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[CyberZeke]

Hi everyone,

I would like to use a Cisco router to share cable internet access through a 4portHUB w/uplink to 3 desktops & 1 laptop, Laptop has linux & windows.

Also, i will want a (Cisco) router i can use in addition to Sybex Sims to practice for the CCNA and later the CCNP certs.

Do you have any recommendations? I know the 26xx series are popular and i was considering the 2610.

Any advise is much appreciated.

[Kevin Dorrell]

The 2610 is a pretty good choice, and gives you the flexibility of adding various WAN interface cards and Network Modules. Little bit pricey for a home lab though.

If you are content with a fixed configuration, then the older 2500 series is much cheaper on the second-hand market. A 2516 gives you a router with serial interfaces and a built-in Ethernet hub, although only at 10 Mbps.

The 1700 series are cheaper than the 2600 series, and allow you to add WAN interface cards for serial or ISDN.

Best value for money IMHO are the old 2500 series. the 2523 makes a great 8-port frame-relay switch, and can be had for next-to-nothing. The 2522 is the same, but with Ethernet. The 2516 with its built-in hub. The 2503 with two serial interfaces. they are all available at a good price.

Lots to consider.

Kevin Dorrell

Luxembourg

[CyberZeke]

1) Will the 25xx give me the config capability i need to be to make and understand in order to take the CCNP? Anyone in particular?

2) If the major differences in the 26xx is the scalability feature the modules provide, is this a feature i would really need, to develop a lab suitable for competency in the CCNP or will a 25xx suffice?

3) For a CCNP candidate lab, could you suggest a setup either 1 router or a combo of other cisco products that will meet my needs?

[Kevin Dorrell]

I can only tell you what I used. I used a 2522 as a Frame relay switch. I also have a couple of 803s, and a second 2522, so I could test routing protocols. A couple of PCs to make up the traffic. An old Catalyst 2912XL would also be useful, but I don't have one myself. I didn't bother buying any token-ring kit, although the 2523 makes a cheaper alternative to the 2522 as a frame-relay switch. For anything more complicated than that, I hire an online rack of about 10 bits of useful kit, which costs me about $10 per 2-hour session.

Kevin Dorrell (CCNP)

Luxembourg