Hardware Reviews
Compex DynaStack 16-port 10/100Mbps Switch (DS2216) It's not often that we get an Ethernet switch in for review that has some unique capabilities, but that's exactly what we found in this Compex model. As the box clearly indicates, this switch comes equipped with "powerbuttons," a fancy name for a couple of tiny push buttons on the front of the switch that allow you to manually set the speed, duplex and other settings for each port on the switch. The idea is to be able to use the bandwidth (network data capacity) exactly where you need it. Frankly, this is a feature more beneficial to larger networks beyond what you'll find in most homes. Still, even with this nifty feature, we found the DS2216 to be one of the least expensive 16-port switches in the market. We found the switch for as little as $94 + shipping at buy.com. If you've never looked, it's easy to find 16-port switches for two or three times that much. With these extra features, solid performance and great price, we believe the Compex deserves our homePCnetwork.com Editor's Best Buy award. Read on. Overview
This Compex switch comes in a shoebox-sized carton. Inside, you'll find the switch, a power cord (we absolutely prefer switches like this with an internal power supply versus a power brick), a bracket used for stacking the switch to another, rubber feet, and a thorough 13-page manual. The manual provides basic and technical information on the switch, and a very short troubleshooting section. It also provides easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to use the buttons to set up the switch to exactly how you'd like it. The switch itself is approximately a foot long and six inches deep. The case is plastic and, although we prefer metal cases, the switch certainly seemed well built. It has an extensive front panel with a load of LEDs to help you determine how the switch and all of the ports are setup, and to help you change those settings. The panel also has the two small "powerbuttons" that you use to change the settings of each port as you see fit. One button essentially selects the mode you want and the other selects which port to configure that way. Pretty slick. The front panel also has the 16 ports, including the last one that can be setup as regular port or in "up-link" mode to connect to another switch, router or hub. A couple of other quick notes: While most home users probably laugh at the idea of needing a 16-port switch, we suggest you give it a thought if you have a large family of computer users or run a small business out of your home. Consider this: two or three computers in your office; a wireless access point for your laptop; a connection to your cable/DSL router; a connection for a network print server or two; and a couple of connections to a wall outlet with wires to different rooms in the house. That's about 9 connections right there, more than can be handled in an 8-port switch. Obviously, that's a lot of computers in the house, but our point is this: don't discount the need, particularly when you can get a low-priced 16-port switch like this Compex model for about the same price as some 8-port switches. Also, note that the Compex does not have a built-in fan. Some folks dislike the noise that a fan can make. Despite that, the Compex switch did not get as hot as some other switches we've used. Installation As with most switches, installation was a cinch. We plugged in the power cord and connected Category 5 cables from our network computers into the ports on the front 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 DS2216. 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. We used two common network protocols, TCP/IP and IPX in turn, making sure to remove the other protocols before each test. In the chart below, we show the number of seconds to complete the file copies and compare the DS2216 to our regular bench switch, the Allied Telesyn AT-FS708. As you can see in the chart below, the Compex switch just barely edged out the AT switch under IPX, but bested it by almost a full 10% under TCP/IP. In real world use, this would probably be a dead heat in all but the most demanding applications.
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 Compex fell just slightly behind, but again, in real world use the difference likely would never 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 Compex 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. Although other switches have choked on this much data, the Compex switch handled it without a problem. Finally, we tested an interesting feature of this switch called "priority mode." According to the manual, "packets in high priority mode will arrive sooner at the destination MAC address (that's the official term for the address of each network adapter card). In our normal test setup, with just two computers connected to the switch, we saw no difference after we used the "powerbuttons" to set up the two ports in high priority mode. We then moved the switch over to our full network with about 11 network connections, including computers, wall outlets, routers and wireless access points. We copied a file back and forth between two fast computers on the network, first with the ports in default mode and then with the ports in "high priority" mode. (By the way, we had to turn off both machines connected to these ports after making the change and then rebooting.) In this instance, the difference was noticeable as the file copy times averaged 10% faster in high priority mode. Does that 10% made a big difference in everyday use? No, probably not. But again, it's a nifty feature that you get for free based on the low-price of this 16-port switch. Technical Support The manual included with the switch lists a range of technical support options, including phone, fax, snail mail, e-mail and Internet. Interestingly, in the manual, the telephone support line is a toll call, but on the web site, the company provides an 800 number. In both cases, it appears the hours are limited to typical business hours on Pacific time. Summary Overall, the Compex DS2216 is a solid performer. With an almost unbeatable street price, nearly top notch performance and some unique features thrown in, we feel compelled to give this switch an Editor's Best Buy award. Keep in mind, as with other switches we've tested, you may not find it at the local retail store, but a search on the Internet will help you track it down. Grade = A+ Details
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