A handy small business switch
Written: May 08 '04
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Pros: Easy to configure and simple to use
Cons: It is simply Faultless
The Bottom Line: Simply unmatched in the market for price and ease of use
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| andycharger's Full Review: NetGear FS116 (FS116NA) 16x10/100 Mbps Networking ... |
We currently run an 80 user network in our office. While the main traffic of our network is handled by 6, 24 port rack mounted switches, my little IT office has 7 PCs in it with not enough ports on the wall to connect them up.
this poses a problem. To connect to our network, you need a network connection on the Wall. There are 4 connections in our office and 7 machines. Obviously 7 into 4 does not go so a solution was needed.
The answer?
A small desktop based switch that would allow us to connect up to 16 computers to one Network connection on the wall.
The Product?
Well we use Netgear equipment in our office because you know with Netgear, you are buying quality at an affordable price.
So we opted for the FS116 Desktop Switch.
The size of it?
Well its about an inch high and about a foot long. It is about 6 inches from fron to back.
This means it is small enough to be hidden away.
The Capacity of it?
Well it takes up to 15 computers connected to it plus the link to the network. This means you can provide data at up to 100mbps to your computers. Connections are via RJ45 type standard network connections (the ones that look like big modem sockets!!!)
Performance?
Fantastic. We have not had any problem with slow data transfer, packet collisions or overload. It just gets on with its job.
Installation?
Could not be simpler. There is no software to install. No configuring to do via interfaces or windows. Simply plug it into the mains, plug in your network connections and off you go. Instant network.
What applications can you recommend?
Easy. A small business that needs a small capacity switch to serve their network could opt for this. It is ideal if you dont have racks to mount larger switches or the space to store them. It is also handy in our aspect as we can quickly provide multiple PCS in a room to be networked from one wall socket.
It is also good to have as an emergency system should your larger switches fail. It is fully portable and robust so can handle being moved around.
The price?
Well, its not much cheaper than a 24 port Rack mounted switch. About $110 for this model but they also provide an 8 port switch as well slightly cheaper.
Overall?
A great investment for us and something i can recommend to anyone considering a small network.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 110
Driver Availability: Windows and Linux
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andycharger
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Location: Chelmsford, Essex, UK
Reviews written: 112
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