Connecting Routers

Hey,

I can get three or four 2610XM routers for free. I think thats a great start to learn with cisco routers. But I don't know how I connect these routers together? They have only one FastEthernet Port. If I want to build a topology with 3 or more Routers. It is necessary to buy a additional FE card?

Than I can't understand: Why almost all routers at ebay have only one FE port? Know, please clear up the mystery



Maybe someone have a great great guide about cabling cisco routers. Please share

cheers,

sharky

Hi sharky1337

Hey,

I can get three or four 2610XM routers for free. I think thats a great start to learn with cisco routers. But I don't know how I connect these routers together? They have only one FastEthernet Port. If I want to build a topology with 3 or more Routers. It is necessary to buy a additional FE card?

Yes, if you want to connect the routers in a line fashion, the middle router will have to contain at least 2 interfaces.

However, the interfaces does not necessarily need to be FastEthernet or Ethernet. You could get Serial interface modules like the WIC-1T or WIC-2T and install them on the routers. In fact, FastEthernet or Ethernet interfaces are usually used to connect the routers to switches, not routers to routers. But off course it's still possible.

Than I can't understand: Why almost all routers at ebay have only one FE port? Know, please clear up the mystery

Search for the 2611XM router, it has 2 FEs. Or search for routers with additional modules installed. Type the name of the module or part of it (like NM or WIC) within your search such as "cisco router 2610 WIC" or "cisco router 3620 NM"

Okay, know i got two WIC 1T Cards but I'm confused wich cable is the right one for my purpose.

I only want to connect 2 routers via the serial port.

I found this wich is affordable
www.amazon.co.uk/DCE-DB60-Router-Cable-0...725&sr=8-1-fkmr1

That is the correct cable. You will need that DCE/DTE cable to connect the two routers and mimic a WAN connection. One end will be set for the clocking (DCE).


Cheers,

ZiPPy

Yup, that cable should do it.