3640 vs 3660

[silverhairb]

After scratching my head over this for a couple of days, I'm going to throw this out for discussion....

Given that a 3640 is completely modular and requires at least one NM with a couple of ethernet ports to function, why not just go with a 3660 with two built-in FEs? Seems like the price is pretty close and when more modules are needed, a 3660 is like having a 3640 except for more open slots. And this doesn't even begin to account for the much higher performance (though likely never realized in a home or lab).

 

[CiscoGuy33]

Bill,

Sweet spot on the 3600's is the 3640's - you will see lots and lots of them out there so the price is good - just look at the number on Ebay. I can get an "extra" 3640 for parts and the IOS on it for $30 to $50 sometimes. Just checked - 122 3640's to 36 3660's on Ebay right now, average "Buy it Now" price on the 3660 starts at $200, which is not bad, did not check SHIPPING!!!!

3640's are BIG, 3660's are HUGE you are right - it is nice that you have the Fast Etherent ports built in - if you have the room for it. Most want to practice routing from router to router, not module to module, so if you have 3-4 routers in your rack, you need a lot of space if they are 3660's. I have a rack at school with 7 routers and 9 switches, I would need 2 racks if I had even a few 3660's.

But you are right - would not be bad to have at least 1 of these "bad boys" in the mix




E.A. Broda
CCNA, CCDA, CCAI, Network +

 

[maczen]

Yeah, don't be dissing my 3640's man! Just kidding! But seriously, if you can get a 3660 in the $150 range (I have seen it) after shipping then go for it or if you find it locally but otherwise Gene is right! The 3640 is the sweet spot! Besides if you are spending $230-$250 on a device look more at the 18xx series router (sometimes) or a 2960/3550 switch (also sometimes)!

B Haines
CCNA R&S, ETA FOI