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 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. 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.

10/100 5-Port Workgroup Switch

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 v2, EZXS88W v2 manual Switches versus Hubs
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EZXS55W v2, EZXS88W v2 specifications

Linksys has a reputation for producing reliable networking products, and the EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2 are no exceptions. These are high-performance 10/100 Mbps Ethernet switches designed for small office and home office environments. Both models provide a seamless transition to fast network speeds, offering a simple yet effective solution to expand network capabilities.

The Linksys EZXS88W v2 is an 8-port switch that allows users to connect multiple devices, including computers, printers, and servers, expanding the local area network efficiently. The EZXS55W v2, on the other hand, is a 5-port variant that serves well for smaller setups. Both switches boast a compact design, making them easy to integrate into a workspace without occupying too much physical space.

One of the standout features of these switches is their plug-and-play capability. This means that users can easily connect devices without needing to configure complex settings. Each port automatically detects the connected device type and adjusts accordingly, ensuring optimal transmission speeds and performance. This is particularly beneficial in a mixed network environment where different device types may be present.

Both models support Auto-MDI/MDI-X technology, eliminating the need for crossover cables. This feature automatically adjusts the switch's port configurations to accommodate straight-through or crossover cables, simplifying the installation process. Furthermore, the switches feature a total bandwidth capacity of 1.6 Gbps, ensuring that multiple devices can communicate simultaneously without bottlenecking.

Energy efficiency is another important characteristic of the Linksys EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2. They comply with Energy Star standards, helping users to reduce their overall power consumption while maintaining high performance. This is particularly valuable in businesses looking to lower operational costs or reduce their carbon footprint.

In terms of durability, both models are built with quality components to withstand everyday usage. They feature metal housing that provides better heat dissipation and reliability over time. The integrated fanless design ensures silent operation, making them suitable for environments where noise levels need to be minimized.

In summary, the Linksys EZXS88W v2 and EZXS55W v2 are robust and user-friendly Ethernet switches that cater to various networking needs. With their plug-and-play functionality, Auto-MDI/MDI-X support, energy efficiency, and compact design, they offer excellent performance for both home and small office setups. Whether expanding a home network or building a small business infrastructure, these switches provide a dependable and cost-effective solution.
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