Rating: 
Summary: Fast, inexpensive home networking
Review: I purchased my second Linksys EZXS55W recently to expand my home network. My first EZXS55W has been up and running for almost three years now, without a single hitch. However, due to the evolution of my home network, additional ports became necessary to accomodate all of the attached devices.
To discover the ability of this switch to deal with a complex network configuration, read on...
My network consists of: One HP desktop computer, which connects via a Linksys PCI ethernet adapter card; one Sony VAIO laptop computer, which connects via a Xircom PCMCIA wired ethernet card adapter; another Sony VAIO laptop, which connects via a Linksys 802.11b PCMCIA wireless ethernet adapter card; a Linksys wireless access point; an HP EX-Plus3 print server, connecting an HP laser printer; and, an additional ethernet port that I have wired for guests to use when they come to the house.
All of the above are wired to a Netgear router that resides off-site.
The network is configured as follows: Router > EZXS55W #1 > EZXS55W #2. The desktop and laptop are conncected to the first EZXS55W, as are the router and access point. The second EZXS55W is uplinked from the first, and the print server and additional wired port are connected to it. This leaves three additional ports on the second unit for future use.
The ease of setup and terrific performance of the EZXS55W cannot be overstated. In a network like mine, many people would go with a far more expensive managed switch; but, as can be seen above, this is not necessary. A novice who simply wants to connect all of the devices in his or her home and provide Internet and/or file and printer access to each of them can do so very easily with this switch.
The only issues one must consider before purchasing this switch:
1) This switch, unlike many others these days, uses an uplink port. This requires that the proper type of cable be used in the appropriate port. No big deal, but if you're not sure, you should consult the installation guide (or ask a more knowledgable friend) before attempting to install the switch.
2) Use of the uplink port disables the port beside it. Therefore, an uplinked switch has only four ports available to connect devices. If you need more ports, or think you might in the near future, consider buying the Linksys 8-port switch.
3) The switch is AC-powered. Be sure that there is an electrical outlet near the place where you want to install the switch.
These very minor concerns aside, the Linksys EZXS55W is a terrific ethernet switch at an absolutely unbeatable price. I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to expand their home network quickly and easily.
Rating:
Summary: Perfect little unit
Review: I had been using a Linksys router for a few years before buying this switch. Then I changed to a new DSL provider (Frontiernet) whose modem is also a router, so I picked up this switch to split my connection to various computers in my home (having two routers on Frontiernet caused problems with TCP port forwarding). First, I was surprised by the compact size of the switch. I hooked it up and it was good to go - a slick connection and no messing around. It is a perfect companion to the Speedstream 5200 DSL modem, and probably many others.
Rating:
Summary: Sweet little switch
Review: I suppose there isn't much I can say about this switch that hasn't already been said, but I'm trying to improve my Amazon recommendations by reviewing items, so...This little switch is a beauty. It just works. This is one of those items that's invisible when it's working properly, and you really don't even notice it. It's compact size ( despite the listed dimensions on Amazon ) makes it very portable for those impromptu LANs, and it just looks good. You'd do well getting one. There are frequently offers for this item, so try not to pay full price. Also, the pictured item doesn't seem to match with the actual switch, so be certain which you're getting, I suppose.
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