Perhaps the least expensive way to go while buying equipment that will carry over for more advanced studies would be the following:
3x 3640 routers
3x 2950 switches (EI models if possible)
1x NM-4A/S network module
1x NM-1E2W
1x NM-1FE2W or NM-1FE1R2W
2x WIC-1T
2x serial back to back cables
3x Cat5e crossover cable
1x Cat5e straight through cable
I actually sent a couple of emails to a friend the other day that I will share here regarding getting started with Cisco:
FORUMS:
Cisco Learning Network (I am B Haines)
https://learningnetwork.cisco.com/index.jspa?ciscoHome=true
Tek-Tips
GNS3 - IOS Emulator
GNS3 Install Linux (Scroll down)
http://subnettingmadeeasy.blogspot.com/2008/12/gns3-configuration-guide-linux-fedora-9.html
GNS3 Install Windows (Scroll down)
http://subnettingmadeeasy.blogspot.com/2007/12/gns-configuration-guide.html
GNS3 Tutorials
IOSHunter 3.2 (You will need IOSs to run GNS3... Remember the 3640 router runs good on GNS3)
http://www.vitaltech-group.com/IOSHunter.htm
CISCO BLOGS I LIKE
Bryan Ciaora
Scott Morris, Bryan McGahan etc.
http://www.internetworkexpert.com/
TOOLS/UTILITIES:
PacketTrap PT360 Tool Suite (This costed $700 about a month ago but it's FREE now.. says download trial on the site still but if you download it then install and go to the about section and select get key or something like that you will get a license that lasts until 2029 for FREE!
http://www.packettrap.com/download/
PuTTy Telnet/SSH Client
http://www.chiark.greenend.org.uk/~sgtatham/putty/
SolarWinds (Many tools are free including the TFTP server and the subnet calculator.. check it out)
http://www.solarwinds.com/downloads/index.aspx
Pumpkin TFTP Server
http://kin.klever.net/pumpkin/
And another TFTP for Windows
NMAP
Wiresark (Used to be Ethereal)
TrueCrypt (Encryption)
BackTrack Linux (This is a pentesting distro with tons of good networking tools once you get your feet wet!)
http://www.remote-exploit.org/backtrack.html
Hardware-wise...
Take a peek at these routers....
3640
any 2600XM series.. (ie. 2610XM, 2611XM,2620XM, 2621XM, 2650XM or 2651XM)
Switches look at these...
2950 (You want three so try to get at least one or two that are EI models as opposed to SI)
EI = Enhanced SI = Standard
Also of note are a couple of switches that you will need for CCNP so if you run across a good deal buy these up...
3550 and 3560 (but you don't need these now!)
Once you buy routers I will tell you what network modules and/or WIC cards you need!
Ideally you are looking for something like this!
1x 2621XM router or any XM listed above (Can substitute another 3640 for this to save money)
2x 3640 routers (with 128MB RAM and 32MB Flash)
3x 2950 switches
1x NM-4A/S network module
1x NM-1E2W network module
1x NM-1FE2W or NM-1FE1R2W network module
2x WIC-1T
2x serial back-to-back cables (3ft)
1x regular Cat5e patch cable (straight through)
3x Cat5e Cross-Over cables
1x 2509 or 2511 or 2509RJ or 2511RJ Access Server (and an octal cable) This is not necessary but will keep you from having to plug/unplug into every router and switch every time you want to change something.. actually it is necessary.. LoL I have a regular 2511!
Have Fun!
You may also want to look at an 851W or 871W for your regular internet.. it's a SOHO Cisco router but also an ISR (Integrated Services Router)! New 881 and 891 are coming soon! Finally, you will eventually probably want a better ISR for CCNP stuff or Voice if you go that direction so keep your eye open for a cheap 2801 (or anything 28XX).. Like the 3550/3560 switches these are expensive!
Other models of note!
1760 router for Voice but can substitute for one of the 3640's.. same goes for 1801 (or any 18XX model) etc.
http://www.networkworld.com/
