The DS500 series Dual Speed Stackable Hubs connect PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. These hubs enable the users to mix and match 10 and 100... more
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The DS500 series Dual Speed Stackable Hubs connect PCs to share printers, files, Internet access, and e-mail communications. These hubs enable the users to mix and match 10 and 100 Mbps PCs, servers, and peripherals on the same network with ease and without the high cost and complexity of multiple hubs and bridges. Up to 8 of these hubs can be stacked to support 192 users at 10 or 100 Mbps. Each port individually senses and adjusts to run at 10 or 100 Mbps (megabits per second), making network speed upgrades easy and effortless. Start with as few as 8 ports and grow the network as needed by simply stacking additional units using the cascade cables provided. Mix and match 10 and 100 Mbps devices on the same network with full connectivity among all, regardless of speed. Every port automatically operates at the proper speed. The built-in self-learning 10 to 100 Mbps bridge automatically discovers where each user is and filters or forwards traffic accordingly. Compact, 13-inch metal case design enables uncluttered desktop, wall, or rack-mount installation. These LEDs provide clear and intuitive status. In addition, 2 LED bar graphs provide online status of network utilization and alert you to potential network overload.
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
...I bought this hub as an impulse purchase but based my decision on:
(a) you can never have enough usb ports
(b) belkin are a respected manufacturer
(c) I liked the design
It cost me £12 when I bought it but I think that was the stores mistake as I have seen it advertised at between £19 and £24. Even at that price though this is a good piece of kit.
Bearing in mind you can get USB 2 hubs for about half the piece of this one made by companies you may have never heard of, the design and features on this device make it a very attractive and useful addition to your desktop.
It has seven USB ports; five on the back and two placed nattily and very usefully on the top. The top ones are what make this great in my view. They are ideal for things you want to plug in and take out on a regular and irregular basis. I use them for usb...
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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
