Maximum PC

Hey everyone...I am looking to further my career goal and become CCNA and CCNP certified within the next year or two and need a little advice. I have simulators and the books but nothing can replace hands on learning especially in an interview situation. So my question to you guys is what do i need to setup a CCNA/CCNP lab to learn on? I am not familiar with CISCO networking so please give specifics on what routers and such that I will need. Also I would like to keep a resonable budget of less than 700 if possible.

Thanks
G

Cisco routers cost thousands .. often tens of thousands ... of dollars.

Well, they do make hardware for SOHO that costs under $500 but you don't need any hand's on work with a router that has 8 ports and a couple of settings.

You would benefit, I'm sure, from playing with their more advanced hardware (which have everything from hardware based IPTable security, built-in SBCs and VoIP gateways) .. but those are well outside your budget.

Here is an example of some Cisco products for sale as cheaply as I can find: link

I am not talkking about getting brand new stuff. I want used if i can get it.

I am sure i read somewhere that you need at least 2 routers and a switch? Then there was a link to buy a router 2509? sound right? And it was like 90 bucks or something like that.

Thanks
G

My CCNA book suggested picking up some Cisco 1841 routers or 2800 series routers. There are several simulators you can use, both propietary and open-source, so take your pick.

Go out on eBay and there are a couple of sellers that specialized in used equipment bundled for intro CCNA or you could mirror them and piecemeal a lab yourself.