What's the best Cisco router to practice my CCNA and CCNP exams on?

What's the best Cisco router to practice my CCNA and CCNP exams on?

I'm very new to the Cisco field and planned to purchase one of these Cisco routers: 1841, 2603 and 2503. Of these, which are the best for learning purposes, since I plan to use them to practice for my CCNA and CCNP exams? Which is the best router for learning?

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I would say hands down that the Cisco 1841 is your best bet for preparing for both exams. The 1841 supports current IOS images and commands and the Security Device Manager graphical interface. With its modular capabilities, you can order WIC cards to network to another router (if your budget allows).

For more information:
 View these suggested Cisco routers for practicing, on the IT Knowledge Exchange.

 

This was first published in February 2009