Instant EtherFast ® Series

Switches versus Hubs

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 autosensing feature 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. Otherwise, throwing away all your older, slower equipment in an old- fashioned “forklift upgrade” is the only other alternative.

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 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 five computers to your EtherFast 10/100 Switch, then each computer will get a dedicated bandwidth of 100Mbps at full duplex transfer. If you run 5 computers from a 100mbps hub, then each computer would only share a part of the 100mbps bandwidth.

EtherFast 10/100 Autosensing 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, features a store- and-forward function which retains the address for each data packet and shoots them straight to the correct destination.

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Linksys EZXS55W, EZXS88W manual Switches versus Hubs
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EZXS88W, EZXS55W specifications

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and the EZXS55W are both notable pieces of networking hardware designed to enhance connectivity in various environments, from small businesses to homes. These Ethernet switches offer crucial features that facilitate efficient data transfer and network management.

The Linksys FESWSK05 v3 is a 5-port Fast Ethernet switch, utilizing a non-blocking architecture that allows for full wire-speed performance. Each port supports 10/100Mbps connections, making it a versatile choice for environments requiring high-speed data transfer. The switch is designed with ease of use in mind; it features a plug-and-play setup, eliminating the need for complex configuration. This makes it suitable for users of all technical levels. Furthermore, it includes auto-sensing technology that detects the speed of connected devices and automatically adjusts to ensure optimal alignment.

The EZXS55W, on the other hand, is a smart switch with features that cater to growing networking demands. It also supports 5 ports, with similar 10/100Mbps capabilities, but offers additional functionalities, such as a built-in web management interface. This allows for advanced features like VLAN support and Quality of Service (QoS). These capabilities enable users to prioritize traffic for bandwidth-sensitive applications such as VoIP and video conferencing, ensuring a stable and reliable connection.

Both models support Auto-MDI/MDI-X functionality, which simplifies installation by automatically detecting and configuring the type of connection. This is particularly useful for network administrators managing multiple connections without the need for crossover cables. Additionally, they are equipped with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, and 802.3x standards compliance, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.

In terms of physical characteristics, the Linksys switches are compact and designed for desktop or wall-mounted installation, making them suitable for space-constrained environments. Their fanless design ensures silent operation, which is ideal for both home and office settings.

Overall, the Linksys FESWSK05 v3 and EZXS55W are excellent choices for users seeking reliable, efficient, and straightforward networking solutions. With their robust feature set and user-friendly design, they provide the necessary foundation for a well-functioning network, catering to the demands of modern connectivity. Whether for home use or in a small office, these switches deliver performance and reliability that users can count on.
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