Re: Home Environment Cisco

[salgak () speakeasy net]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Nathan [mailto:nathan.grandbois () cerdant com]
> Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2003 07:22 PM
> To: firewall-wizards () honor icsalabs com
> Subject: [fw-wiz] Home Environment Cisco
>
> List members,
>
> I seek your advice regarding which Cisco router to choose, if any. I know
> this is a firewall list, but many of you have experience with Cisco
> products. So here goes...I was talking with my dad and he wants me to set up
> a network for him at home. I have networking experience, just not with any
> cisco products. I recommended he get just a 50 dollar router from Bestbuy or
> something but his company is going to give him a lot of money to subsidise
> his working from home and he wants something expensive, I think just to
> spend their money but who cares. I see this as an opportunity to learn cisco
> and help my dad. He has a Solaris ultra 60, and two win98 workstations at
> home he wants to be able to communicate, as well as have access to the
> internet (NAT). I can worry about the details of the internal network, so my
> question is, which cisco router should I get for this purpose. I really know
> nothing about Cisco, and don't feel like searching through all the different
> models and prices if someone know the "base" cisco router. Any suggestions
> would be nice, I can do the homework from there, I just need some model
> numbers to look at.

Pick up a used 1600 or 2500 series router on EBay or whichever other online auction service you prefer.  Coupla hundred 
bucks, max.  THEN get a support contract from Cisco, so you can get the latest IOS, access to updates, etc.

Caveat: learning one Cisco router is not enough.  You also need to learn switches, etc.  I'd spend cash on Cisco 
simulation software as a better way to learn Cisco. . .

Reminder: a 50-dollar router from BestBuy also includes a Firewall.  A Cisco 1600 or 2500-series will not.  And NAT is 
NOT a firewall.


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