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You don’t need actual hardware. Use software simulators.

I got ccna 15 years ago, so can’t recommend particular models, but the core cert should still be about understanding L2 (switching) and L3 (routing) protocols. Pretty much any managed cisco devices should support more features than you need to know.

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Good point. I do feel however at this age there isn’t a substitute for touching the hardware. Lugging it around. Setting it up. Tearing it down. Etc etc.

My CCNA was at least 15 years ago. I can’t remember exactly. I remember I did that and CEH at the same time.

Hardware is the way to go unless you're wanting to do complex routing labs, then I prefer virtualization, in general.

Per my other comment, the subreddits I listed are by far way more informative than what you'll get from the HN audience. That's not meant to be a slam, it's just that the subreddits are a more targeted audience.

Can you recommend a simulator or two? And a curriculum?

https://gns3.com/

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