Switching/Routing Simulator

[techcontroller]

I have been searching the site for a little bit here trying to find a good switching/routing simulator. I don't have an issue paying for a good one, as long as I can try and get two seperate networks to talk via simulation. I don't have the money (as most likely don't) to purchase routers and switches to make a test lab.

http://tek-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=1021157

That is the only post I can find on these forums in regards to my want. Any help here??

-Tech

 

[Minue]

Hello
The Boson Sim is the best on the market around 150 USD.But if I was you,I would prefer to invest 300USD for a real LAB.On Ebay you can find a 1721,a 2503 and a catalyst 2924-XL-EN for the above price.
Regards

 

[techcontroller]

Thank you for the recommendation. I will look into the sim as well as some of the equipment that you suggested.

 

[voltron1011]

Go for the real lab equipment... Even if the equipment is a bit older, there's still some things that are best learned 'hands on.' For example, just powering up a router for the first time and setting up the console port is something that needs to be done in real time. Plus, you need to be able to play around with different types of cables and get a good idea of what kind of cable is needed in between certain types of equipment.

 

[wybnormal]

A few years ago I wrote a piece for ZDnet on this very subject. Bosun was the best by far and the price was not bad given what it can do. Get the CCNP version as it does alot more than the CCNA version.

I would repectfully disagree with Voltron on his comment regarding real vs. sim'ed equipment. To learn how to configure and work with the equipment, the newest sims can not be beat for cost, noise, power consumed, portablity etc. If you really need to get some hands on to learn where the power cord goes or how to really use the console port with a laptop (recommended by the way), rent something for a week or two and then send it home. I have several older routers that are not worth the effort to sell on ebay because they are just worth anything nowdays given how good the sims are. Even Cisco knows it with their OEMing of Bosun's CCNA sim.

Just my opinion

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