CCNA lab kits

Hi all,

I'm interested in peoples opinions on lab kits...

I would appreciate advice on what is best for me as I'm new to cisco equipment and don't really know what I'm looking for.

I've seen this one
http://www.ciscokits.com/dualcisco2507.htm
and this one...
http://www.ciscosurplus.co.uk/cisco_lab_kits/lab_kit.asp?kit_ID=23

I have no problem spending around £400-£500 on this setup and it would be nice if at the end of it I could use one for my own home ADSL connection.

Advice greatly appreciated :P

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Comments

lordy

Check out this link: http://www.thebryantadvantage.com/HOME%20LAB%20Building%20One.htm

It will give you a good overview on routers to start with.
Cisco 2514 could be something for you if want to use it for DSL.
You could then buy 2501 or 2503s to extend you lab step by step.

Regards,
Lordy

darkmagic

Thanks, really helpfull links there

jmc724

Unless you want to become CCIE, I would advise on investing in the kits. If you only want to become CCNA, then a good router sim will do.

I dont have a kit and used only a router sim and was able to pass the exam but I have two years of experience so I am very familiar.

darkmagic

jmc724 wrote:

Unless you want to become CCIE, I would advise on investing in the kits. If you only want to become CCNA, then a good router sim will do.

You would or you wouldn't ?

jmc724 wrote:

I dont have a kit and used only a router sim and was able to pass the exam but I have two years of experience so I am very familiar.

Well, i understand "jmc" that you might be someone who has a better understanding of things, also since you have had a lot of experience working on routers, you probably never felt the need for a router kit.
But i personally feel that simulator's are no way even closer to actual routers, i for one can never have faith in them, they have a few KNOWN and a lot of UNKNOWN bugs in them. Even the best in business, namely BOSON has some bugs.

So i would prefer a actual router anyday as compared to a sim, also i feel that the actual router is more reliable then the sim

But in the end of course its a trade off between your needs & the "moolah" that you can shell out

QUIX0TIC

Other than downloading the simulator for free... If you were to pay for the CCNP Boson simulator ($249)... you can purchase a couple of routers and a switch for that amount.

sxiboy

Now that the 2514 is discontinued.. What is its closest replacement?..