Advantages: Easy to use, easy to install Disadvantages: closeness of the ports.
Netgear are well known for their networking equipment and it is for this reason I want to tell you about a great piece of kit. The 24portswitch.
24ports of networking capability.... But what does that all mean???
Ok, let me tell you about what a network is.
Even the internet is just one big network. it is simply just a collection of computers that are connected together and can communicate. Simple!
But, how do you connect them together? Its not like they shake hands and have a chat is it?
Well in a way, that is what they are doing but using some extra hardware to do this.
To put a computer on a network, it needs a Network interface card or NIC. This plugs into your computer's motherboard. Its basically similar to installing a graphics card or sound card. You then need to connect the computer via the NIC card to ...
Advantages: Excellent quality. loads of features, easy to install Disadvantages: None
Netgear are well known for their networking equipment and it is for this reason I want to tell you about a great piece of kit. The 24portswitch.
24ports of networking capability.... But what does that all mean???
Ok, let me tell you about what a network is.
Even the internet is just one big network. it is simply just a collection of computers that are connected together and can communicate. Simple!
But, how do you connect them together? Its not like they shake hands and have a chat is it?
Well in a way, that is what they are doing but using some extra hardware to do this.
To put a computer on a network, it needs a Network interface card or NIC. This plugs into your computer's motherboard. Its basically similar to installing a graphics card or sound card. You then need to connect the computer via the NIC card to ...
Advantages: Advantages: Cheap, all in one solution Disadvantages: No manual overide or audio support
stops autoscanning and lets you use the currently selected PC.
The Belkin claims support for scrolling mice but I did find sometimes one PC would start up without recognising this facility if it wasn't the currently selected one when booting up and in extreme cases, wouldn't recognise the keyboard and mouse at all. Previous KVM's I've used send the PC fake 'There's a keyboard and mouse here' messages when not selected and it seems this unit does not, which is a pity.
Conclusion
The Belkin 2 port KVM is a well built unit that works nicely and provides a great way to save desk space and the cost of a second monitor, keyboard and mouse. The long leads are useful and despite the niggles with scrolling mice and the lack of manual switch. I'd say this unit is worth considering at this price if you can live with those shortcomings ...
Product Information for "SMC EZ Switch SMC-EZ1024DT - switch - 24 ports" »
Manufacturer's product description
The EZ Switch 10/100 series of network switches provide the power of switching with the ease of use and affordability of traditional shared hubs. Truly Plug-and-Play, these switches automatically learn about the devices on your network and configure themselves, avoiding complicated setup procedures. Dramatic improvements in performance can easily be seen, with speeds of up to 200Mbps per port. Since full bandwidth capability is achieved on each individual port, the congestion problems of shared hubs are easily avoided. Maximum reliability is ensured by employing a buffered Store-and-Forward transmission method with Back Pressure and Flow Control. For added sturdiness, these switches are housed in steel casings and can be rackmounted using the included rackmount kit. Comprehensive At-a-Glance indicators give you detailed information on each port. The EZ Switch 10/100 is available with 8, 16 or 24 switched RJ45 ports, with a selectable uplink port for connecting additional switches. And all units come with SMC’s legendary support, including a 3-year warranty and free, toll-free technical support. Powerful enough to run your network’s backbone, yet so easy they can be used in place of your desktop hubs, let SMC and the versatile EZ Switch 10/100 bring the power of switching to you
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