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In the fast-evolving field of IT networking, hands-on experience is crucial. Building a CCNA home lab allows you to gain practical skills by experimenting with actual hardware and network configurations, enhancing your understanding and confidence. This guide provides detailed recommendations and step-by-step instructions to help you set up the best CCNA home lab, preparing you for both the CCNA exam and real-world networking challenges. Here are some recomindations I have come up with for building your own home lab for under $100. Also if you want to watch a video about it here are 2 that I have created.

The Essentials

These are some of the basics you need to get started... you really only need one or two of these to get your foot in the door.

Also, you do not need to spend a lot to get started. You can build a complete home lab for under $100 using the links below.

Routers

Switches

Needed Cables

You will need these to configure your gear!

Nice To Haves

While this stuff is not required it makes life easy.