Linksys EtherFast Instant GigaDrive

Advantages: Ease of use, reliability, WORKS WITH LINUX!
Disadvantages: Looks may put some off.

...Just a quick review here to confirm the other 2 reviews that this is a quality piece of kit. Although there is a lot of pressure for anyone from home users to businesses to 'go wireless', I'd say there really isn't any need. I mean, how often do you move around the house whilst surfing the internet? The likely answer is, not very often. Add to this the higher cost and reduced reliability of wireless routers and there is no wonder many people are sticking to wired routers. On with the product- This product comes from linksys, a company with a very good reputation (from what I had heard anyway). Open the box and you are presented with a router that feels very light yet well built. The colour scheme may put some off, but I have it placed under the desk, out of sight. Installation was as simple as can be- plug it in and we were... Read review

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Advantages: Good Speed, Easy Configuration, Quick Setup, Good Documentation, Integrated 4-Port Switch
Disadvantages: Many configurable options, some networking knowledge required

...of the box the equipment worked with minimal setup. The Web Interface to configure the settings is very clear and easy to understand. The documentation clearly explains what the functions are for, however I felt that it assumed a certain amount of knowledge of networking. The Linksys WebSite appears to give good information regarding the products and provides updates for Firmware which can be downloaded directly from their site. With the firmware there is also detailed release notes, however unless these fix a particular issue, I would recommend once the environment is working the way you want it, 'don't fix what isn't broken'. All in all I was very impressed with this product and would highly recommend it.... Read review

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Advantages: Fast, tiny, attractive, cool, compatible, compliant
Disadvantages: Not enough ports (but then it is a 5 port), a little more expensive than similar units by others

...I’ve been scratching my head for hours, wondering what anyone can say about a piece of equipment that simply works, and I have to admit I’m still scratching. Hey – watchit! I can’t think of anything I have ever owned that is more reliable. It does exactly what it is supposed to, which is to act as a conduit through which a collection of computer network enabled devices will work. The Linksys Etherfast 5 Port Switch has 5 x 10 or 100mbps autosensing RJ45 ports for use in a Category 3 or 5 cabled environment, utilising 10BaseT, or 100BaseTX switched half and/or full duplex, technology in a star network topology. The bus topology, which utilises BNC connectors, is not directly supported. (Note: Cat3 cabling = 10BaseT only.) So if used correctly it is as fast as the technology allows. I cannot think of a single reason why... Read review

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