Cisco Home Lab?

[Deleted User 298457]

Anybody here got their own Cisco lab? I'm currently studying Networks & Security at University and have a keen interest in getting my old kit.

Looking at a 3 router setup for Frame Relay, as well as some firewall technologies (either Nokia or PIX 501's or something similar).

Has anybody got any recommendations or preferred kit?

 

[Deleted User 298457]

I prefer the hardware, virtualization seems a bit lame in my eyes. I've done it for a while and would to get my hands on the actual kit.

Thinking £400, 2621's, 2950's and some Nokia IP330/350 firewalls.

 

[Deleted User 298457]

Packet tracer is frighteningly easy is the problem I'm having. I want to view real world.

Might bite the bullet on

3x 2651XM's
2x 2950's

Then later on add to my arsenal some checkpoint or PIX firewalls.

I'm planning on doing my CCNA/CCNP and specialise in Security. Eventually I'd like to do network architecture.

 

[Deleted User 298457]

Went and bought:

3x 2651XM - 256mb upgrade, and 12.4 IOS, 1 has 2 WIC cards
2x 2950 switches

Cheers for the advice derfley, I will investigate the 5510 as I'd like more 'current' knowledge.

Nokia's I only considered because the place where I work seems to love selling them to clients.

And likewise, many thanks for the SPLAT advice. I have 3 MaxTerm 800Mhz terminals I need to utilise so I will investigate throwing a mexican copy of that on there too.