Best Cisco Switch for a home "Lab" ?

[BS911]

I'm going to be working on my CCNP soon. I've got a 2600 Router but I need a switch. Will a 1900 do everything I need for the NP? I wasn't sure if it would do VLAN's or not. Should I pay the extra and get a 2924XL or what would you suggest?

Thanks!

-BS911

 

[Boscoh]

1900's will do VLANs. However, the CCNP has some L3 switching in it..the 1900 or any of the 2xxx series wont give you L3 capabilities (you'll have to look at the 3xxx series).

If you're looking for a L2 switch that can do VLANs, the 1900 will work. The Cisco Academy where I'm taking some of my courses just made a HUGE investment in 2950-series switches. You might want to look at them too.

 

[nightowl]

The 2950's will be more expensive than the 2900xl's. The 2900xl's will do most, if not all, on what a 2950 can do. For L3 switching, maybe a 5505 or 5000 with an RSM will give you L3 capabilities, but that is going to cost you some $. A 35xx will get the job done too, but they are newer and I think more expensive on Ebay.