Best physical switches to use for CCNA Security and CCNP studies (And best IOS)

OfWolfAndMan

Been looking around, and since I may keep them for a few years, what would be the best purchase to support my studies in these exams? I've been told the 3560 but how many ports? What model? What ios? Just curious on the details, as I don't want to waste money one something that is only partial capable to what I need it to do.

Jon_Cisco

I am looking for a layer 3 switch and was thinking of getting the 3560. It was a little pricy for me since I'm still in CCENT/CCNA but I am building my lab with the goal of CCNP someday.