Linksys EZXS16W Fast Ethernet 10/100 Switch Review

My client base is expanding, thanks in large part to my recent advertising campaign aimed at small business owners.  What does this have to do with the subject matter of this review you ask?  Well it means yet another computer (server) beside the work table in my home office computer-room already hosting three others.  This new server will house Windows Small Business Server 2003 (R2), and contain two Network Interface Cards (NIC's).  Even though I use (2) Linksys SD205 Fast Ethernet 10/100 Switch Ethernet Switches, I am fast running out of expandable Ethernet ports; enter the Linksys EZXS16W 10/100 16-Port Workgroup Switch, which features (16) 10/100 auto-sensing, full duplex Ethernet ports with automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover detection.     

Linksys EZS16W Fast Ethernet 10/100 Workgroup Switch

The EZS16W 10/100 Switch is a (somewhat) small attractive unit that fits the standard (attractive) Linksys blue/black color scheme.  The switch is a 10/100 auto-sensing 16-port workgroup network switch that offers half duplex (100Mbps) and full duplex (200Mbps) port operation.  There isn't much in the box except the switch itself, a power supply, warranty card, and an information booklet.  There is no software to install and nothing to configure.  The beauty of an auto-sensing switch is that it detects the line speed of the NIC attached to it via category 5 (or category 6) cabling.  Just plug the unit in and attached the cabling.   

The blue & black front of the EZS16W 10/100 Switch features a series of (16) LED's in three rows, which relay Link/Activity, 100Mbps link speed per port, and combination Full Duplex operation, and (packet) Collision.  There is also a power LED as well.  The rear of the unit is festooned with 16 Ethernet ports in two rows and a power connection.   

My Viewpoint

I am very pleased with my new EZS16W 10/100 Switch.  Like all of the other networking equipment I have bought with the Linksys label, this small workgroup-class switch has proven reliable.  Out of the box the switch just worked and has continued to work 24/7.  There is nothing to configure, and no software to install; it is truly plug-n-play.  I like the smallish design which allows me to place the unit in a tight spot and still read the LED's.  

Now that network switching technology-which used to be prohibitively expensive-has matured enough to reach Main Street, there is little reason to purchase a traditional hub for your network; professional or personal.  With a price-point just over $60.00, the Linksys EZS16W 10/100 Switch is an affordable viable alternative to any hub.  The unit is small, has (16) dedicated Ethernet ports, automatic MDI/MDI-X crossover detection; is auto-sensing, full-duplex and attractive, is stackable with plenty of room for future growth. 

If you need a small workgroup switch for the home of office environment you can't go wrong with the Linksys EZS16W Fast Ethernet 10/100 Workgroup Switch.