Lab recommendations for CCNA/CCNP

[PHead2]

I'm interested in putting together a home lab to prepare for the CCNA and eventually CCNP certs. What combinations of routers and switches do you guys recommend?

I've got some ideas, but I'd like to hear what others think before I put down some $$$.

Thanks.

 

[dogbert2]

As I have a lab built for such purposes, I will help
you out:

I would have at a minimum (get your gear on ebay)
for CCNA

1 x 2501 (16F/16R)
2 x 1601 (16F/16R) <make sure they come with power supply>
1 x 1924 or 2924 (switch)

Also, get the Cisco Press CCNA book by Wendell Odom
for study, and get the current tests from boson.com
for the CCNA (about $40 apiece).

You could do this with router sim, but actual hardware
is MUCH better.

I have in my lab rack the following

2 x 2501 (routers) (will set you back about $500)
4 x 1601 (routers) (will set you back about $800-1000)
1 x 1924 (10Mbit switch) will set you back about $200)
1 x 4000 (Router for Frame Relay) ($500-800)
USR v.everything modem (remote access)
Linux box with DigiBoard and 16/DigiPorts (for
cabling console ports of cisco gear to provide
single access point and lab access over the
internet).

The CCNP Prep Library Series from Cisco Press ($150)
and the Boson Exams for CCNP

If you have a cisco network academy in your area, sign
up for classes, and get access to that gear for next
to nothing!