Can someone recommend a router/switch please

The 2600's are good. Still getting a little long in the tooth, but still relevant. A dual ethernet model would be ideal (ie. 2611, 2621) because ethernet is easier than serial, but you pay more for the more usable system. A 1720/1750 should be alright too, although there isn't much price difference, and the 2600 will give you more features.

Personaly, for what they charge for some of the dual ether routers on eBay, I'd seriously look at a Cisco refurbed 2801 from a dealer. Comes with two ethers, its the most current model in that line, and the memory/flash expandibility options are super cheap, because its current PC stuff. Ie. sparco.com has factory refurb 2801 for $1069.

The 2800 is probably too old to be of much use. The 2924xl-en (8MB model, but not the models without the -en on the end, or 4M models) or equivilent (ie. 2924m-xl-en or 2924c-xl-en) would be good because you can do VLAN trunking on it, and that is very current now.

great thanks for the help. I'll check them out again. I defintely want to get one that I can play around with VLANs on

You will not be able to upgrade IOS on a used device, but would be able to do so on a refurbished device:

You'd probably need the part LL26C= (Cisco 2600 Series, IP Featureset). It appears that the cost would be $US275 to $US400 ($US1200 if you don't look around!)

Oh. I didnt realize that I wouldnt be able to update/upgrade the IOS on a used device. I guess that includes both routers and switches then? So if I am looking for one on Ebay and there are a lot, I need to make sure that in the descrip it says that it is refurbished??

the part LL26C- thats the 2600 series and the c is what gives it the IP feature set which is what would include VLANS etc? Can IOS's be had anywhere else, or do they have to come from Cisco's site? Thanks a lot for the help.

Oh yeah i almost forgot. I see that some of the routers/switches on Ebay say that they come preloaded with the IOS version of your choice. In that case what would I choose? Thanks

The rules about CatOS used to be different, and I don't think they can change the rules retroactively on those prior releases. But IANAL and I did not study the CatOS licensing terms.

Or be prepared to pay the relicensing fee.

bradreese.com has links to some of the authorized dealers in refurbished Cisco equipment. I think I saw the complete list once on cisco.com but it would take some digging now.

I think you might need IP Plus for VLANs, but it's a nuisance to check the feature naviagator at the moment. Look at

You can buy the relicensing from a number of vendors, who will take your money and email address and have Cisco send you the digital license.

Once you are relicensed, you can buy specific IOS versions from a number of vendors. If I recall correctly, you can buy platform- specific CDs that have all of the updates within the same minor release; e.g., the CD might have 12.3(1)T through 12.3(14)T4 for the 1600.

"preloaded with the IOS version of your choice" is almost always code for "Does not come with a legal IOS release, and will not be supplied with a CD or other media format of IOS, but will contain whichever pirated IOS version you ask for."

Hi Carito,

This is the current promotion of Fully Licensed and SMARTnet Eligible with Warranties Same As New - Cisco Authorized Factory Refurbished ( List Pricing is for informational purposes only, call 877-549-2680 or

828-277-7272 for discounted price quotes ).

To see all 2,639 line items of Fully Licensed and SMARTnet Eligible with Warranties Same As New - Cisco Authorized Factory Refurbished ( be patient as it downloads ).

To View Cisco Software Relicensing For Used Cisco Units:

You may also conveniently view all Cisco Equipment currently offered on eBay with this handy little guide:

Furthermore, view Cisco Product Guides covering the last 8 years:

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Brad Reese BradReese.Com - Leverage Your Cisco Network

Hendersonville Road, Suite 17 Asheville, North Carolina USA 28803 USA & Canada: 877-549-2680 International: 828-277-7272 Fax: 775-254-3558 AIM: R2MGrant Website: