I am currently attending a Cisco Networking Acacdemy training to become a CCNA/Network Engineer but didn't want to spend too much money on a home lab. So, I decided to buy two Cisco 2501 routers since they are very affordable and they have all the interfaces needed for home lab exercises. The Cisco 2501 routers are outdated but, they can be easily and affordably upgraded with DRAM and FLASH memory to get them up to at least IOS version 12.0 (recommended version for training). I upgraded mine with the max 16 MB DRAM and 16 MB FLASH memory (around $60 for both routers) so I can install IOS version 12.3 on them. The Cisco 2501 comes equipped with the following interfaces, 1 AUI port, 2 Serial ports, 1 AUX port and 1 Console port. For ethernet connections, an RJ45 AUI Transceiver (about $7.50 each) is required for each AUI port to directly connect to a switch (straight through cable) or a PC using a crossover cable. Overall, I am very happy with the Cisco 2501 routers. I've been doing lab exercises at home and getting the desired results so far. I highly recommend the Cisco 2501 routers for the budget conscious student since you don't have to spend extra money for WIC cards compared to the Cisco 2600 and 1720 routers. You can use that money for upgrading the Cisco 2501 memory instead and still have money leftover to buy the RJ45 AUI Transceivers.Read full review
It's a very old item but I'm sure it was the bomb back in the day. I just use it for a lab. It today's time there is no use for it other than a home lab. It's only 10 Mbps Most switches are 10/100
I am enjoying this product helping me out with CCNA . I have this setup in the lab and it is running great. I felt though should have max out the memory for this. Excellent product. This was beyond what I was expecting.
Unit works great and is up and running perfect!!! (However, The OS was corrupt, unit was very dirty. I resolved both issues :)
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