Cost Effective LAN to LAN routing

[skennemer]

I am looking for a cost effective solution, i need a router with 4 ethernet ports. Eventually, this machine will be used in VLAN later on down the road. I have my eye on the 2600 series with the 4-Port Ethernet Network Module (NM-4E). Any advice is appreciated.

[jkemery]

Depending on your future needs and budget? Look at a L3 switch, like the 2948GL3?

[ahojmark]

IMO, the Catalyst 3550 series (with enhanced multilayer image) would be a better choice than the 2948G-L3:

They're faster, they're cheaper, they have more advanced QoS functionality, they have better security etc. And they're easier to configure, especially if you know Native IOS for the C6K.

I wouldn't be too surprised if the 2948G-L3 went end of sales shortly after the 3550-48 starts shipping.