switches

hodgey87

Hi all,

i am currently looking to buy a new switch for my ccna lab but arent really sure which one i will get the best use out of

alot of people say to get the 2950 switch but othere say to get 2900

just wondered what the difference is between these two

thanks

hhisgett

I found this on Cisco's site.

The Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series includes hardware configurations that support GBIC-based gigabit connectivity as well as stacking.
The Cisco Catalyst 2950 Series also delivers numerous intelligent services to the network edge, at prices lower than those of Cisco
Catalyst 2900 XL and Catalyst 3500 XL Series configurations.
Customers previously purchasing fixed-configuration Cisco Catalyst 2900 XL Series Switches now have superior alternatives with the
Cisco Catalyst 2950, 2960, 2970, 3560, and 3750 Series Switches.

jvax

Among the differences that I know, 2950 switches support QoS but 2900 don't.
On the other hand, 2900 switches support both ISL and 802.1q for trunking but 2950 support only 802.1q.
So, for CCNA, I think 2900 switches are enough, but if you can afford the more expensive 2950 then go for it.
Personally, I think a mix of the two would be the way to go.
Also, 3 switches minimum for STP, but you can still practice a lot of things with just two (or one at worst...).
Good Luck.

hodgey87

thanks for the replies

darkuser

3550 and 3560 are now in the lab if you can afford them .....

Darthn3ss

3550s are going for $1000ish on ebay. probably not affordable for most of us

redgoblin

Probably 2950's are your best bet unless you want to do ISL trunking (which is not really a big deal) in which case the 2900's will work fine.

hodgey87

thanks again for all the replies