A switch is a device to which all computers in a network or section of a network send their data. A switch works out which computer should receive the data and sends it out to just that port. This is different from a hub, which directs everything it receives to all available ports, leaving it up to the receiving computers to work out if the data is intended for them.

It shouldn't be hard to see that a switch is a lot quicker than a hub. All ports on a switch have the potential to run at the full speed of the network to which they're connected. In a hub, the top speed of any port is the speed of the network divided by the number of ports in the hub. There's also a limit to the number of hubs you can connect together to extend a network--there's no such limit when connecting switches.

The FS605, about the size of a Pocket PC or portable CD drive, has a set of six LEDs on its front edge. The first shows when the power from the separate mains power pack is connected, while the other five show when individual ports in the switch are active. They shine yellow for an Ethernet connection and green for a fast Ethernet one, and flash as data passes through them.

You can position this Netgear switch horizontally on the desktop or vertically using the stand provided or wall-mounting. With all recent versions of Windows, all the software you need to set up a network is built into the operating system and no extra programs are needed or supplied by Netgear.

Should you need to connect the FS605 to another switch to extend your network, you don't need to worry about using special cables or designating one of the ports as an uplink between the two switches. This device is intelligent enough to work it out itself and any of the five ports will automatically switch to an uplink mode as required. --Simon Williams

I have also found them useful for netowrk clustering, where only one main network link is available, these can chain onto existing switches of any make and run very easily, stright out of the box.

If you are looking for a larger scale solution (12+ users) though, you should really consider a solution using Cisco or 3Com switches. Maybe more expensive but definitely more reliable in larger network environments :o)


Perfect for beginners and advanced alike   June 2, 2004
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Never having networked before, i bought this switch after some advice from a local network guru. I have never looked back.
The device is very small, (about the size of a fist) and exceedingly light, not counting the plug that comes with it.
Getting my laptop attached to my computer was very simple. Plug in the cat 5 cables and switch everything on!!
The computer required some adjustments as the internet security package i have didnt want to network, but it took no time at
all to rectify and i can now share files at lightning speed.

What a great little gadget, at a great little price. I reccomend it to all networkers, beginners and advanced


Quality Networking Kit   August 10, 2005
8 out of 8 found this review helpful

As you'd expect with a switch setup is just a case of plugin the power and your ithernet cables and away you go. The device itself isn't very pretty looking (I prefer the FS105, already having an FS108) but it gets the job done. Not had any problems at all.

I currently have 2 PCs connected to this switch, then switch is connected to a router (with it's own built-in switch elsewhere in the house).


Great device, great price   December 1, 2004
3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Bought this to connect two windows PCs with a PC running linux- detecting instantly by all PCs- absolutely no problems. Would recommend to everyone!


Amazing product but READ IF SHARING INTERNET   October 1, 2009
Benjamin Saunders
2 out of 2 found this review helpful

First Off, This is a brilliant product which I would recomend to anyone, but... It will only share a broadband connection if it is plugged into a router first and NOT if it is plugged strate into a modem.
for simple broadband connection splitting e.g from the modem into two devices look into the Netgear RP614 Web Safe Router and not this.

Pro's:
Adds an extra 4 ports to any network, or links upto five pc's (LAN GAMING), Works flawlessly at 10 or 100mbps per port, 1000mbps total bandwidth (Fast enough!), 3 years manufacturers warranty!, plug and play (No software needed)

Cons:
The power adapter is a little large, No ethernet cable included (Reqired: Cat5/Cat5e Ethernet cable's)

Uses:
To add ports to an EXISTING network, to share files and internet with all conected equipment, Print servers, Small home networks and many more.

Mine is currently conected to my Laptop and Xbox360 allowing me to stream files from the laptop to xbox at speed . it is also conected to my broadband internet network downstairs 85mbps homeplugs: Max Value 85 Mbps Home Plug Double Unit Pack, allowing both the laptop and xbox360 to access the internet at the same time at full speed without the two interfering with each other.

All in all a brilliant product with the styling and performance to match and with no extra software or tricky installation your all set for stress free networking with a name we can all trust, Good one Netgear.