router module

[riverfest]

Hello,
I am looking for help in determining what switching features (other than port quantity) I would be missing if I added a HWIC-4ESW to an 1841 router rather than picking up a 2960 switch for CCNA objective purposes.

I am considering this based upon info at: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps5855/products_data_sheet0900aecd8016bf0b.html

Thanks in advance

[riverfest]

bump.

does anyone have any experience with router modules?
(they also make a wireless modeule for the 1841 series)

I have been looking at a HWIC-4ESW module since they are @ $300 vs. an entry level 2960 switch which are going for @ $500.

This module supports:
802.1P QoS
802.1Q Trunking
802.1D Spanning Tree Protocol
Voice VLAN
802.1x Authentication
Multicast Management Support
SNMP management via browser
Cisco IOS Software Command-Line Interface (CLI)
CiscoWorks Support ( SNMP v1,v2,v3 & CDP v1 & v2)
VLAN Trunking Protocols
Cisco Secure Router and Device Manager (SDM)-Based Configuration and Device Management.

Is there anything I am missing? or should i just get a 2960?

Thanks

[pconlan]

riverfest,
I would like to offer another suggestion. The 2960 is an upgraded product from the 2950. Most of what is does though is for more advanced configurations such as QOS and voice. The problem with the router module is that you are still dependant on that hardware. The module may do much of what you want it to do, however it won't do everything.
A 2950 switch will cost you a lot less than either of them and it will serve you very well for quite some time. Only when you get to some higher level professional exams or the CCIE will it not do what you need, and in that case neither will the 2960. At that point you will need a 3560 that will do multi-layer switching and routing functions.
I hope this helps you out.