Typically, most people use one router as a Frame Relay switch, as in the first figure below. The biggest downside of just having 2 routers is the extra confusion caused when trying to experiment with Frame Relay. However, with more expensive routers, you may not be able to afford as many routers. However, if you intend to pursue CCNP, then you're better off with at least routers that let you re-use the WIC's down the road, or even go ahead and buy routers that support the latest IOS releases. If you don't plan on moving on to CCNP, then you can get by with the older and really inexpensive routers (see last post for the reference table), and build a 3 or 4 router lab for a few hundred bucks. I really think that the last item in my list should really be the first consideration. How likely you are to pursue CCNP soon after CCNA.How badly you want to experiment with Frame Relay.The main decision factors, in my opinion, are: Today I'll step back from the details on the models of routers and discuss a few options for a parts list for what you'll need to buy for the router part of your CCNA lab.įirst, you need to choose whether you will buy 2, 3, or 4 routers. Thanks for the continued insights into what makes sense, and what doesn't, for getting a lab built. Well it certainly seems that there are a lot of you out there that watch the used router market for lab hardware pretty closely.