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Super simple & inexpensive upgrade6/11/2012 1:38:00 PM
Pros: * All ports are auto-sensing, so there's no need for a cross-over cable.
* Any port of the (5) function as the uplink port from another switch/router/etc, so there's almost no way to mess this up
* Truly plug & play for replacing an old Linksys BEFSR41 that was functioning as a switch. I didn't have to power anything down. I just plugged in the uplink cable from my router, plugged in the ethernet from the PC's and printer, and powered up the switch. Everything resumed network operation without any hiccups. (I was expecting the printer to maybe need power-cycling. Nope!)
Cons: * Not really a "con" since it is technically a 5-port switch for an Ad-hoc network, but when you are needing to hook up to an existing router, you are down to 4-ports since one of the ports needs to be used as the uplink.
* Also not a "con", but...Whenever possible, I like to keep network gear all from the same brand and family/class. I also bought the TP-LINK TL-WR1043ND router, and it's white. Both units are gigabit speeds, but this switch was their only 5-port with gigabit speeds and it's black. In this case, a matching 'family' isn't important, but it's nice to have consistency.
Overall Review: * TP-Link doesn't currently have any gigabit routers in white cases.
* This is my second purchase of TP-Link parts. I bought this switch along with their TL-WR1043ND 802.11n/1Gb router. My previous purchase was their TL-WN722N USB wifi adapter.
* I'm very impressed with TP-Link products thus far. Everything has been exceptionally easy to setup and has worked flawlessly. I think TP-Link is going to be my new "go to" manufacturer for network gear.
Overall Review: It's a 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that works. Not much else to say. I do wish manufacturers would start making these things smaller like they can, but until then, I'll just have to deal with massive boxes on my walls. This TP-Link switch doesn't feel to bad, it has a solid weight to it.
It is an Ethernet switch, it works, I have had no issues with it, and I foresee no issues with it in the future.
Pros: 1. Got new all black version (see other thoughts)
2. PnP support, no configuration needed.
3. LEDs are just right, brightness wise. Not too intrusive, but not too dim either.
Cons: For the price point this switch is set at, there are none, in regards to the router itself.
However... I REALLY REALLY hate transformer type plugs that don't go vertical. This is a horizontal one, which goes from left to right. I specifically bought a 12 outlet surge protector to hook up everything to, however with 2 of these power plugs hooked up, it's going to be a TIGHT squeeze to get everything on. It has 5 transformer spaced plugs that work for vertical transformer plugs, but no surge supressor strip is really designed for horizontal transformer plugs. That would be the only thing I would change.
Overall Review: I actually bought 2 of these, for use as switches for a PFsense build. Per other reviewers notes on new v4 model. My purchase date was 8/15/11 and I ended up with 2 v4s. aside from the case coloring, the differences are: v3 uses Realtek RTL8366 chipset while v4 uses Realtek RTL8367. v4 has lower power consumption than v3 and v4 supports 15K jumbo frame while v3 only supports 9K.
Pros: I needed a cheap gig switch to power my home theater setup. With an HTPC and three consoles and a TV that all could use internet, this thing was a godsend. I have this hooked up to my router, and then each device is plugged in. I'm getting no loss and it is perfect for sitting on my entertainment center behind the center speaker. The lights are dim enough where you don't see shadows of blinking while watching a movie.
Would recommend this to anyone looking for a very cheap solution with very high performance.
Cons: I have not found any in the three months I've used it. I will say that I've recommended TP-LINK to others who have had some issues with failure over 12 months. Only time will tell with this product.
Overall Review: Transfer speeds on this are equal to transfer speeds between systems connected directly to the router. Full 8gb file transferred at 110-120MB/s, that's impressive.
I've had gig routers that don't perform up to that. This thing is definitely the real deal.
Pros: For what I needed it for (1 cable split to 3 machines) it works great and no slow downs. The backplane is 10Gbps so each port gets full speed!
Power saving options also to power down ports are great
Pros: Running with a mix of CAT6 and in-wall CAT5.e (up to 100 feet each way) and getting gigabit speeds. Plug and play; instantly recognizes when a base 100 cable is upgraded to gigabit. Haven't had to reset since I got it. Orange LEDs show 10/100 base is connected and greed LED shows gigabit functionality. Getting about 30MB/s, limited by our NAS drive; the same speed as directly connecting to our server with a CAT6 cable. CHEAP!
Cons: FYI: 5 gigabit ports includes in the input port, so you effectively have a 4 port switch. eg. you will need a 6 port switch if you want to extend connectivity to 5 additional devices.
Lacks in the areas of documentation - a simple cheap unmanaged switch.
Overall Review: If you are looking to upgrade your 10/100 base network to gigabit for 4 computers this is a great option. Probably not the best on the market for heavy office multitasking/file serving, but it gets the job done. Increased our theoretical network speed by 10X for under $20! I normally get 25-30 MB/s on my Macbook over 100' of CAT5.e from our Apple Time Machine server to the switch then 75' of CAT5.e to my terminal. Using our old base 100 switch I would get about 3-5 MB/s.
Anonymous
Ownership: more than 1 year
Verified Owner
Solid, cheap.1/5/2015 9:45:19 AM
Pros: Been running this for a few years without any problem. Lights are not too bright, not too dull. Solidly built and reliable.
Pros: Has worked reliably for over a year. Good throughput.
Cons: Did not contain free cookies.