I don't have any book suggestions, but I have some old Cisco gear laying around if you want to build up a lab. If you are interested in it drop me a private message. I've got a couple of Cisco 2500 routers, a Cisco 2611XM with VPN module, and a Catalyst switch of some sort. I think it is a 3500. I've done a lot of Cisco work. I have found the Cisco manuals to be very good. I learned it all by reading the manuals. If you get a chance to get some hands on experience with Cisco Nexus gear, do it. They are freaking sweet. Converged networking rocks. What is your current network and Cisco experience?
