Best type/brand of router for learning Networking hands-on experience

BatmanBeer on 30/12/2020 - 19:18

Hi Ozbargain, I'm looking to learn more about networking by gaining hands-on practical experience by trying to break a few things here and there on a router. The only thing is, I currently have a Google Nest Wifi, which seems to be quite restricted with no advanced options, and also only accessible via the native Home app - so can't really play with the settings on the desktop.

I was hoping if anyone can lead me in the right direction for a relatively cheap router that should have most settings to play with, and/or hopefully settings that are more relevant in a corporate environment. My best bet is probably to buy a second hand modem router from Gumtree as it's just something to experiment with and won't ruin my current internet set up at home.

Cheers!

Computing

Comments

    • BatmanBeer on 30/12/2020 - 19:56

      Thanks for the link! I'm aware of the course. Doesn't help me at the moment though. I'm after a router, not the course, or are you implying I should opt for a Cisco router?

  • ChatPGT on 30/12/2020 - 20:09

    Have you considered a simulator like GNS3

    • BatmanBeer on 30/12/2020 - 20:11

      No I haven't! I will look into it now, but any insights you provide will be helpful!

      Edit: It does sound really interesting and in line with what I was after!

  • Silver-Arrowz on 30/12/2020 - 20:13

    Get an old PC and install another network card so you have a two network ports.
    Download and install PFSense. Min spec is something like a single proc PC with 512MB Ram and 1 GB HDD space.
    Then get something like a ubiquity AP for wireless and a switch for more network ports. If you're wanting to learn VLANing then a managed switch.
    If you're new to networking, many curse words and head banging will be necessary, but you'll learn lots.
    PFSense can do a lot more than a home router and lots of diagnostic tools to get into the nitty gritty details.

    • BatmanBeer on 30/12/2020 - 20:19

      Thanks, this is really helpful info! I'm certain I will run into a lot of issues at the start, but that is one of the best ways I learn.

      May I ask why Ubiquity? I did a brief Google search - is it because of the entertripe wifi management it offers?

      • Silver-Arrowz on 31/12/2020 - 07:46

        Correct. It has most wireless functions that enterprise level wireless would have and it costs next to nothing. I run just the Unifi AP AC Lite which is around the $140 mark.
        The management software can be installed on your PC or via the Cloud Key.

  • hoey888 on 30/12/2020 - 21:41
    +1

    If you are lucky you might be able to grab a second hand router and flash it to OpenWRT or DD-WRT.

    Just be careful in the flashing process. If it goes wrong, you'll have a dead device.

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