Cisco equipment

[Vryce]

I'm look'n for a cisco router and switch (mainly for practice)
the base router I'd considder getting would be in the 2500 family or higher, but I don't have much experience with that family..or with their switches, what would anyone recomend for a cheap, functional router/switch that's reliable?

[Jon]

Well if you want a router for practice as in your going for Cisco certifications then you can accept no substitutes. Cisco has its own embedded OS for their routers.

If you're only looking for functionality and price for the home then D-Link, NetGear and SMC all make prefectly acceptable routers at relatively low costs. You can find anything from 1 to 16 port routers and up to about a 16 port switch by any of these manufacturers. None of these will substitute for a Cisco router/switch for educational purposes though other than the actual hardware configuration.

EDIT:

Forgot to mention LinkSys makes decent networking products just as well.

[rugby]

I buy my routers off eBay. Here are some tips from someone pursuing his CCNP (1/4th done)

1) Try to get as much ram/flash as possible. Pay a bit more for 16/16 in a 2501 because buying it later is EXPENSIVE.

2) You need 2 routers to route. Having one router is like playing catch with yourself. Not too much fun and you'll never see how things are supposed to work.

I have 2-2501's, 1-2503, 1-2524, and 1 2924M-XL-EN switch that I use.

If you're serious about pursuing a career in this area I suggest slowly but surely building up a sizable lab and spending the dough to get good stuff.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

[Vryce]

Sorry if I wasn't very clear there...

Yes, I'm going for cisco cert, and I'm wanting either two routers or a router and a switch so I can play with 'em...

the router(s) would have to be at least Cisco 2500 series, and I don't have any experience with Cisco switches (need some suggestions there)

The only limitation I have is the somewhat large price of cisco equipment..(ebay's nice, but two 2500's will still cost a good bit, and anything over the 2600 family will be too much...I'm a college student..Money is nonexistent ATM ;) )

I hadn't given a second thought to RAM, thanks for the tip.

[rugby]

Unfortunately Cisco gear is NOT cheap. I would recommend a couple of 2500's like a 2501 and 2503 and a DCE/DTE cable. Forget the switch for now, CCNA certification doesn't require any switch knowledge.

I'm in the same boat, I need a 2509 and 2523/22 for specific tasks and they're going to set me back 1500 bucks. Unfortunately I cannot afford them yet so I have to save my pennies.


In All honesty you can pass the CCNA with the CCNA Cert guide from Cisco Press and the CCNA Cert guide from Sybex. Both are excellent books that complement each other nicely. This is entirely dependent on SOME networking knowledge so you can understand concepts.

[Josh]

Originally posted by Vryce
Sorry if I wasn't very clear there...

Yes, I'm going for cisco cert, and I'm wanting either two routers or a router and a switch so I can play with 'em...

the router(s) would have to be at least Cisco 2500 series, and I don't have any experience with Cisco switches (need some suggestions there)

The only limitation I have is the somewhat large price of cisco equipment..(ebay's nice, but two 2500's will still cost a good bit, and anything over the 2600 family will be too much...I'm a college student..Money is nonexistent ATM ;) )

I hadn't given a second thought to RAM, thanks for the tip.

i have my CCNA and am currently working on the CCNP routing. if your just trying to get your CCNA you can get by just getting a router sim program. if your doing CCNP routing you really don't have a choice, you must have equipment. i take classes at the community college which is a member of the Cisco Academy. if your college has such classes I'd recommend taking them because then you can get access to routers/switches.

[Josh]

Originally posted by rugby
I buy my routers off eBay. Here are some tips from someone pursuing his CCNP (1/4th done)

1) Try to get as much ram/flash as possible. Pay a bit more for 16/16 in a 2501 because buying it later is EXPENSIVE.

2) You need 2 routers to route. Having one router is like playing catch with yourself. Not too much fun and you'll never see how things are supposed to work.

I have 2-2501's, 1-2503, 1-2524, and 1 2924M-XL-EN switch that I use.

If you're serious about pursuing a career in this area I suggest slowly but surely building up a sizable lab and spending the dough to get good stuff.

If you have any more questions feel free to PM me.

which CCNP test have you completed? right now i'm working the routing part and slowly working my way through OSPF in a single area. if you have passed the routing exam i'd be real interested in asking you a few questions:)

[rugby]

I've passed switching and I failed support by only a couple of isdn questions. I've taken routing class and do have quite a bit of experience with OSPF. PM me if you have questions and I can help you.

Also, a great study guide is Cisco's website. Their search engine is a lifesaver many times over.

If you are serious about getting certified go pick up Caslow's book Bridging, Routing, and Switching for CCIE's. It IS the bible for Cisco stuff. That book has also saved me tons of time.

[Vryce]

Thanks a lot everyone!

Now, I'm off in a quest to spend all my cash :p