As I've been reading so many of these threads about paper certs I want to try my best to not become one of them. I'm currently doing a network supervisor college course mostly involving Microsoft stuff. This course basically only goes through the basics of routing and subnetting etc etc... I'd like to get involved in the cisco certification track but I'd like to have some hands-on experience rather than just reading the books. I also can't afford any Cisco training so I'd like to set up a "home lab" but I have no idea what kind of equipment I need. I was thinking of getting some cheap used stuff off ebay but what to look for? Do all cisco routers/switches basically use the same setup, commands etc? If not, which are the CCNA and other exams based on?

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Your best bet is at least 1 2500 router(you cant do much with this but play with a couple of commands) with two you can connect them and get more outta them. Then this is more optional because its not coverd on the exam to much but a 1900 series switch. I wrote a paper on what to watch for when buying cisco stuff on ebay, so you can check it out if you want, its on my site

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Thanks for your reply. I read your paper on your site but I have a few more questions.
What is considered a "fairly recent" IOS? I see some 2501 routers on ebay for like $150 with 11.2 or 11.4 IOS. Would those be considered a good deal?
Also, what are the serial ports for and why do you need an ethernet transciever for the AUI port? I see some RJ45 ports there already, can't you just use those? If not, then what are they used for?
I also don't know what the console cable is for .
I have a fairly good knowledge on general networking but I'm a complete newbie when it comes to these kind of routers/switches as you can probably tell .

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And that is exactly the reason everone seeking the ccna should get hands on, some of the most simple things can be confusing. 11.x cant be that bad. I have one with 10.x on it and for the most part its really only missing cdp, but I am sure there are more differences then that, I just dont know em off the top of my head. the two others I have are 12, and there are various versions of that. So for the most part 11.x will do. Serial ports are generally used to connect the equipment together, like 2500 to 2500 or any variation(assuming they both have serial) but there are other uses. The aui port requires a ethernet transciver because a aui port is not a ethernet port. It can be a variety of different interfaces, just like a screwdriver with replaceable heads. Those rj 45 ports are not what they appear to be. One is console, used to connect like to your computer so you can connect to your router. The other is aux which can be connected to a modem. Console cable is a rollover cable(looks like a big phone cord or a flat cat5). Mabey this will help, www.ciscotrack.com/network.html those pictures might give you a better idea.

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Davidbeeken, awesome explanation

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I have 20 2524's if you want to buy one, let me know, I am selling them for 220 USD a pop, plus shipping

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Here is what the 2524's cost at a used cisco seller

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Do your 2524 have a modules installed?

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1 Ethernet Port
3 WAN Slots (no mods)
Auxiliary Port
4mb Dram
8mb Flash
Console Port
Console Cable Kit
Rack Mount Brackets

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might want to post ios versions also

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