Is this a good network switch?

[sandboy6184]

Just need a simple switch for a home test network with 4 comps that are old. http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=1805128


28.00 dollars------

Product Name: 3COM 10BT/100BTX 5-PORT OFFICE CONNECT SWITCH 5 3C16793
Mwave Part Number# 1805128

Manufacturer Part Number 3C16793

Manufacturer Web Site: 3COM


http://www.mwave.com/mwave/spec1/images/1805128.gif



Description:
3ComÆs OfficeConnect Switch 5 - high quality small office networking at its most affordable! This OfficeConnect Switch delivers flexible, high-speed 10/100 technology, leads the field in quality and reliability, and is backed by a Lifetime Warranty. All this and highly affordable too. Choose simple and reliable networking solutions from 3Com, the small business specialist.

Features:


Product Description: 3Com OfficeConnect Dual Speed Switch 5 - switch - 5 ports
Form Factor: External
Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime warranty
Features: Full duplex capability
Dimensions (WxDxH): 9 in x 5.3 in x 1.7 in
Weight: 1.3 lbs
Power: AC 110/220 V ± 10% ( 50/60 Hz )
RAM: 1 MB
Device Type: Switch
Ports Qty: 5 x Ethernet 10Base-T, Ethernet 100Base-TX
Data Transfer Rate: 100 Mbps
Data Link Protocol: Ethernet, Fast Ethernet
Compliant Standards: IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3U
Communication Mode: Half-duplex, full-duplex

Technical Information:

NOT AVAILABLE

System Requirements:

NOT AVAILABLE

Package Contents:

NOT AVAILABLE

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all information contained herein. Mwave.com makes no warranty expressed or implied with respect to accuracy of the information, including price, product editorials or product specifications. Product and manufacturer names are used only for the purpose of identification

[EnigmaOne]

I like 3Com NICs and so forth, but I wan't impressed with their OfficeConnect line in the least. In a local school implementation of these products, not one lasted more than 11 months.

We went back to using Cisco and Linksys.

[DMR]

3Com's NICs and high-end pro gear are good and solid, but I'm not sure about their consumer-oriented OfficeConnect line- I've heard some grumbling about OC gear, but I haven't used it much myself.

Cisco is good on the high end gear as well, but they bought Linksys to get a foot in the consumer market, and I've had nothing but headaches with Linksys products (mostly with their wireless garbage).

Personally I've always had good luck with Netgear switches, routers, etc.

[j79zlr]

I've never used anything but Linksys wired routers and switches in home network environments and have had no problems. In my home network right now I have a LS BEFSR41 4 port router/switch along with a 5-port workgroup switch and both have been running for about 7 months without being turned off without a single problem.

[EnigmaOne]

Since somebody mentioned Linksys in the home environment, I will add that you can get a Linksys, 5-port 10/100 workgroup switch for virtually the same price as you're seeing for the 3Com OC box, with a drastically smaller footprint (4.33"W x 3.43"D x 1.26"H) to boot. (It certainly isn't a Catalyst 2600!)

I've been running a Linksys EZXS55W (http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=34&scid=31&prid=149) for something like 3 or 4 years without a single problem with it, and it originally set me back a whole $34.00 at the time.

[snowgod]

Originally posted by j79zlr
In my home network right now I have a LS BEFSR41 4 port router/switch...have been running for about 7 months without being turned off without a single problem.

Wow, I had the same router and I had to bounce it multiple times a day as my bandwidth would slow to a halt. I never did get the issue resolved. I have always had good luck with netgear switches. They are super cheap, and I think in this case would be a good fit. It doesn't look like we are looking for a high end switch for 4 old PC's....