Netgear FS105 Prosafe 5 Port Fast Ethernet Unmanaged Switch

I cannot praise these devices highly enough for the internet cabled home. They make it so easy to extend the home network to multiple devices. This super device is effectively an extension / expansion unit for reliably and robustly multipyling up your home network and internet access.

I have now purchased three of these 5-port units and so far I have installed two of them. I have my internet wireless access point in a cupboard downstairs and use it wirelessly for occasional laptop use etc. However, for speed, complete lack of interference and reliability (especially the latter) I have personally always preferred a wired ethernet solution. I have four ethernet ports in the back of my internet access point (a 3 year old Belkin Wireless-N Router) and I have a long cable from each of these ports extending to key rooms in the house (e.g. the lounge or study). Then, currently at two out of the four of these room points, I have one of these devices connected to the room end of the long cable. That then gives me four free plug 'n' go internet points from one cable to the router. I can then connect any mixture of up to 4 internet accessing devices to each of these points (e.g. PC, HDTV, Games console etc).

Where I live, we do not get great internet speeds (no cable in the road) but even so we are very satisfied with the service we are getting via these devices. I have not noticed any slow down as a result of connecting multiple devices - although I do not generally have them all running at once as I can usually only be in one room at any one time. Download and upload speed test results seem unaffected. The major convenience is that all my devices can stay permanently and reliably connected and are therefore ready for use immediately on demand. My guess is that any slow down I do get will at present be caused by speed limitations of the internet into my home rather than the capacity of this device but I cannot prove that.

The device itself is neat, small (about 4 inches square), sturdy, totally silent and very, very simple to install. Remember that each 5 port switch provides 4 internet/home network ports (because 1 port is needed for the incoming connection from the main router). No setup is required. No changes are required to the main internet access point/router. Just plug the cables in and the device sorts out which is which (incoming internet, PC etc etc). It does need a power outlet somewhere near to where you plan to locate it (just one more device to plug into the many surge protected multiway power adapators sitting behind each and every computer/TV set up).

Overall, it is inexpensive for what it does and has made an enormous difference to my home network in terms of scaleability, flexibility, reliability and convenience. If only everything electornic was this easy and effective! An essential add on to any expanding wired home network.

As the other review says, you really cant go wrong with these blue metal units. Much nicer than the plastic Tupperware boxes you get nowadays. This is good solid little piece of kit, just like the larger blue metal versions. This is a great little hub if you want to add a few extra wired computers to your broadband hub. Or perhaps you want to do a bit of multi player gaming. I have a Mac, PC, and my freeview box, all going through this and into my BT home hub. Remember that if used to connect to a broadband router, then you need to use one of the 5 ports for that. Led's on each port show whats going on, giving a reassuring flash. About the size of a deck of cards and powered by a small plug in adapter. Good clear instructions, and a name you can trust.

Industrial quality, for the home user. I wish everything else was built this well.

Everything about this unit speaks quality and all at a very reasonable price from amazon. Staright out of the box doing what it was made to do!