I am wanting to find the cheapest route to getting a cisco router up at home. Currently I have a DSL modem and would like to put a router behind that. My question is which router could I go with? I was thinking about the 827 which has the DSL modem but since I already have a DSL modem could I go with a 1601 or 1700 model? If so, I then would be able to work on the IOS correct?

If you wanna a router for SOHO or a scuh small network, you just need a broadband router, not neccessarily have to be the Cisco seriese. You could find a lot cheaper one unless you wanna learn IOS features. Cisco router is not easy to play with unless you have some experience. Look up for broadband routers. they are cheap and very eazy to configure for learners. Good luck.

Dude, I already have a broadband router. I want a Cisco router to practice the IOS on and some Firewall concepts. ANy help would be nice.

If you just want to practice IOS concepts then it would be better to buy a router simulator software but if u want to use the cisco router as an actual firewall to your network maybe places like ebay would be the cheapest beause more advance cisco routers don't come cheap

I re-sale Cisco (Cisco Silver Partner) and can get you a new router 33% off list. The cheapest route for you though would be to get a refurbished. I can get some pricing for you Monday. Some points of discussion though: 1) Since you already have a DSL modem, you don't really need a router with DSL, unless you just want it to have DSL. You wont be using the DSL port though with the DSL modem you would have to use a LAN port, so you really want a router with 2 or more LAN ports. The 827H is still a likely candidate, just for different reason (more LAN ports). 2) Cisco has a line of SOHO routers - the 70 series. The 77H is designed for ADSL and has 4 LAN ports. Over $100 cheaper than the 800. 3) Just to give you a feel what list price is with Cisco IOS IP/FW software and 2 or more LAN ports. Cisco SOHO 77 - $564 Cisco 800 - $749 Cisco 1600 - $2195 Cisco 1700 - $2495 Again I can get you 33% off, and can check on refurbs. Let me know D

Those prices are a bit high.... I would buy 2 Cisco 2501 , those can be had for about 500 or less. make sure you get 16 meg of flash so you can use the newer IOS. I would then buy a DTE/DCE serial cable and connect them both together.

Thanks for the help. D, Thanks for the help. If you could check on those refurbs for me that would be great. I wasn't aware of the SOHO 77 model. Would I still be able to use the full IOS on this? Here is my setup: I already have a Dlink 704p but would like to get a Cisco router so I can set it up and at the same time practice the IOS. My setup consists of a DSL connection run into the DLink 704 and a 4 port hub all connecting 5 workstations. I just would like to replace the Dlink with a Cisco router and then get a switch.