Which router should I buy from Ebay?

[x53gunner]

Yes, I know, seems like a general question. Well, I'm an IT help desk guy, I'm setting up a home network but I’m using it as a chance to learn. I've decided that the old 3COM Netbuilder router has got to go and I'm looking at either a Cisco 2500 series or 2600 series. I'm leaning toward the latter. In particular, the 2610/2611 models. I'm just seeking some general advice pro or con for any of those models. Anything I should watch out for or ask before I plop down $150-200 for a good used model? I'm going to hook it up to my cable modem and then to my 24 port 3COM switch (it's next on the replacement schedule) via RJ-45 connections. I'm also working with 4 computers (all Win SP), 1 network printer, 1 color printer on an HP jetdirect adapter and one Sun Sparc 25 box with a RAID array. Eventually I want to set the router up to perform hardware firewall duties and the 3COM switch caches the cable modem's IP address so only one of the computers can connect. I realize I can ICS on Win XP but I want to utilize the router to solve that problem. Do I know how? NO. Are these good ideas? Maybe, but I will learn a lot by doing it and it'll be an experience. I welcome your advice and comments as I trust and appreciate your professional experience.

Thanks
TJ

 

[hidden75]

You probably need a router that has two Fast Eth ports. 2620's only have one fast e built in.. So you would need another.. WAN and LAN side.. So you have to buy another Fast E..

I would also buy a 2924 and dump the 3com.. Yes the 3com will work but if you want to learn might as well get a 2924 that you can learn on too.

 

[NettableWalker]

I would get a 837 (k9) to do your broadband, firewall, vpn, etc. It also has a 4 port fastethernet switch built in. (although that is largely irrelevent).

Then for learning routing: go for a 1601 rather than the 2501's that everyone seems to go for. They are newer, faster, have a serial, and ethernet RJ45 built in and support WIC cards to expand them. They are also quieter than the 2500's.

I have 2 1601's and 2 2501's and always tend to use the 1601's in preference. and they cost only $50 each because nobody bids on them because everyone learning CCNA thinks "2500 or nothing"....

 

[robertjo24]

I would either go with the 2611 or the 2621.
You will be able to get 2611 routers very cheap very soon as they are going End-of-Life.