GUIDE TO ETHERNET HUBS

SMC SMCGS8 8-port 10/100/1000 Layer 2 Gigabit Desktop Switch, blue/silver plastic

Manufacturer : SMC
In Stock : 20

List Price:	$57.99
Price:	$48.90
You Save:	$9.09 (16%)

Features

Provides a seamless migration to higher-speed networking while solving bandwidth issues
8 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet ports
Allows simultaneous transmission of multiple packets via high-speed data channels
Quiet, fanless operation is ideal for desktop operation in home and small offices
Plug-and-Play installation

Product Description

The EZ Switch 10/100/1000 SMCGS8, 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch, is the perfect solution for bottlenecks on your home or SOHO network. Bottlenecks are the inevitable result of data-intensive applications like home movies or digital images and more computers being connected. The switch provides a seamless migration to higher-speed networking while solving bandwidth issues. It is designed to allow simultaneous transmission of multiple packets via high-speed data channels. This unmanaged, gigabit switch supports Plug-and-Play installation, with auto-MDIX on every port. This means that no more crossover cables are required, every port can either be connected to a PC or another switch for network expansion. The switch does not require fans making it ideal for home and SOHO networks. Meeting today's diverse networking needs at an attractive price per port, the SMCGS8 is ideal for bringing speed and bandwidth to the desktop at home or in the office.

Customer Reviews

Average Rating of 3.50 out of 5 reviews

Rating :
Works as advertised - DDA, Jan 16, 2008

I have been using the SMC switch for over a year now with no problems. Others that I know recommended it to me, and they have not had problems for a much longer time than a year. I just purchased a second one to put into my home entertainment rack to feed into my ethernet enabled AV devices. For those complaining it is warm, I'm not sure what you'd expect - it is a silent, fanless Gigabit switch. If you want something that runs cooler, buy one with a cooling fan or one that is considerably larger with a bigger heat sink.

Rating :
Works Well, Very Fast, Very Hot - Atari, Oct 21, 2007

I have been using SMC for years and the one thing about them is they are are trouble free. The EZ 10/100/1000 Switch is no exception. Just plug it in and it works. You might say that's to be expected from a switch but not so. One thing I would have to do from time to time is use a crossover cable to connect multiple switches. Not any more. The EZ switch automatically detects the need and does the work for me.

As for speed, I can't tell you how much nicer gigabit networking is than 100mb for transfering large files. Suffice to say that everything is gigabit now. 100mb just doesn't cut it.

My one complaint is that, as has been reported, the device is hot, very hot. Thus the 4 stars. Make sure it is placed in a very well ventilated area. Between this, my Plasma TV and my Xbox 360, I'm looking forward to winter.

Rating :
case gets very hot - codercharles, Jul 26, 2007

even when idle the case is uncomfortably hot to touch
I cringe to think about it with a book on top of it.

Rating :
Customer support is atrocious - A. Foda, Jun 20, 2006

The title speaks for itself. Watch out for their lifetime limited warranty, it's good for about a year and a half. I guess that must be the lifetime of some kind of horsefly or something.

Avoid SMC at any expense.

Rating :
A solid performer - Film lover, Feb 26, 2006

I'm a big fan of SMC products and this one is no exception. For a little more money than their competitors they give you a more solid, more capable device. In this case, it is support for jumbo frames that sets them apart. You really need jumbo frames to take full advantage of Gigabit Ethernet and as far as I know, SMC is the only company including that feature in their consumer-grade switches.

I've used this for about 6 months now with not a single glitch or problem to report. The only drawbacks are cosmetic: the non-rectangular form makes stacking a bit of a problem, and it is so light that the ethernet cables connected to it tend to push it around.

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