SMC Networks' SMC6248M is a high-performance, managed, stackable Layer 2 switch that provides an ideal solution for workgroups and departments. The 48 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet... more
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SMC Networks' SMC6248M is a high-performance, managed, stackable Layer 2 switch that provides an ideal solution for workgroups and departments. The 48 10/100Mbps Fast Ethernet ports allow desktops to access network resources through flexible 4 Gig uplinks. The entire stack can be managed via a single IP address for simplified network administration. Utilizing a 17.6Gbps switch capacity and support for 8,000 MAC addresses, the SMC6248M is a wire-speed, high performance switch ideal for workgroups or departments. The SMC6248M supports port trunking with up to 6 trunk groups with 2 to 8 ports in each group per stack. Port trunking enables business users to increase availability and aggregated bandwidth between servers and/or other switches, optimizing the transport of business critical data. The SMC6248M uses 1 Gbps ports to interconnect up to 8 units within a stack. By supporting the IEEE approved specifications, the SMC6248M leverages your existing investment in a multi-vendor environment, while maximizing compatibility of mission critical features such as, Spanning Tree (802.1d), QoS (802.1p/DiffServ/TCP&UDP port number), VLANs (802.1Q), and network management (SNMP/ RMON/BOOTP/Telnet/Web). The SMC6248M robust support of standards-based network management protocols (SNMP/RMON/BOOTP/Telnet/Web/TFTP) and port mirroring enable the SMC6248M to be easily integrated into many third-party network management packages. The SMC6248M also supports redundant power when combined with the SMCRPU14 redundant power supply unit. The SMC6248M brings advanced enterprise functions to a more affordable level while supporting advanced features: L2/L3/L4 (QoS), 802.1x (Port-based Authentication), IGMP snooping, 802.1w (Rapid Spanning Tree), , 802.3ad (Link Aggregation), and 802.1q (VLANs). L2/L3/L4 (ACLs) can be configured based on: Protocol type, 802.1p, DSCP, MAC Address, IP Address, and/or TCP/UPD Port Number. These features facilitate the deployment of enterprise applications such as: VOIP, streaming media, and multicast content delivery (IP video conferencing and software deployment).
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...
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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: Cheap, all in one solution, audio support Disadvantages: No manual overide
...It's surprising how many people have more than one PC at home although even more surprising is that many of them each have their own screen, keyboard and mouse.
In many cases this makes perfect sense but sometimes, you know you'll only ever use one or the other - perhaps one is your general PC and the other your music workstation. In these situations you can save a lot of space and money by investing in a KVM switch. KVM stands for Keyboard, Video and Mouse and allows you to use one keyboard, mouse and screen shared between two PCs.
This particular unit from Belkin is unusual in that it also includes audio support and also comes with all the leads permanently attached instead of being supplied as a separate cabling set.
Wiring it Up
Installation is simply a matter of taking each of the two main cables and plugging the sets...
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21.03.2007
20.08.2007
26.01.2007
