This guide outlines a low-cost, practical home lab setup for early-career network engineers. It’s designed around used and off-the-shelf hardware, most of which can be sourced from eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local IT recyclers.
- Understand Layer 2/3 networking
- Practice VLANs, DHCP, DNS, and NAT
- Experiment with firewalls and VPNs
- Use virtualization for simulated labs
- Keep costs and power usage low
| Component | Model/Option | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Router | TP-Link ER605 | $55–$70 | VLAN & VPN capable, Omada ecosystem |
| Switch | Cisco Catalyst 2960G / HP 1810G | $30–$60 | Managed, supports VLANs and trunking |
| Lab Server | Dell OptiPlex 7010/9010 or Lenovo M92p | $60–$100 | Run VMs, pfSense, GNS3, etc. |
| Wi-Fi AP | Ubiquiti UniFi AC Lite / TP-Link EAP225 | $30–$50 | VLAN-capable wireless |
| Cables | 10–20x CAT5e/6 patch cables | ~$15 | Bulk packs are cheaper |
| (Optional) Rack & Patch Panel | 4U–12U open frame, wall mountable | $20–$40 | Optional but helpful |
Total Budget: ~$200–$250