On Thu, Aug 09, 2007 at 06:07:08PM +1000, Chris wrote: > I'm trying to buy (from ebay) a cisco switch, router and pix firewall > for learning purposes. All these will be connected to a Linksys ADSL > modem which also has wireless capability. The OSs will be OpenBSD4.1, > Windows XP and Linux distros. I will probably also try IPv6 (not sure > if that has got anything to do with this). I had a look at cisco > catalyst 1900 series switch and it looked ok. > > Could anyone recommend anything that would be great for leaning > purposes
My suggestion - don't buy one. Instead, run a Cisco IOS image inside a Dynamips virtual machine: http://www.ipflow.utc.fr/index.php/Cisco_7200_Simulator This can emulate a 7204 quite happily. But even better, it can emulate a whole *network* of 7204's. So you can set up a whole bunch of these virtual routers talking ospf, bgp, l2tp, or whatever you like. Of course, you still need to get your hands on an IOS image somehow. > and also be able to handle daily Internet traffic? Thanks. Well, if you want a (relatively) cheap ADSL router for home use you could look at the 877W. If you get the ADVIPSERVICES licence then you get VRF-lite functionality too. But if this is your main Internet access gateway then you probably don't want to be meddling with it too much as a learning tool at the same time. For a small desktop switch with VLAN capability, consider the 2940-8TT (8 ports 10/100 plus 1 port gigabit). The big advantage of this is that it is silent and fanless, which you'll appreciate if you've ever had a Catalyst on your desk. Regards, Brian.
