Comparison 2500/2600 Switches for CCNA

Jinuyr

I am trying to shop around for switces to start working on them for my CCNA. What are the key differences if any between them? I am looking to create an environment that can be used for the CCNA, CCNA Security/Voice, and CCNP. What series of switches should I buy if I plan on getting all of the above certifications within 2 years?

Thanks in advance! ^_^

Diggs

As far as switches go I would think you should probably be looking at mostly the 2950 series for your CCNA and one or two 3550s for your CCNP.

For routers I would be looking at the 2600 / 2600xm series

certificationkits.com lays out some pretty good suggestions

Jinuyr

Cool, thanks. I was actually using certificationkits.com as a reference. I will be buying the parts separately though since I think I can get a better deal on it that way when I already have most of the study tools available to me.

Brain_Power

If you plan taking CCNA Voice, then get 3560 with PoE for phones.

Jinuyr

Thanks and Yikes! Not cheap...

Somnipotent

Brain_Power wrote: »

If you plan taking CCNA Voice, then get 3560 with PoE for phones.

You don't really need a PoE switch, it's just more convenient that way. All IP phones can use power bricks, but that will start to add up pretty quick and the cost of a Cat3560 will be more attractive if you plan to move onto the CCNP Voice. There are other options out there as well, a Cat3524 PoE which are MUCH cheaper.

Legacy User

On ebay I bought a 3550 poe for $50. If you look you could find it cheap.

oli356

dmarcisco wrote: »

On ebay I bought a 3550 poe for $50. If you look you could find it cheap.

I say it time and time again, you Americans are so lucky with your prices. Costs at least tripple that in the UK, I look everyday for gear and there's never a bargain.

xXErebuS

oli356 wrote: »

I say it time and time again, you Americans are so lucky with your prices. Costs at least tripple that in the UK, I look everyday for gear and there's never a bargain.

That was a steal on ebay; otherwise these are still $4k+ new with lan base IOS

Legacy User

There are alot of vendors selling untested AS-IS equipment cheap auction style on ebay. Its cheap because they're not sure if it does anything except for power on and the light go green. Everything i bought under the not working/for parts section unless noted that there is a issue never had an issue for me.