The NETGEAR DS100 series of 10/100 Mbps Dual Speed Hubs connects multiple PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. One can mix and match 10 and 100... more
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The NETGEAR DS100 series of 10/100 Mbps Dual Speed Hubs connects multiple PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. One can mix and match 10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals with these hubs, all without any configuration required. The DS100 family combines a lot of capabilities in very compact form-factors and is designed for small business users who are very price conscious. One can connect 10 or 100 Mbps network devices to the hub. Each port individually senses and adjusts to run at the proper speed. Each unit has a built-in smart bridge, which provides the communications link between the 10 and 100 Mbps network devices. The DS100 series comes up and running with no software to configure. Each network port negotiates with the connected PC/network card to match the speed, making network speed upgrade effortless. Compact design fits anywhere and the DS100 series can be wall mounted.
Advantages: great design, vertical ports for regular items such as memory sticks, led display Disadvantages: maybe a bit expensive but comparrison but it is quality
...schemes currently used. One little feature I love about this unit (although haven't used it yet) is that it is stackable. You can place two of these on top of each other and still use all the ports.
It has a throughput of 480 Mbps which is pretty much standard. It is compatible with USB 1.1 as well as USB 2. It's totally plug and play and is recognised with no problems in both XP and Vista (32 and 64 bit).
In use I have not had the slightest problem with this hub. It feels well made and hasn't faltered in use for the 6 months or so I've had it.
So, in short, it looks good, it feels good and by golly it does you good! A great product which will enhance any desktop....
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Advantages: Cheap, reliable, simple to use Disadvantages: None.
...I liked this switch so much, I bought two of them.
Netgear have a reputation for cheap and reliable networking equipment, and this 5 port unmanaged switch is no exception.
When I bought my two, they were retailing online for approx £35 each - but these days you should be able to get one for approx £25 (inc VAT.)
The switch is more or less the size of my hand (yes, I have big hands). With 5 ports on the back - all are auto-sensing, as is the gigabit standard, so you don't have to worry about crossover cables if you're daisy-chaining switches... The only other port on the back is for power, which is the usual "wall-wart" plug in transformer you get with most home networking equipment.
Given the switch is unmanaged, you can just plug desktop computers, laptops, XBOXes, network printers straight into the switch, and not worry...
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Advantages: Easy installation, small, sturdy, quiet, auto uplink Disadvantages: Runs quite hot
...cables.
Operation
Compatibility: Most recent PC's have at least a single gigabit Ethernet port on them now. Now you can make use of it. Tested fine with Intel Pro/1000 MT cards and nVidia nForce cards
Noise
It contains no fans so operation is completely silent, however, as with all other Netgear switches, this unit gets quite hot. For peace of mind it would be best to keep it away from sources of heat (I tend to lay an old PII heatsink on the unit just to help with the cooling!)
Troubleshooting
The LED indicators provide you with all the information you could possibly need to help diagnose any connectivity problems - not that you should have any
Conclusion
Very fast, reliable equipment.
With prices for gigabit equipment coming down, now is a great time to upgrade...
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17.07.2007
20.08.2007
