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| CNet CNSH-1600 Sixteen Port Fast Ethernet Auto-sensing Switch | CNet CNSH-800 Eight Port 10/100/TX Auto-sensing Switch |
Aesthetics
Above are the two switches features in this review. Both are exactly the same in the inside, using the same electrical engineering, baring their number of ports. On the outside, they are VERY different. The CNSH-800 features a very ridged plastic case with curves; very similar to most Hubs aimed at home use. Because of its case, the 800 is much more pleasing to the eye than the simple metal case the 1600 is enclosed in. Because I am a hardcore tech, I would be pleased to have the 1600 on my desk, but most home users would prefer the more streamlined look of the 800 as opposed to the technological eye sore that the 1600 is.
The only thing that really bothers me about these switches is the configuration of the 800. Its RJ-45 plugs are placed on the rear of the hub, while the Link/Data lights are on the front of the unit. This means that the cables will need to run out of the back instead of front where the lights are. This of course is just a thing I have grown accustom two, having the lights and plugs on the same side, as it provides the networking device can site cleanly on my half wall behind my computer, like my Netgear EN104TP 4 port 10/T hub. The 1600 follow the design of 99% of the Commercial Style Switches in the world. On the right is the array of RJ-45 plugs for the Cat-5 cabling. On the left is a large grouping of diagnostic LEDs. They can signal on a moment’s glance whether each port is running at 100Mbps or 10Mps, as well as if there is an active link on the port, and if the port is active. There is also a universal power LED. On the rear is an ON/OFF switch, as well as an exhaust area for the fan, and a standard 100-240V 50-60Hz AC Plug in using the same cable that PCs and monitors do for power. The 1600 is also rack-mountable with an optional mounting unit, or you can attach small rubber feet to the bottom and set it on the desk, floor, or another switch/hub, as it is stackable.
Documentation
Both the 800 and the 1600 come with small user manuals. The 800′s manual is a rather small brochure type, covering the product’s basic features and installation. There is also a small section that covers optimizing configurations, which basically contains cable type and Auto-Negotiation (Full Duplex). On the reverse side of the manual lies a sample topology of a network using the 800, and a small troubleshooting section that covers the crossover port as well as the cable requirements for 100Mbps operation. The 1600′s manual is a very nice soft cover pamphlet that covers the same topics as the 800, but covers them much more in depth. It even goes as far as to show how to rack-mount the switch.
Conclusion
Overall, these mid-size switches from CNet USA are a very good deal. The main consideration is their price, as they are basically the same as every other switch out on the market. To me, the only drawbacks are the documentation that is limited, as well as the style of the 800. To you, neither may be a concern, as documentation really isn’t needed. Installation is taking it out of the box, plugging it into the wall, and plugging it into our computers. Because of the drawbacks, these switches fall short of being perfect, but still get one of the highest ratings possible, 4.5 stars out of 5. I don’t know what CNet will do with that half of a star, but I am soon to ask them.
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