CCNA Equipment

[dafunk]

Can anybody recommend some equipment that would go well with CCNA certification for practice?

I know I can use simulators but I would rather have experience with some hardware.

Preferably as low cost as possible!

Thanks in advance

 

[dantheman213]

Whilst you say you want hands-on experience, it may prove worthwhile looking at using Dynamips? Having experience with real hardware isn't going to help you significantly, apart from knowing what a switch/router looks like.

As a bonus, Dynamips is free.

 

[Bakedgoods]

I think you need to be part of a course to get on it, but Cisco's online material combined with their Packettracer application is actually really good...

 

[suarve]

I think you need to be part of a course to get on it, but Cisco's online material combined with their Packettracer application is actually really good...

I foolishly only discovered Packet Tracer s when starting CCNA 3. I'd say your at a significant disadvantage if your not setting up the labs using this software and imo it's essential for setting up some of the more complicated CCNA 4 labs. When I did mine I must have spent 6 hours max setting up actual equipment.

A few class mates used something called routersim and always said this was just as good (although not free apparently).

As said, if your looking to pass the CCNA qualification setting up the actual equipment doesn't count for a lot. You get most marks for your understanding and application of ideas.