Cisco 2611XM - router

Advantages: Very Cheap, with lots of features
Disadvantages: Will help with CCNA, but may stuggle with CCNP

...I bought one of these routers off ebay to help with my upcoming (Cisco) CCNA exam. These are by no means cutting edge routers, and are obsolete now as they only support 10Mbps via their AUI (lan) port and support a limited amount of protocols. The router itself has one AUI port, which when used with a transceiver can connect to either another router or a switch (at 10Mbps); 2 serial ports which can be configured with a routing protocol such as frame relay to connect to another switch or ISP data terminal equipment, a console port to configure the router itself, and an AUX port for modem connection. Though well past it's sell by date, the switch is perfect to get to grips with Ciscos IOS (internetwork Operating System) and set up simple routed networks in conjuction with other routers and switches. One thing to be aware of when buying... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Fast, Secure and Efficient Internet Connection
Disadvantages: High level of Technical Expertise needed to setup more advanced features

...The Cisco 800 Series Routers provide a solution for high speed, secure and above all reliable Internet connection. The 857 model is specifically designed for connecting small office / home office (Soho) networks to the Internet via ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) or "Broadband" technologies. For those of you who know little of Broadband (ADSL), it is a new technology that allows more data to be sent over existing copper telephone lines at higher download rates. Typically home users connect to the Internet via a Modem, often supplied by there internet service provider. However, this solution of internet connectivity is far from ideal in a mission critical environment. If you don't know what a router is, it is unlikely you need one. However, if you wish to connect to the internet in a fast and secure manner a router is the only... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Powerful, Easy to configure, Good support, Low cost
Disadvantages: Needs extra 'modem' for each broadband Connection, Occasional reboots required

...upgrade - Requires a Draytek Vigor 100/110 or other router set up in a non-NAT configuration VERDICT I do not like the fact that you need to purchase a non-NAT router in conjunction with the 2950 for the setup and I could have done without the occasional problems but overall, I feel the 2950 is a very good router/firewall. It’s quite cheap for an Enterprise level router, especially when compared to CISCO products in the same price range, which would probably not even have the VPN function as that would most likely require an extra box to be purchased just for the VPN functionality. Otherwise, a much more expensive CISCO router with the function would be required, which would probably cost £1,000+, making the £320 for the 2950 and the £100 for the two Vigor 100s (for use with two ADSL broadband lines) seem like peanuts. However, I see... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful