Best Linksys product I own, Simple & Easy Install
Pros:
Inexpensive, small, IT WORKS
Cons:
could have been FREE, doesn't stack with linksys routers
The Bottom Line:
If you need to add computers to your network and need a small, dependable switch, this is a good choice.
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Overall Rating:
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Author's Review
Linksys 5 port 10/100 workgroup switch, model EZXS55W.
I’ve had mixed results with Linksys products (especially their routers) over the last few years, but so far this has been the best Linksys product I’ve ever owned.
Setup consisted of opening the box, un-tangling the power cable, routing it under the desk to a surge protected outlet, plugging in the Ethernet cable from my router into the switch, plugging the Ethernet cable from the computer(s) into the outputs of the switch, plugging the power adapter into the switch & waiting a few seconds for it to power on & link up.
It took longer to un-tangle the cables & crawl under the desk than it did to get the switch up & running.
It’s very small, so small that I thought they had sent me the wrong thing. It’s not much larger than a couple decks of playing cards stacked on top of each other.
Very convenient if you’re limited on space (aren’t we all?), but frustrating if you planned to stack it on top of a Linksys router. It could have been the misleading pictures or lack of dimensional information on the item page where I purchased this switch, but it looked to be the exact same size as Linksys’ routers.
I have my switch downstairs, feeding 3 computers in 2 separate rooms, while I am still able to use my router (upstairs) to connect 2 more computers at my desk.
(at this time, my 4th linksys router is dying and will only allow one computer to connect & access the internet). Linksys routers are lasting me about 6 months.
The basic install couldn’t be easier, plug in & go. Nothing like setting up the router.
My network consists of a cable modem, router, switch, computers.
I believe you can connect up to 4 computers to this switch, but you’ll lose one of the ports right next to the uplink port. I’m not sure why they can advertise this as a 5 port switch when you can only use 4 ports.
I’m not a network IT Professional, but you should be able to connect additional switches together to further increase capacity.
I’ve always preferred a wired network over the new wireless networks (routers, etc) simply because of the security factor. I’m still not sold on wireless routers & switches being totally safe. A wired network takes time (running cables), but I don’t have to worry about interference or blocked signals due to walls or other obstacles around the house or office.
The price was right at $29.99 less a $10.00 mail in rebate (that took over 6 months to finally arrive).
If Linksys could only engineer their routers this well, they’d be back on top again.
Should I need to increase my network in the future, I will definitely consider another one of these.
