Cisco Home Lab

[KillNine]

Might be the wrong forum, but ill give it a shot

Want to build my own small cisco home lab, looking to spend around 2000$ (on eBay proberly).

So anyone that could help me here?!, dont really know which kind of routers / switches to buy...

I'm taking the CCNA, some day when i get a hang of it! *hopefully*

Thanks,

Matt

 

[fmonteiro]

A very basic configuration would require at least two routers. You may connect these routers back-to-back using the serial interfaces and put one PC in each ethernet segment. You may a lot of fun with this configuration. I would suggest a Cisco 2501 (1 ethernet/ 2 serials). Try to get a router with at least 16MB of flash so perhaps you could load a more recent IOS version. But 8MB is also acceptable. If you may spend a little more go for the 2600 serie. But, I am not sure what could you by with 2K. Hope this help!

 

[RoryJMcKenna]

Try Router Sim software...Save your money and get access to 8 host computers...5 2501 routers 1 2600 and five 1900 switches. You will have a lot of fun with this software...I learned all I needed to know for my CCNA with this. Read a book or two do all the labs 2-3 times and then use your creativity to setup your own network.

Hope this helps and saves you a bunch!

Rory.

 

[KillNine]

Rory, my company is paying, so im not really looking to save a bunch of money, but thx anyway

fmonteiro, sounds more like it, can you suggest any switch?

 

[fmonteiro]

You may start with the 1900, as few port as possible (I believe the minimum is 12 ports) or the 2900. But, be aware if you are planning to configure a trunk you will need a FastEthernet interface, and the 2500 does not have it.

 

[wybnormal]

The 2900 is a better bet for further studies. The 1900 has only limited use on the CCNA and none on the CCNP. Look for a 2620/21 to use for the trunking of ISL or 802.1q as you will need to know both for the CCNP. Assuming you want to take the cert to that level over the CCNA.

MikeS

Find me at

http://www.packetattack.com

"Take advantage of the enemy's unreadiness, make your way by unexpected routes, and attack unguarded spots."
Sun Tzu

 

[KillNine]

hmmm Which 2900?!, theres tons of them

 

[rburke]

The 2924 XL EN is a good one, also if you want to pay a bit more the 2950's are just the next genereateion of 2950's. I'm using a 2924-XL-EN...


Burke

 

[KillNine]

"the 2950's are just the next genereateion of 2950's"

Sry, but didnt make much sense! Do you mean that the 2950 is the next generation of 2924?


Matt