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Newbie Question - CCNA

I am A+ and Network+ certified, and am currently working on my BS in Computer Science. Since my company is in a period of transition, I am looking to add the CCNA to my resume to give me some leverage. My current employer is willing to sell me a 2600 or 2501 router for cheap. Which one is better/cheaper for getting started? (I am on a budget after all)

This question is loaded, but I will keep it short. When the everday person hears router, we think of the modem-like box that has 4 or more ethernet ports. To be technical, I understand that a router transfers data based on IP address thereby eliminating broadcast and increasing performance. Having read up on Cisco Routers in general, I don't think you can hook two computers up to one and expect it to work properly, as in a traditional router. From the reading I have done, it looks as if you hook up two traditional routers to the Cisco Router. The basic question is, what is a Cisco Router for? I have checked out Cisco's website and read the manual on the 2500. I have also read various websites and read through tcpmag.com's test lab tutorial. I have a few Cisco books I bought in the bargain bin of the local book store. Each source seems to set the router up with different equipment so I am guessing you can configure it many different ways. I have two computers and a DSL connection. I am looking to use the Cisco Router to get both computers networked, and using the DSL connection to put this network online. I am more concerned with what a Cisco's Router role is. Does it only route between networks? Do I have to setup up each computer on it's own network with it's own router?

Yes I know the question is to stupid; thanks for noticing.

Reply to
Jerim
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Also - based on your note, there are a few issues. The "Cisco Router" is indeed a router. You seem to be thinking it might not be. It's a router that meets all the relevant RFC support to be considered a router.

If you're studying at home, I wouldn't worry too much about buying hardware. Spend your limited budget on a network simulator from one of the publishers. Cisco Press has many. At least then, you know everything on it is the latest and updated information.

If you want the router for home use then it's not a bad buy. Practically-speaking though, you might be better off simply buying a Linksys home network router.

Reply to
bryan.mccaffrey

The simulators are pretty good. I've had some issues with software bugs but overall the experience is a good one. It's a good way to get a virtual network worth potentially hundres of thousands of dollars in your "lab."

No no, the Linksys is just for your functional needs. The home office gear really abstracts everything for you, so you likely won't learn too much from it. I'd go for the simulators. I'm using the CCNA one right now from Boson. It's a great way to learn routers and switches from a hands-on perspective. It doesn't give you all available commands offered on a real router or switch but those needed to learn the fundamentals. I'm hoping the CCNP simulator gives a lot more commands.

Reply to
Fredalicious

Speaking of the network simulator, I have looked into those. Do they offer as good an experience as having the actual hardware? I was wanting the router for some hands on experience.Although I understand that only one router may not be enough to get the full range of experience, it is a start. At first, when you mentioned the Linksys router, I thought you were saying I could use it for some routing experience such as setting up a routing table.

Reply to
Jerim

I must say that this newsgroup on the whole, seems much more helpful than other newsgroups. Perhaps it is just the CCNA community as a whole. When I was considering the MCSE, the community as a whole seemed to be very unsupportive. That is just my experience.

Reply to
Jerim

Just fwiw:

If you want the router to use as a CCNA lab, don't use it to run your home system. Get the Linksys for that.

However, to get the full benefit of the router in a lab setup, you need two; so you can connect their serial interfaces together and watch routing tables propogate. That's what routing's all about. As mentioned, you'll need the DCE/DTE cable for this.

You can also look at 'CCNA Lab Kit' setups on Ebay, where all the pieces are sold in one package, or renting time on a 'pod' online.

I personally got lucky, my company had a couple of old 2513's sitting around collecting dust. I bought a cable and have an almost free lab running on my desk at work :)

Reply to
greedo

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