Network Emulator program?

[SaintTigurius]

Hey guys and ladies

I am looking for a program where i can learn more about switches and routers. i am in a Telecomm course at sheridan college, but i would like to try and learn alot of the stuff on my own. i dont really wnat to buy the equipment, (Student budget). looking for an emulator program which i can configure swichtes and routers. like setup VLANs, stacking, all the fun stuff.


Anyone?
would be greatly appriciated.

 

[SaintTigurius]

ah found one Network Visualizer from www.routersims.com

anyone used it before?

 

[Keitero]

I think the closest thing is a linux box. I have one configured as my firewall and router for my network. If you have a spare computer (it doesn't need to be anything special), and tons of time (with tons of bottles of Bawls), then it should work for you.