cisco router for ccna

[C0mmUN1cAt0r]

Hi, I think I may have posted something similar to this before but would have been a while back so just incase time has passed by and things have changed!

I am looking to setup a bit of a lab for the ccna to practice on, first step is a couple of routers. I quite like the smaller ones for space more than anything, on the cbtnuggets vid, jeremey recommends th 800 series however they are £200 up so not an option. Are there any other smaller sized models people could recommend, routers that are relatively cheap but yet contain everything in the IOS as things stand on the CCNA now?

also whilst on it a switch model recommendation?

Thanks

 

[hairlessupportmonkey]

i think an 800 series is as cheap as cisco gets in that arena. the only other option is look as the ASA but its similarly prices.

What i recommend is buy the cheapest 800 series with the cheapest IOS installed then buy a support agreement for it, then you can have access to all cisco IOS's you need for the future.

cisco 871 on ebay goes cheap

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=cisco+871&_sacat=See-All-Categories

then do as i mentioned above.



ACSS - SME

 

[element4749]

When I was studying for my CCNA, I thought I needed lab equipment also. I had purchased from ebay some Cisco 2500 series routers. To be honest, for the CCNA, you dont really need to get actual equipment if you are trying to save a buck.

I would suggest going the virtual route, GNS3/Dynamips is an excellent tool which allows you to load the actual Cisco IOS (updated versions) on a select series of router platforms. It takes some inital reading to get it all setup, but well worth it. GNS3 is the front end interface to Dynamips. You can then tie any terminal interface to it like putty etc. Best of all, its free.

You will get all of your routing taken care of with GNS3, in depth switching can be a little tough with it though, but you can get by with some modules to emulate layer 3 switching.

http://www.gns3.net/

As far as the setup, there are video tutorials to show you basically everything. Its pretty easy.

 

[amriddle01]

I would have though a post in the Cisco data forum would be more appropriate and get a more accurate response

ACSS (SME)
APSS (SME)

http://www.ipoffice.tel

"I'm just off to Hartlepool to buy some exploding trousers

 

[C0mmUN1cAt0r]

amriddle, twas a mistake and im surprised i got response but not with you adding your 2 penith!

can these posts be removed once up!?