nav[aria-label="Primary Navigation"] { padding: 0; & ul { list-style: none; width: 100%; display: flex; flex-direction: row; justify-content: start; align-items: start; gap: 30px; padding: 0; & li { margin: 0; } & ul li { list-style: none; } } }

is 2x2501 good enough?

dgbarr

Well, I have been studying for the CCNA certificate and I was just wondering how much money should I dish out for some decent study labs. Should two 2501's be sufficient? Should I dip into BRI simulation? Did you?

At first I didn't really want to spend more than a $100 but it seems that if I really want to pass this exam I might need to get a little bit more hands on..

Basically for those who have written and passed the exam, what routers did you use for your lab?

Find more posts tagged with

SAVE $250 on Your CISCO Boot Camp — Use Code "EXAM26"

Exclusively for TechExams members for Infosec Boot Camps starting before April 30, 2026

View CISCO Boot Camps

Comments

networker050184

I would get at least three or four routers and at least three switches. Thats going to run you more than $100 unless you find some crazy deal. I wouldn't worry about the ISDN.

BigTone

i've read you really can get away with one router but you'll need 2 if you want to see how they talk to each other.

Check out www.ciscokits.com they really explain it well, I don't think you need 4 routers or even a switch for CCNA, but I think you'll still end up putting up more than 100 bucks.

mikej412

BigTone wrote:

I don't think you need 4 routers or even a switch for CCNA

The Boson NetSim will get you through the CCNA if you follow the labs -- but since the CCNA is a Routing AND Switching exam and tests on hands-on knowledge, using real equipment is better.

Ideally you could get by with 5 routers and 3 switches.... but based on budgets, you can give up some hardware at the cost of some hands-on practice.

There are hardware threads listed in the FAQ -- but researching the equipment and building the home lab is a large part of the learning process.

Nik00117

From what i've had suggested to me by a friend who passed the CNCA is

3 2500ss
2 switches (2950s perferabbly)

But instead i'm getting
3 2500s
3 switches (1 2950 2x2900XLs)

Your going have to spend a bit more then 100 dollars, i'd say you could get by with 200-250 if yo really shopped heard but i'd suggest at least 300-450.

ConstantlyLearning

My lab is probably gonna end up costing about 1000 euro.....

yukky

ConstantlyLearning wrote:

My lab is probably gonna end up costing about 1000 euro.....

Think of it as an investment; plus if you decide you don't need it anymore, you can always sell it on eBay for a fair price.

blackninja

Don't forget a Frame relay switch, I use a 2521 (4 serial ports).

dgbarr

Things like this really goes over my head at times.
But if I was really serious about going through with this I might as well get the equipment. I really have no application for it after but i think it must be done.

Im really sorry for making a post.. I should've checked the faq on this forum before posting.