The Little Blue Box
Written: Dec 29 '02 (Updated Dec 29 '02)
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Pros: ZERO problems, looks good, durable
Cons: Absolutely none
The Bottom Line: This unit is very attractive, functional, and durable. I would highly recommend using this in conjunction with Netgear's broadband internet router.
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| brent0226's Full Review: NetGear FS105 (FS105NA) 5x10/100 Mbps Networking S... |
If you are looking for a five port switch, stop now, you've found the right one.
I bought this switch about three years ago to begin networking in my house. I had three computers at the time. I simply plugged each computer into the switch, and they all worked perfectly.
Since then, we now have four computers and a broadband router hooked up (also Netgear) to it. We have never had a problem, and the unit has worked perfectly.
~~~Unit~~~
The unit itself is quite small and light. The casing is a very attractive blue metal. The five ports are located on the front of the unit, and the power cord connects to the back. There are also mounting holes to attach the unit to a wall.
~~~Installation~~~
Once you open the box, you will find the unit, a DC adapter, a small package with screws and mounting pins, a warranty card, an instruction manual, and a support information card.
When I received this unit, I had never set up a network before. Therefore, I was a beginner and didn't really know what I was doing. The instructions have an easy-to-follow chart that takes you step-by-step through the installation (which was not too difficult for me, a beginner, because there really isn't too much to do).
There is a very nice troubleshooting chart in the instruction manual that helps you track down problems in your new network. Because my set-up worked the first time, I didn't use the troubleshooting guide.
I did not use the mounting screws and pins in my installation. However, it seems really simple if you do choose to mount it.
The unit does need 2 inches on all sides for "breathing room." Take this into consideration when you choose a place to keep it.
~~~Operation~~~
The unit could not be any simpler to use. Simply plug an ethernet cable from a device into the switch, and it works everything from there. The four left ports are standard ports that must have a straight (patch) cable to function properly.
The fifth port (uplink), on the right, is a special port. Beside it is a toggle switch, which allows you to use either a crossover or patch cable. I needed to connect a computer across the house, and since the only 50ft. cable I had was a crossover cable, I found this fifth port very useful.
~~~Durability~~~
The unit has been in one place for three years, and has worked flawlessy. The body is very rigid and attractive. I wouldn't expect any durability issues at all.
I have taken this unit to other locations to set up temporary networks there. The unit has worked in every single location I have taken it, and has worked with every other switch I have plugged it into.
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I also bought a Netgear broadband internet router, which is also enclosed in a blue metal box. The two work perfectly together, and the blue boxes match and look very nice.
I would definitely buy this product again. The lights on the front make it look really classy, as all my friends are amazed at the two blue boxes that sit on top of one another :)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 60.00
Driver Availability: Other
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Epinions.com ID:
brent0226
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Reviews written: 9
Trusted by: 0 members
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