What models of CISCO routers should I use to teach a Networking/Routing class?

[toddbmobile]

I want to teach a hands on class on routing with CISCO routers. I want to use at least two routers. I'll have several desktops connected to each router eventually so, at some point I will need to switches as well. I am on a budget. I'd like to pay less than $100 for each router. I want rack mountable routers. I will be looking on eBay or marketplace. I will not be purchasing new routers, I will be looking at older used ones. Also what IOS release should I be looking for? What are some models that I should look for. I do not have to have a usb interface the console cable connection is just fine.

Thank you,

Todd

 

[bill001g]

Almost nobody uses real routers anymore. There are some pretty good emulators that let you do many things. You will find nothing of any value for $100. Almost all the new routers have the IOS levels locked in the bios. To get routers with the advanced feature it is no longer as simple as loading a IOS image. The devices with all the features unlocked tend to very expensive.

Pretty much the only people that use real routers are studying for CCIE and they tend to rent racks.

 

[toddbmobile]

Almost nobody uses real routers anymore. There are some pretty good emulators that let you do many things. You will find nothing of any value for $100. Almost all the new routers have the IOS levels locked in the bios. To get routers with the advanced feature it is no longer as simple as loading a IOS image. The devices with all the features unlocked tend to very expensive.

Pretty much the only people that use real routers are studying for CCIE and they tend to rent racks.

 

[toddbmobile]

Almost nobody uses real routers anymore. There are some pretty good emulators that let you do many things. You will find nothing of any value for $100. Almost all the new routers have the IOS levels locked in the bios. To get routers with the advanced feature it is no longer as simple as loading a IOS image. The devices with all the features unlocked tend to very expensive.

Pretty much the only people that use real routers are studying for CCIE and they tend to rent racks.

bill001g
What are the names of some of the emulators that are popular? Are there any free emulators? I want to buy older routers to give them the experience of actually hooking up the hardware and connecting physically to the router to configure it.

 

[bill001g]

GNS3 and packet tracer are to common ones. There are some other sold by testing companies that some people like better.

Unfortunately like most IT jobs everything is being outsourced. The telco sell networks as fully manged including the premise routers. You might get access to them but pretty much they sell it all as a package. Companies like verizon sub contract a hand and eyes type of guy whose only job is to rack a preconfigured router and hook up wires. The remote tech then does the rest. It is very funny to watch sometime because it seems neither person has ever done both jobs.

It is almost to the point I am unsure if I would recommend working in networking. You end up having to work for one of the big ISP since few companies keep any type of IT lately.