NETGEAR FS105UK 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.

Ok the story goes like this. I have a office in the back garden with two computers, I work from home. I also have a laptop, another PC in the house and a whole range of wireless equipment. My wireless in the house is ok, however, it does not reach my back garden (too weak and unreliable). After trying a range of wireless boosters, routers etc etc I thought thats it! I bought a 50m ethernet cable and took a direct feed off my router to the office. I then bought a Netgear switch pluged the cable into port 1 and then plugged my two computers into ports 2 and 3 and what do you know perfect internet connection. I know some people do not like cables running all over the place but hey if you want a reliable connection because your business relies on it, then cables are the way to go, no nonsense and no messing around. Netgear is a wonderful bit of kit which works straight out of the box, no set up required beyond plugging it in!

For what this is it's cheap and good quality. Most people know about the credentials of netgear but if you don't then know they are well known, not the best but up there with them.The point is that this particular router is just a switch router, I bought it for my bedroom to hook up a variety of consols and a laptop rather than having to swap the cable each time etc, plus wired internet is 100 time better than wireless hence why I did this. The product is a little dated as you see when it arrives, not the newest model but its very very well made, doesnt ever seem to over heat so i dont see why you need one that looks newer if you only use it for what I do. Please note you need a proper router if you don't already have one as this is just a switch router!

Needed a few extra ports as my 4 x wired ones were full in the back of my existing router. So I bought one of these, fed a bit of ethernet from my existing router to it (which of course loses one port on the router AND one port on this switch - don't forget that when working out how many you'll be left with!) and it works fine. I can see anything no matter which box it's plugged in to. Do remember that this is a 10/100 switch, if you want gigabit you'll need to pay a fair bit more

Needed it for networking. Does it's job. Not a lot more to say really. Can't get excited or cheesed off about it.

two units purchased, neither would even turn on. so much for choosing a brand I thought I could rely on

The number of network enabled devices around my living room has grown significantly and it was getting to be a bit of a pain, fumbling around trying to unplug the cable when I wanted to watch a movie or play on the Xbox 360.Although some of these devices do have Wi-Fi, having an old house those double bricked walls really do degrade the signal strength. You can't beat a solid Ethernet connection especially for gaming and streaming of 1080p HD content.I like the industrial styling, solid and sturdy. Not a fan of these flimsy plastic efforts.Setup was simplicity itself (and so it should be), connected my existing Ethernet cable from the router which then gives you 4 ports left to play with.Does the job it's supposed to do, no complaints.

Pros:-Small-Solid, very well built feeling, nice metal and blue colour.-Simple and easy to set-up (essentially just plug in PSU and required ethernet cables).Cons:-A little bit more expensive than other units.-Doesn't come with any ethernet cables.I would recommend this!