What is a good Cisco router to use for a home lab?

[larana]

Hello everyone, I am studying up for the CCNA test and would like to get a lab started to play around with a cisco router. Does anyone have a particular enterprise router model they would recommend?

I was looking at a Cisco 2811 for around $60, but I am worried that it may be too outdated. I am not looking for anything new, just something used and still relevant.

[Karsten Iwen]

A Cisco 1921 is also old but can run newer IOS versions that give you lots of functionality to test. There are also lots of Cisco 800 routers, but these range from extremely outdated to many features available.

[M02@rt37]

Hello @larana,

If you're looking for a used router that is still relevant for CCNA studies, I recommend considering the Cisco 1841 or Cisco 1921 routers. These models offer more up-to-date features and support, making them better suited for your needs.

The Cisco 1841 is a popular choice among CCNA students and can be found in the used market for a reasonable price. It offers support for various Cisco IOS software features and has sufficient performance capabilities for a lab environment.

Another option is the Cisco 1921 router as @Karsten Iwen said, which is newer and more powerful than the Cisco 1841. It supports a wider range of features and has greater capacity for future expansion. While it may be slightly pricier than the Cisco 1841, it could provide a more versatile and long-term solution for your lab.

Also you have EVE-NG and GNS3 are whitch excellent virtualization platforms that provide network emulation and virtual lab environments. They are widely used by network professionals, including those studying for certifications like CCNA, as they offer flexibility and convenience for building and simulating network topologies.

[Joseph W. Doherty]

Although there's is benefit learning on real hardware, like the others, I would first suggest using various software based simulators or emulators first.  You often can do much more with them unless you built a somewhat extensive hardware based lab with recent to current software.

At the CCNA level, much you can learn even using Cisco's Packet Tracer.

[Karsten Iwen]

Yes, using simulators (Packet Tracer, GNS3, EVE-NG, ...) is the more reasonable way. But especially in the beginning, being able to put cables into a real router is a great thing. At least it was some time ago when we had other options than RJ-45 ...

[Martin L]

if 2800 router comes with IOS 15.x is good; if not, you can upgrade it after adding more RAM.  Originally those came with 12.4.

However, I would start with Packet tracer - Netacademy Sim made for CCNA courses and widely use for training.  Also, there is  CML and GNS3.

Regards, ML
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[Martin L]

if 2800 router comes with IOS 15.x is good; if not, you can upgrade it after adding more RAM.  Originally those came with 12.4.

However, I would start with Packet tracer - Netacademy Sim made for CCNA courses and widely use for training.  Also, there is  CML and GNS3.

Regards, ML
**Please Rate All Helpful Responses **