Tech Reaction

With my room about to be the host of 2 computers, I have been in the market for a network switch to help me out. I finally decided on the Trendnet 5-Port 10/100Mbps GREENnet Switch.

Features:

• 5 x 10/100Mbps Auto-Negotiation, Auto-MDIX Ethernet ports
• GREENnet technology reduces power consumption when:
a. Ethernet port is not in use
b. Connected device is turned off
c. Connected device is in power-saving mode
d. Based on Ethernet cable length
• Compliant with IEEE 802.3/IEEE 802.3u standards
• 1Gbps switching fabric
• Store-and-Forward switching architecture with non-blocking wire-speed performance
• IEEE 802.3x flow control support
• Provides 1k MAC address entries
• Compliant with Windows, Linux, and Mac Operating Systems
• Sturdy metal housing
• Diagnostic LEDs
• Plug & Play installation
• 5-Year Limited Warranty

Specifications:

How ‘GREENnet’ Technology Works
GREENnet technology incorporates the following three primary features to reduce power consumption:

1. Link Down Detect
A TRENDnet GREENnet switch will detect if an Ethernet port is not in use and will reduce the power sent to the given port. A port may not be in use either when no device is connected to the port or when the device that is connected to the port is powered down or in standby mode. Regular switches do not have this capability and therefore consume more power while performing the same functions.

2. Cable Length Detect
Less power is required to send data over shorter cable lengths. A TRENDnet GREENnet switch automatically detects the length of the cable that connects the switch to the given networked device and adjusts the power supply accordingly. This technology functions automatically and requires no management.

GREENnet 10/100Mbps Switch Ports
· 1-20 meters (1 – 65 ft) = Reduced Power
· 21+ meters (66+ ft) = Full Power

GREENnet Gigabit Switch Ports
· 1-10 meters (1- 32 ft) = Significantly Reduced Power
· 11-60 meters (32 – 197 ft) = Reduced Power
· 61+ meters (198+ ft) = Full Power

3. Standby Mode
A TRENDnet GREENnet switch reduces the amount of power consumed by operating in standby mode when it is not being used.

A few more pictures before we get to the actual unit…

Now you have seen what you can expect from the written specifications and features on the box. Plus, you got an inside peak on how nicely they packed the unit. Lets move on to the good stuff!

Once I finally got the actual unit out of the packaging and everything else that was in the way, I noticed 1 thing right off, his switch is tiny! At 4.57 x 2.76 inches it will not be the biggest piece of hardware you will own. I had no idea what to expect when i bought this switch. Being this small it actually brought a smile to my face, because it was so unexpected. Oh well, the size will actually end up being perfect for my desk once it gets installed into its new home. You can see it has a nice stylish black and green color scheme to it. It goes with the new GREENnet line of products TRENDnet is marketing these days, 13 in all. With the nice design of the unit and the simplistic color scheme it will not be an eyesore, and will make a nice addition on any desk.

From the front you can see how they setup up this switch. It is pretty much a universal display, which most companies use. They have 2 rows of lights displayed on the front. The top row of lights show off the ‘Link,’ and the bottom row shows ‘100Mbps’

With the back you can see all the ports you will have. They are aligned neatly and they are even numbered to help out if you really need them.

Final Thoughts:

I was really impressed with the solid feel to this unit. I have used some in the past that had a plastic shell and they were just complete crap!  This has a nice metal casing and is actually heavy enough not to get ripped off your desk by your cables. To me that is a huge plus! I can not count how many times my cheap router has been dragged off the desk by a couple cables plugged into it. It annoys me when I have to worry about how the wires are hanging and if they are supported enough to not take out my router. This unit feels like it can withstand that strain and stay in its spot. With as small as this switch is you can place it nearly anywhere you want to, which is also a nice perk. It will fit in a tight spot if it has to and is easily manipulated to fit wherever it needs to go. Also, the stylish paint job gives you the option to leave it on your desk and not have to hide it because of its atrocious look. It is a very well assembled piece of hardware and  there is not a single rattle or lose bolt to be found. It was an easy install to hook everything up, and once I did  I was off and running with 2 connections. Overall I could not be happier with this switch. For $20 I expected worse, but I am more than happy to say I was wrong and TRENDnet has a solid piece of hardware with this switch!