CCNA.. two routers.. something along the line of 2500s or 1600s. 1 back to back cable for the serial port OR if you get two DSUs, 1 T1 back to back which you can make. 3 routers would be ideal. 1 workstation, and I use a laptop as the far end workstation.
CCNP gets more expensive..
upwards of 5-6 routers depending on how much you want to dummy up BGP and complicated networks, the minium of 1 1900 swich with Enterprise code for VLANs, access somehow to a CAT5000 or other "set" based switch IOS.
At this point, I run a "enhanced" CCNA lab with 4 routers, 2 1900s, couple of servers and workstations. I rent time on a couple of telnet labs to get time with the CAT5000s. I would love to get a 5000 but the average price of 2500 puts me off a bit ;-) Just for the record, I *could* have replaced one 1900 with a 2610 or 2620 fastethernet router BUT, they average 1,300 and the switches are selling for 500. You need two or the router to practice trunking and routing of vlans. I cheat and use a 2514, 2 10.5 ethernet ports ( 600.00) to router between my vlans and the trunking is setup between the two switches. The trunking requires 100 hence the need for the two switches..
Also, it's taken me a year to gather what I have so far by shopping around at eBay and some dotcom burnout sales. I have also traded up some equipment like get some Sun stuff VERY cheap, eBaying it and then turning the money into one of the 1900s.
I have tried SwitchSim and save your money.
Just my 2.5 cents
MikeS "Diplomacy; the art of saying 'nice doggie' till you can find a rock" Wynn Catlin
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