Overview of Lab Options
To effectively build your hands-on CLI skills, you either need real routers and switches, or at least something that acts like routers and switches. People who are new to Cisco technology often choose from a few options to get those skills.
First, you can use real Cisco routers and switches. You can buy them, new or used, or borrow them at work. You can rent them for a fee. You can even rent virtual Cisco router and switch lab pods from Cisco, in an offering called Cisco Learning Labs.
Simulators provide another option. Router and switch simulators are software products that mimic the behavior of the Cisco CLI, generally for the purpose of allowing people to learn. These products have an added advantage when learning: ...
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