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Cisco Lab Tutorial:

Buying Used Cisco Routers And Switches On eBay

Chris Bryant, CCIE #12933

A Cisco lab of your own is the best way to prepare for CCNA certification. Whether you're in the planning stages of your Cisco lab or ready to purchase some routers or switches, eBay is a great place to get started. (By the way, those of you preparing for CCNP certification can use these same tips!)

Naturally, you have to exercise caution when purchasing anything on eBay. I've had only successful experiences buying used Cisco routers and switches there, and this CCNA certification exam tutorial will focus on tips to make building your Cisco lab a pleasurable experience.

Many used Cisco router vendor sell home lab kits, which include various routers and switches, cables, and perhaps some other connection devices and study guides. This seems like a good idea, and many of the Cisco lab kits on eBay are good deals.

There are a few things to look out for when buying such a kit. Watch for equipment that is no longer tested on the CCNA exam or the particular CCNP exam you have in mind. There's nothing wrong with 2500 routers for CCNA certification practice, but if you're buying switches, make sure they have an IOS.

Many older Cisco switches use "set" commands for configuration, and while these switches are certainly functional, your CCNA training demands switches that you can practice IOS-based commands on.

Some eBay Cisco lab kits come with CCNA certification materials such as study guides or practice exams. On occasion, I'll see these kits include outdated study materials. If you don't want the study guides, just ask the vendor how much the kit is without the books. The same goes for the cables, but generally you'll need the cables and transceivers included with the lab kit.

Most importantly, do some research on the vendor. What's their eBay feedback rating? Have they had a lot of returned merchandise? Visit their website - I don't know of any used Cisco router resellers that don't have their own website - and take a look around. The vendor should offer some kind of limited warranty, so make sure you find it and read it carefully before purchasing.

I know from experience that building your own Cisco lab can be a little scary when you're getting started. I also know from experience, and the experience of thousands of my students worldwide, that there is no better practice for the CCNA certification exams than working with the real deal.

I guarantee you that this small financial investment will be a great investment in your networking career. Now get out there and get started.. and get your CCNA with this exclusive offer and with my over 400 free CCNA tutorials!

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