Test Router and Switch: Model Numbers needed

Greetings once again...

I was wondering what you all would recommend as a good model router and switch that would be a good choice to create a test/lab environment?

Please let me know what models you think are on the way out, but still good enough to use for lab testing etc. I would like to find one of each for around say ... under a $100 each? Let me know if that is not a good price target also.

Thanks!

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Comments

yanks4everontop

rpfutrell wrote: »

Greetings once again...

I was wondering what you all would recommend as a good model router and switch that would be a good choice to create a test/lab environment?

Please let me know what models you think are on the way out, but still good enough to use for lab testing etc. I would like to find one of each for around say ... under a $100 each? Let me know if that is not a good price target also.

Thanks!

Well to create even the most basic lab at home you really need a minimum of 2 routers an a switch. That's really the bare minimum. The 2500 series routers can be had for very cheap these days (just picked one up for $30 shipped) and you could pick up a 2950 switch for $50.

Stotic

it's the shipping that gets ya!

mikej412

Here's a recent thread - http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/38753-questions-about-different-routers-home-lab.html

I think there was also a more 2600/2000XM oriented thread recently -- http://www.techexams.net/forums/ccna-ccent/38964-opinion-2650-vs-2620xm.html?highlight=2650+2610XM

For the CCNA a couple 2950 switches (or 2960 switches if you want to spend the money) will work, along with a cheaper 2924-XL-EN as a 3rd switch (which also supports ISL).

The CCNA FAQ has a lab section with a link to table of routers that support SDM -- which you'll need for the CCNA. 802.1q for router on a stick is also a lab requirement.

Remember that a terminal server (2509 or 2511 or an NM Module in a 26xx or 36xx router) would be nice to have.