Features:
- IEEE-802.3 compliant
- Runs at 10 Mbps
- All hubs include uplink ports
- Ready to run with all major network software and hardware
- Easy-to-read LED indicators
Description:
The Ethernet Workgroup five-port hub from Linksys doesn't have any characteristics that set it apart from similar products, but then this isn't a category known for its advanced features. When it comes to hubs, all you need are reliability, simple installation, and enough ports to accommodate the machines on your network. Whether this hub meets that last criterion is up to you, but it certainly lives up to its promises on the other two counts. Inside the box you'll find the hub, an AC adapter, and a small instruction manual. Linksys didn't waste any space when they made the hub--it's a small unit that should fit anywhere. Our only complaint about the design is its curved top, which meant we couldn't stack other hubs on top of it to keep things neat. This hub is as easy to install as any other we've worked with. We just plugged the Ethernet cables from our networked PCs into it, attached it to the AC adapter, and booted all the attached systems. The hub configured itself, our Windows 98 networking software immediately recognized it, and the network was active. The hub has no on/off switch, and as long as it is plugged in, it's active. It runs silently, unlike other hubs we've tested that are equipped with noisy cooling fans. Status LEDs on the front of the unit blink to indicate the intensity of network traffic on active ports, and an extra LED blinks when network collisions are detected. Up to five PCs can interface with the hub, although there are six ports on the back. The sixth port is reserved for an uplink, letting users easily add another hub as their network grows. You can mix and match hubs, whether you're attaching one to the Linksys product or using this hub as the uplink. The hub performed comparably to other 10Base-T products we've tested, and while it's nowhere near as fast as a 100Base-T hub (for obvious reasons), speeds should be perfectly adequate for home or small-business networks or LAN gaming. The Ethernet five-port workgroup hub may not be the most exciting piece of hardware you'll ever buy, but it does its job reliably and offers good scalability via the uplink port. --T. Byrl Baker Pros:
- Easy installation
- Reliable performance
- Uplink port
- Small size
Cons:
- Curved top
- No Fast Ethernet support
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