Hardware ReviewsBelkin 5-Port Network Switch (F5D5130-5) Let's face it. Even the nicest looking network switches probably belong under your desk, particularly those with noisy fans. Yet this new 5-port Fast Ethernet switch from Belkin has a such a unique shape and style that it deserves a nice spot on top of your desk. Even better, we found that the Belkin switch performed nearly as well as some of the top performing switches we've tested. Add the stylish design and solid performance to thorough documentation, helpful utilities and a good price (we found the switch for $39 + shipping at buy.com.), and we have to say the Belkin is an excellent buy for anyone looking for a basic network switch. Overview
This Belkin switch comes in a package somewhat larger than a cigar box, with a photo of the switch on the front and short explanations about how to use this switch in your network on the back. Inside, you'll find the unique-shaped switch, a power adapter (we prefer switches to have an internal power supply rather than an adapter or "brick" but that's probably the price you pay for this cool-looking switch), a comprehensive 46-page manual and a CD that not only has several Belkin switch and router manuals, but also some nifty network utilities. The manual is superb and covers home networking topics well beyond just those concerning the switch (such as how to install a network card). The manual also covers use of the nifty utilities included on the CD: "NetSetup" that helps install network protocols and name your computers and workgroups; and "NetShare" that helps you share specific drives, folders and printers on your network. That's a real plus for first-time home networkers and a credit to Belkin for understanding their market and their customers. Bravo! The switch itself is about the size of a large external modem (six inches tall) and is designed to stand on end (see the photo above). It has an interesting circular indent on one side and a soft plastic ring on the other. The ring fits inside the indent. The idea is that you can connect compatible Belkin routers, hubs and switches to save desk space -- a neat idea. The front of the switch has a power LED and 5 LEDs, one for each of the five ports. These glow green for 10Mbps connections and yellow for 100Mbps connections. The LEDs flash to indicate data is passing through the switch. The back of the switch has 5 ports that accept network cables coming from up to 5 computers or other devices in your home network. One unique feature we missed in our initial look at the switch is its "auto uplink" ports. Uplink ports are used to connect a switch or hub to another switch, hub or router. Most switches and hubs either have ports dedicated as uplink ports or a have a switch that turns one port from regular mode (for connection to a computer) to uplink mode. With the Belkin switch, all five ports become auto uplink ports if you connect the port to another switch, hub or router. This feature is not highlighted in the manual, but it worked flawlessly for us. One other quick note: the switch does not have a fan so folks looking for a quiet switch will enjoy this one. Installation Installation was easy. We plugged in the power adapter and connected Category 5 cables from our network computers into the ports on the back of the switch. Keep in mind that you can connect and disconnect cables from a hub or switch while it is powered on, but you should not remove cables from a powered-on computer. Performance As usual, we ran a number of tests to determine the performance of the Belkin 5-port switch. First, we used our standard file copy test to check performance in copying files back and forth across the network. Each of our test computers used a D-Link DFE-530TX+ network card. For this test, we copied a 60 meg file back and forth between our two test machines two times each way. We used two common network protocols, TCP/IP and IPX in turn, making sure to remove the other protocol before each test. In the chart below, we show the number of seconds to complete the file copies (an average of the four times we copied the file) and compare the Belkin 5-port switch to our regular bench switch, the Allied Telesyn AT-FS708. As you can see, the Belkin matches up very closely with the Allied Telesyn. Under both TCP/IP and IPX, the results are within 1-2 percent. That means -- in real-world use -- this would be a dead heat. That's admirable for a $40 switch.
In our next test, we compared the true full-bandwidth performance of the switch, again using two computers. This time, however, we copied the 60 meg file from our first test computer (we call it T866..the number refers to the CPU speed) to the second (T400) computer and, AT THE SAME TIME, copied a 30 meg file from T400 to T866. Because both computers are reading and writing, this helps test the switch's "full duplex" function. This puts significant stress on the network and the switch. We ran the same test twice and averaged the results, shown below in seconds to complete all file copying. Against the solid-performing Allied Telesyn, the Belkin fell behind by about 6%, but again, in real world use, the difference likely would not be noticeable.
Finally, we ran two subjective tests on the setup. First we played an AVI movie file both directions across the test network at the same time. Using the Belkin switch, the movie's video and sound played smoothly on both computers. Second, we played a network game that requires a lot of data thrown back and forth between 3 fast machines in our test set up. Again, the Belkin switch handled it without a problem. Technical Support Although Belkin states right on the box that the switch includes "free technical support," it took us a while to find the toll-call (i.e. NOT toll-free) number in the fine print. You can call the number during regular work hours. Belkin does have an excellent web site and you can find tons of information there including FAQs, technical guides and e-mail addresses for pre-sales and technical support questions. Summary Overall, we really liked the Belkin 5-port Switch. It has a stylish design, solid performance and some nice extras included in the package. Belkin seems to have a great understanding of the "newbie" networking market and including some nice instructions and utilities. This switch is a very good deal for $40 and we give it an absolute solid A. Grade = A Details
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