Linksys Switch $9.99 AR

[maubybark]

Ok, first time posting, take it easy on me.

I did a search, and I did not see it.

Anyway to the deal......

Office Depot B&M

Linksys 5 port 10/100 workgroup switch.
Model # EZXS55W
Price: $ 29.99 - $10.00 O.D MIR - $10.00 Linksys MIR = $9.99 AR

I picked up one and it works great.... Really small and compact for those that have too much network equipment on their computer desk and no space. Hopefully this is a hot deal!!!!! It was in their flyer in store, so it might be national.

 

[Joe221]

Nice! I just wish they'd keep the devices the same size so they'd stack like they should.

 

[usernamemax20charact]

Originally posted by: Joe221
Nice! I just wish they'd keep the devices the same size so they'd stack like they should.

Text

 

[Sleeping]

Is it unwise to use a switch + a software firewall instead of a router ??

 

[captains]

rebates are online too.....must be bought from 6/6 to 6/12....one day left

 

[Unforgiven]

Originally posted by: Sleeping
Is it unwise to use a switch + a software firewall instead of a router ??

i use a switch and software firewall combination and have had no problems at all.

 

[discopalace]

Sleeping,

If you're just talking about security, using a switch + software firewall would require software fw's on each machine connected to it, to be safe. If you can live with that, cool. I would rather have a router to shield the entire home network. My laptop also has its own software fw, so I am extra safe!

The bigger deal, however, is that just using a switch for a home network (I am reading in to your message a little, hopefully I am guessing right about the home network) would not allow you to connect multiple machines to share a single IP address to your ISP. A switch just allows more devices to plug in to whatever network is on the other end. If there are extra IPs around (like in a corporate setting, we plug in switches so many peeps can connect in conference rooms), the extra machines can plug in. But if you only have one IP (which is what most home users have from their ISP), a switch would only allow one device to use that IP.

So basically:
- Corporate network: switch
- Home network to ISP: router
- Home network, no ISP (wanna run a LAN party or something): switch (router ok)

 

[phonemonkey]

Originally posted by: Joe221
Nice! I just wish they'd keep the devices the same size so they'd stack like they should.

What devices are you talking about? I've had 3 of their broadband routers (BEFW11S4, BEFSR41 & WRT54G) and all were the same size (I'm assuming that you mean the footprint and not the height).

 

[neonerd]

nice!

 

[VirtualLarry]

I have one of these switches, they work fine for local LAN duty. I think I paid like $30 after a $30 rebate, some years back. They are quiet, no fan. Have had some minor compatibility issues with some LAN cards though, but I'm not sure that's the fault of the switch, because it still works with other devices.

Mine has a 6th "uplink" port, that is wired into the same port as the 5th "normal" port. These are also good to extend the capability of a 4-port router, if you get more machines.

 

[Sleeping]

Originally posted by: discopalace
Sleeping,

If you're just talking about security, using a switch + software firewall would require software fw's on each machine connected to it, to be safe. If you can live with that, cool. I would rather have a router to shield the entire home network. My laptop also has its own software fw, so I am extra safe!

The bigger deal, however, is that just using a switch for a home network (I am reading in to your message a little, hopefully I am guessing right about the home network) would not allow you to connect multiple machines to share a single IP address to your ISP. A switch just allows more devices to plug in to whatever network is on the other end. If there are extra IPs around (like in a corporate setting, we plug in switches so many peeps can connect in conference rooms), the extra machines can plug in. But if you only have one IP (which is what most home users have from their ISP), a switch would only allow one device to use that IP.

So basically:
- Corporate network: switch
- Home network to ISP: router
- Home network, no ISP (wanna run a LAN party or something): switch (router ok)

Thats true. I forgot, that most switches don't have NAT translation, MAC cloning and Port forwarding, so it would be difficult to use them instead of a router.

Thanks for the advice guys

 

[weepul]

Originally posted by: Sleeping
Is it unwise to use a switch + a software firewall instead of a router ??

a router != firewall for switch.

a router is actually a computer which 'routes' data to the correct computer. think of him as the guy who the data packets asks directions to. because the outside internet world sees anyone in your LAN as 1 computer (since you're most likely behind 1 ip if you're using a router), the router's job is to tell it to goto desktop 1, desktop 2, laptop 1, etc.

a switch + software firewall will do what a switch and firewall will do, but will not do the job of a router. u can of course get a computer with 2 nics and make that the router if you prefer.

//krunk (^_^x)

 

[prometheusxls]

If by software firewall you mean server with 2 nics running kerio, ISA Server, etc.. then yes. Otherwise no, you need hardware router. HTH

 

[Raybdbomb]

well crappity dude, you brought up a dead deal, i was going to act on this too