return and refund went seamlessly. Just have to pay attention to "feedback" rating and the comments left... I stay away from sellers with the same complaints over and over, while disregarding the petty complaints. And pay attention to "Accepts Returns" noted in the description. I believe that is enforced by the site, they actually run the process. And again, I had a little bit of faith in that particular seller due to past dealings.
Got the new one from a different seller today. It's been running for a couple of hours now... WAAAAAAAAYYYY quieter than I expected... (because the defective one only screamed nonstop)... It almost seems quieter than my ASA. Came right up and activity in the console after a few seconds of loud fan, so the other one was definitely defective. Still have to figure out what I am looking at vs what I need.
I just put a few on my watchlist and let the sellers' discounted offers come to me... Does Amazon have a similar feature?