D-Link DGS-2208 8-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an unmanaged switch, which means that you can not configure Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANS) or Quality of Service (QoS) - though QoS is supported through the implementation of 802.1p, but all the attached devices must support 802.1p in order to use it. Since there is no configuration, all you have to do is plug it into power and plug your devices into it. It really is that simple for any unmanaged switch. It will automatically allow all your devices to talk to each other at the physical layer. Of course, your applications must be configured right to talk to each other, but these unmanaged devices make building the infrastructure a snap.
In answer to a previously posted review, I tested this device in the following way:
-Port 1 connected to my desktop computer with a Gigabit network interface card (NIC)
-Port 2 connected to a 10/100 switch which was connected to a gigabit ethernet storage device
-Port 3 connected to a second DGS-2208 switch which was connectedto the exact same model gigabit ethernet storage device
-Port 4 connected to a laptop with a 10/100 NIC
The point of this setup was to use the identical computer communicating with identical devices through a 10/100 connection and through a gigabit (1000) connection. I transferred a 10 GB file to the ethernet storage device through the gigabit connection first and then I transferred the exact same file through the 10/100 connection. The GB connection was about five times faster.
Now, this proves that the switch does not automatically throttle back to the slowest "connected" device. However, it does not indicate whether the gigabit connections will slow to the speed of 10/100 connections if those slower connections are actually active.
To test this, I transferred the same file from the laptop to the slower connected ethernet storage device while also transferring the file from the desktop to the faster connected ethernet stoarage device. The results? The gigabit connected devices still transferred the data at rates faster than possible on a 10/100 connection. This proves that the gigabit speeds are still achieved even when a 10/100 connection is active.
In the end, due to memory and processor limitations, this device cannot even compare to enterprise-class gigabit switches from Cisco and other providers; however, it is the best performing gigabit switch I've ever seen for under $75.
[...]------------------------------------


Click Here to see more reviews about: D-Link DGS-2208 8-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch

Unmanaged Gigabit Switch, 8-Port 10/100/1000Mbps

Click here for more information about D-Link DGS-2208 8-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch

Read More...

Cisco Syst. 851 Ethernet SOHO Security Router ( CISCO851-K9 ) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)As a home user, after upgrading my broadband to 6.0mb/s from Comcast, both my netgear and linksys routers were overwhelmed and couldn't cope up with all the activities for the 5 computers, Xbox360 and Slingbox in the house. After researching all the business class routers, including Netgear, Linksys, Sonicwall and others. Finally, I've decided that Cisco is the best product that would solve my problem. Knowing that this is a sophiscated product, I ordered the most basic router without wireless access (hence less variables to configure). Amazon has the best price among all the websites though you certainly don't get any type of technical support from them. As expected, the router requires some professional knowledge to configure. Being a home user, I only changed very few settings through the SDM software that came with the router and it worked very well within my network. The performance of the router is impressive and I am getting the same download speed if I connect my PC directly to the modem. With all the loaded activities in the house, the CPU usage was just around 40%. This router certainly is of professional quality and doesn't even warm up after leaving it on all the time.
On the flip side, I found that the user interface (SDM) to manage the router is a little over complicated. It could be much more simplier but is still acceptable. The command line interface through the console port is definitely for professional who knows exactly what they are doing. Through the command interface, you can get almost all status and configuration from the router. I dare not to modify any configuration using the console interface because I'm not sure what I'll be changing. In addition, this router is 4 times more expensive than the ones you can get from local retail stores. Overall, I would recommend this router if you need the quality and performance. Otherwise, stay with the consumer products from Linksys or Netgear.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Cisco Syst. 851 Ethernet SOHO Security Router ( CISCO851-K9 )

MODEL- CISCO851-K9VENDOR- CISCOFEATURES- Cisco 851 Secure Ethernet Router Cisco 851 Ethernet to Ethernet Router. Cisco 850 Series integrated services routers are fixed-configuration routers that support broadband cable and Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) over analog telephone lines connections in small offices. The Cisco Router and Security Device Manager (SDM) Web-based configuration tool simplifies setup and deployment and centralized management capabilities give network managers visibility and control of router configurations at the remote site. Cisco 850 Series integrated services routers offer:- Secure connectivity with Stateful Inspection Firewall and IP Security (IPSec) VPN support for small offices.- 4-port 10/100 switch- Easy setup deployment and remote management capabilities through Web-based tools and Cisco IOS Software.* Stateful Inspection Firewall and IPSec VPN Support Provides secure access when connecting to the Internet or connectingsmall offices to a central site.* 4-port Mbps 10/100 Switch High-speed LAN ports connect multiple devices to the small officenetwork.* Cisco SDM and Remote Management Features of Cisco IOS Software - Cisco SDM helps resellers and customers to quickly and easily deployconfigure and monitor a Cisco access router without knowledge of theCisco IOS Software command-line interface (CLI). - Out-of-band management with an external modem through the auxiliaryport allows IT managers to remotely manage routers at small officesites. - Cisco Configuration Express Service supports factory-loadedconfigurations in high-volume deployments. - Support for the Cisco CNS 2100 Series Intelligence Engine enablesplug-and-play installations with centralized configuration management. -- SPECIFICATIONS ---------------------------------MEMORY - 64MB DRAM included no

Click here for more information about Cisco Syst. 851 Ethernet SOHO Security Router ( CISCO851-K9 )

Read More...