Please help me choose routers and a switch

binarysoul

Your expertise could save me some headache and cash

Which of these options I should go with? The difference in price is not that much, but I want to get the right stuff. Please take note of router and switch models in each option.
Option 1:

2 Cisco 2503 Router & 1912 Switch
16MB DRAM & 16MB Flash
1912 Switch
Cisco Back to Back Cable
Two Serial Ports per router
One Ethernet Port per router
One Console Port per router
One AUX Port per router
Three Power Cables
Console cable
Console cable adapter
Built in ISDN BRI port
Two Transceivers


Option 2:

Two Cisco 2521 16/16 Router
Cisco Catalyst 2924-XL-EN Switch
Back to Back Cable
2 Transceiver

mysql1988

get rid of the 1900 switch. You will be dissapointed if you use that switch for studies because most of the commands on the switch are not used on the exam. If I were you, I will play it safe and get a 2950 switch.

Netstudent

Well if option 1 is 4 routers and 1 bunk switch I would go with option1 and buy a 2924. If option 1 is only 2 routers, which i suspect it is, then go with option 2.

keenon

i would say take option 2.. 1900s are worthless for the ccna.. i'm more inclined to direct people toward the 1700s as they have a fastethernet and can get upgraded alot to stay current with the IOS 12.4

the 2900xl-en is cool as well it lacks some features that the 2950 but it will work enough to make it.. however you only have til November so study hard and fast

o reminds me of the months before the NP changes

binarysoul

Netstudent wrote:

Well if option 1 is 4 routers and 1 bunk switch I would go with option1 and buy a 2924. If option 1 is only 2 routers, which i suspect it is, then go with option 2.

Good catch! It's 2 routers as you guessed. I corrected it.

Thanks folks for giving me your thoughts!

Rearden

Keep in mind that 2521 does not have an ethernet interface. It makes a great frame relay switch with four serial interfaces, but you'll be disappointed that you can't do that much with it.

binarysoul

keenon wrote:

o reminds me of the months before the NP changes

What's NP? Don't we have enought ancrynms in CCNA already?

NeonNoodle

binarysoul wrote:

keenon wrote:

o reminds me of the months before the NP changes

What's NP? Don't we have enought ancrynms in CCNA already?

Could be CCNP.

keenon

as in the words of the Rock


THERE WILL BE MILLIONS................... AND MILLIONS

bighornsheep

I should point out that there's something "wrong" with each kit.

With option 1, you lack a proper switch; with option 2, your routers can only support token ring, so for your ccna lab, they are great as frame-relay switches, but you can't use them as ethernet stub routers to test routing unless if you have token ring available.

If I were you, I would consider getting both option 1 & 2...4 routers and 2 switches......sounds like a good decent setup.

more info about 2500 series:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/acs_fix/cis2500/index.htm

binarysoul

bighornsheep wrote:

I should point out that there's something "wrong" with each kit.

With option 1, you lack a proper switch; with option 2, your routers can only support token ring, so for your ccna lab, they are great as frame-relay switches, but you can't use them as ethernet stub routers to test routing unless if you have token ring available.

If I were you, I would consider getting both option 1 & 2...4 routers and 2 switches......sounds like a good decent setup.

more info about 2500 series:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/cc/td/doc/product/access/acs_fix/cis2500/index.htm

What if go with the first option, but instead of a 1900 switch get a 2924 switch? Does a 2503 router provide what I need for CCNA?

bighornsheep

I *think* 3 routers and 1 switch is the "suggested" kit......

Darthn3ss

going to need atleast 2 switches... well, i suppose its not required just to learn the commands but for anything vtp, trunking, STP, etc , you'll need that second switch. i'd reccomend like a 2950 and a 2924, but it depends on your budget.