Need advise for setting up a lab

[texanmutt]

I am trying to setup a small lab at work for cisco networking and I am trying to accomode VoIP into it. I am making a list which includes other routing and switching devices. So far on my list for voip, I have 2 FXS VICs, 1 FXO VIC, three 7946 phones and an ATA180.

I also have two 2801 routers on the list. What do they need to support the VICs?

Also, I dont know the cost of call manager or unity, but I dont think we will get the apporval to dump $5k on them. How much do these things really cost. Are there any cheaper options ? How about CME. What does it cost and what would we be giving up by using CME?

Is there anything else you guys would recomend for Voip ?

[texanmutt]

Did I post in the right forum ?

[exonetinf1nity]

Greetings, if your setting up a small lab and want to integrate voice, routing, switching and security have a look at the Unified Communications 500 Series or the 1861 ISR, benefits being that they are pre-packaged with CME v4 and Unity Express v2.3 - 3.1, Phones licenses, have PoE onboard, optional built in FXS or FXO and BRI Ports and run the Advanced IP Services IOS Feature set (Please note that it's on option on the 1861 ISR) giving you a broad range of services to work with.

If you wanted to simulate a WAN environment you could pop a 2801 or 1841 ISR in the middle of the two.

UC500

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps7293/index.html

1861

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps8321/index.html

Regards