Is a 3016 switch useful in any way in a home lab?

I was just given a 3016 switch for free. Does it have any use in my home lab? Does it at least help with studying spanning tree protocol? What kind of information can I study with it, and what kind of labs can I do with it?... or is it just trash

Thanks for the input!

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Comments

mikej412

You could use it to set up a dedicated OSPF DR/BDR Election Lab with any extra 2501 routers you have laying around. Also good for CDP Labs (from the 2501 routers).

You could plug it in as your 4th switch (along with the 3 switches I usually recommend for a CCNA Lab) and see if it becomes the Root Bridge -- since it probably has a low MAC address.

You could do ISL trunks.

You could use it as a coaster for your coffee cup.

jjbrog

I suppose I could ask the same question about my 3524xl? I know some commands are either not there or are different... I got two other 2950 switches though, or is the 3524xl just a big coaster or door stop? lol

tiersten

jjbrog wrote: »

I suppose I could ask the same question about my 3524xl? I know some commands are either not there or are different... I got two other 2950 switches though, or is the 3524xl just a big coaster or door stop? lol

A 3500XL is fine as a 3rd switch and more useful than the 3016. There are some command line differences but if you're aware of them then it is okay.

Corndork2

Does anyone know how to recover the password on the 3016?

elphrank0

Clearing passwords on 3000 series

Password Recovery Procedure for the Catalyst 2600, 3000, 3100, and 3200 Switches - Cisco Systems