Cleaning out lab 1721 vs 2600

drew2000

Hey All,
I am working on cleaning up my lab a bit while working on my MS certs (CCNA is good for a few more years). I am going to STAY at the CCNA level, not really interested in CCNP. So my next renewal will be CCNA Security or Wireless.

I bought a 1721 with a dual serial WIC to be used for frame relay. I'd like to sell the 1721 and replace it with a 2600 because the 2600 is rack mountable. When I move into my next house I am going to get a mini-rack.

Questions:

1. If I sell the 1721 do I lose any capability by moving to the 2600? It looks like both have 2 expansion slots and at least one ethernet port. I think I bought the 1721 because it was cheaper.

2. Is the 2620XM the right one to get for CCNA-level work?

3. It looks like the WIC is compatible with both, is that true?

Thanks,
Drew

JSK

I would consider selling the 2620XM simply because you will probably get more money for it. I'm not a big fan of the 1721 form factor but it's 12.4 capable and fits nicely in a CCNA lab. The 2620XM does have an extra Ethernet port so that is something to consider.

I follow Wendell Odom's postings and he suggests the 1721 even for his CCNP lab builds.
CCNA Build Lists

drew2000

JSK,
Thanks - I should clarify. I am considering replacing my 1721 with a 26xx. I don't currently have a 26xx. I have:

2x2501
1x1721
3x2950

My main goal was to get a rack-mountable replacement for the 1721, but only if it makes sense and I can keep the same level of functionality.

Thanks for the Odom link, he seems really fixated on the 1721's. Is that due to their lower price?

Drew

kalebksp

Odom's labs are based on getting the best bang for your buck. If you want a decent rack mountable router with the same functionality as a 1721 a 2600XM would be the best choice, any model would be a fine. The models with a last digit of one (26x1XM) have two FE ports.

The same WICs should work in 1721s and 2600XMs, but if you want to be extra sure google the WIC name and find Cisco's compatibility list.

JSK

My bad, I misread your original post.

The 26xx is definately better if you want to rack. Maybe even a 1760 if it supports the features that you want? I have been considering upgrading my 2650's because they can't run 12.4. For $55 shipped this has been tempting. Cisco 1760 Router (128D/32F) CISCO1760 1700 - eBay (item 260620501334 end time Jul-15-10 07:19:42 PDT)

drew2000

Ahhh that 12.4 IOS point is a good one. From what I have found the 2600XM 128/32 will run 12.4.

Maybe I'll just hold off a bit. Maybe CISCO will introduce some new security features into a newer IOS that will be released before I renew.

Thanks for all of the tips! In the meantime I'll keep an eye on the router trash pile at work! I have seen some 2600's in a pile but they aren't being thrown out just yet.

Drew