Switches versus Hubs

Instant EtherFast®Series

Your EtherFast 10/100 Switch boosts your network performance several times over, conserving your time, money and resources. The scalability of your Switch, its full duplex data transfer and dedicated bandwidth all contribute to maximizing efficiency in your Fast Ethernet network.

Your EtherFast 10/100 Switch’s auto-sensingfeature gives you a key advan- tage over other forms of networking by upgrading speed-critical network seg- ments to 100Mbps while allowing existing 10BaseT networks to operate with the Switch. Allowing 10BaseT and 100BaseTX hardware speeds to run alongside each other eliminates the need to purchase new hardware, rewire and reconfigure an entire site all at once. This scalability factor ensures that Fast Ethernet will not fall obsolete to upgrades in speed standards and main- tains use of all your old equipment until you decide to buy speedier replace- ments.

Scalability allows you to budget for your networking needs over time. Now networks can custom-run fast and slow segments at the same time for different users and departments. Publishing, R&D, and accounting depart- ments can enjoy 100Mbps transfer, while other corporate segments conserve bandwidth by operating at slower, more economical 10Mbps speeds.

Switches also feature full-duplex data transfer, meaning that all computers on the switch can “talk” to the switch at the same time. Plus, switches can send and receive data simultaneously to all connections, whereas a hub can- not. A hub simply works with one computer at a time and only sends or receives data, since it cannot handle two way communication.

In addition to full duplex transfer, your 10/100 Workgroup Switch surges your network with dedicated bandwidth to each node, devoting 100Mbps to every device and multiplying your bandwidth for each added node. For instance, if you connect sixteen computers to your EtherFast 10/100 Switch, then each computer will get a dedicated bandwidth of 100Mbps at full duplex transfer. If you run sixteen computers from a 100Mbps hub, then each com- puter would only share a part of the 100Mbps bandwidth.

10/100 Workgroup Switches

A network without a switch is called a shared network because every node on the network competes for a fraction of the total bandwidth. In a shared network, data packets are randomly broadcasted to all stations until they discover their intended destination. Consequently, considerable time and bandwidth is wasted on data packets swimming along network lines before they find their correct address. A switch, on the other hand, looks at the address for each data packet and delivers it directly to the correct destination.

EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, EZXS16W specifications

The Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, and EZXS16W are versatile networking switches designed for both home and small office environments. These switches provide reliable performance and help expand network connectivity effortlessly.

The Linksys EZXS55W v2 is a 5-port 10/100 Ethernet switch that allows network expansion without complex configuration. It features auto-sensing technology that automatically adjusts to the needs of connected devices, ensuring optimal data transmission. With a compact design, the EZXS55W v2 is ideal for desktops or network closets where space is limited. It supports both full duplex and half duplex transmission modes, delivering speeds up to 200 Mbps when operating in full duplex mode. Furthermore, the plug-and-play feature eliminates the need for additional configuration, enabling users to connect devices instantly.

Moving on to the EZXS88W v2, this 8-port switch is also equipped with 10/100 Mbps Ethernet capabilities. Similar to its smaller counterpart, the EZXS88W v2 supports auto-sensing, allowing for easy integration of devices into the network. This switch is valuable for users who need to connect multiple devices while maintaining a reliable and speedy connection. It offers an efficient way to manage network traffic, preventing packet loss and enhancing overall performance. Like the EZXS55W v2, it is designed for hassle-free setup with its plug-and-play functionality.

Lastly, the Linksys EZXS16W is a robust 16-port switch, making it an excellent choice for growing networks. It provides 10/100 Mbps Ethernet connectivity with auto-sensing capabilities. The EZXS16W’s larger port count enables users to connect multiple devices like computers, printers, and other peripherals, creating a seamlessly integrated network. The switch also features a durable metal housing and a fanless design, which allows for quiet operation while maintaining energy efficiency.

All three models boast a series of features that enhance network reliability, including quality of service (QoS) for prioritizing traffic, leading to smoother performance for applications such as VoIP and video streaming. With their straightforward setup and robust design, the Linksys EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2, and EZXS16W offer an effective solution for anyone seeking to enhance their networking capabilities, ensuring a seamless and efficient connectivity experience in any environment.