With $1,000 dollars, I would first buy a 4 port frame switch router, perhaps a 2520. I say 2520, not 2521 (Token ring), because the ethernet port on the 2520 allows it to serve as an additional router-- perhaps a "backbone" router that you would connect to using ethernet. $200-$300, if you are lucky.
A 4500 with a NP-4T might be even better (but loud!!) This will take perhaps 300 dollars or so. You could add another 4 serial ints and/or a bunch of ethernet ints, and this could definitely serve as a full-fledged lab router as well as a frame switch. If you can find a cheap ISDN simulator (vConsole or Euro ISDN PBX gizmo that only does Basic-Net3 and no spids) for $400-500, you probably ought to buy it, since you already have two ISDN capable routers. Then a 1900 or 2820 switch for $100 to $200 so you have a VLAN-capable switch. If you have enough money left over, you could pick up one more 2501. (Always buy a 2503 or 2514 if you can get it for a little more than a 2501, of course.) It's not a first-rate lab, but it is enough of you to learn a lot of the most difficult lessons. You could go for more routers and no ISDN sim, but ISDN can be such a tricky technology it is worth spending a lot of time on. This is a close call, though. Tom Larus, CCIE #10,014 ""David Power"" wrote in message news:[EMAIL PROTECTED] > Hello, > I have three 2500 routers (2x2503 and 1x2514) with the budget of 1000$ I am > planning to buy some more routers for my CCIE home lab. Which routers or > switches I must have ( with in my $ limits or couple hundred more). > Every suggestion will be appreciated > David > > _________________________________________________________________ > Protect your PC - get McAfee.com VirusScan Online > http://clinic.mcafee.com/clinic/ibuy/campaign.asp?cid=3963 > **Please support GroupStudy by purchasing from the GroupStudy Store: > http://shop.groupstudy.com > FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html Message Posted at: http://www.groupstudy.com/form/read.php?f=7&i=73623&t=73612 -------------------------------------------------- **Please support GroupStudy by purchasing from the GroupStudy Store: http://shop.groupstudy.com FAQ, list archives, and subscription info: http://www.groupstudy.com/list/cisco.html