Ethernet

Ethernet Equipment

Making Ethernet the "standard" for your home office network puts you in line with almost every major (and minor) corporation in the

 world.  As always, however, there are a number of things to remember as you make your move to Ethernet:

• Cabling - Is your network all in one room, or are you going to have to "wire" your house (or are you lucky enough to have built or purchased a home that is already "wired" for Ethernet)?  If you're going to have to "wire" your house (and you're not a Mr. or Ms. "Fixit" by nature), expect to hire a contractor and, of course deal with some construction "delays" and expense before your network is in place.  If you're looking for someone to help, check out this link - Future Home Guild.  Oh, and remember to buy the cables you need!
• Speed - Home Ethernet systems come in two "flavors", 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps, make sure you know what you're buying before you get everything home.  And make sure the Ethernet Adapters for your PCs match the speed of the router and switch!
• Routers and Switches  -Simply put, if you're going to connect your home network to the Internet through a broadband cable modem or DSL connect, you'll need a router (basically a router provides a path from each PC - on your network - to the address you're going to on another network.  It also can perform some "firewall" or security functions as well as perform address translation so you can use any IP addressing scheme you'd like on your local, home network.).  If you've got multiple PCs, Ethernet enabled printers and other devices that are Ethernet capable, you'll probably need to add a switch as well.  In contrast to a router, a switch basically directs traffic on your network and would be connected to the router to gain access to the Internet.  We strongly recommend that you choose your router and switch from the same manufacturer - it will save you time, headaches and "finger pointing" if and when you have to call tech support with a problem.

  Web Home Office Reports

• Your PCs  - Remember that each PC must have an Ethernet adapter (these are "dirt cheap" and ubiquitous these days - almost any one you choose will work very well) and that you are going to have to configure each PC to operate in that network - setting up file sharing, printer sharing and more!  Microsoft's Web site has helpful information.  We've included the link to their Broadband Networking page to get you started Microsoft's Broadband Networking Page. Additionally, many of the manufacturers of the equipment (such as Linksys) have guides to help you in planning and implementing your network based on their technology.  Make sure you take the time to at least browse through before you make your purchases (save yourself hassles and shipping and driving costs!).  And finally, make sure your PCs are ready to network.  Do they have enough memory?  Hard drive space?  CPU power?  If not, you'll be disappointed, and it won't be a "network" problem at all!

So, ready to go?  Check out our review of manufacturers of Ethernet routers, hubs, switches and adapters below as well as our detailed product matrix Ethernet Equipment for detailed and more complete information.

Note:  For purposes of cost comparison we assumed that the home network required connectivity for 4 PCs (two laptops and 2 desktops).  Network adapter costs are included, however, cable and connectors costs were not.   Vendors not offering the complete range of products to satisfy this configuration are judged only on their specific product sets in comparison to those of their competitors.

Ethernet Networking Equipment Review

Ethernet Networking Equipment*

(Rankings - best, 5 symbols, worst, 1 symbol)

* A = Amateur, R = Rookie, P = Pro

3Com

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

3Com includes setup/configuration and monitoring/management software with every Ethernet networking device they sell.  Some are Windows utilities only, others include a web-based interface to let you manage your device - even remotely - more simply and easily. 

Cost - $$$

3Com makes thirty-four (they make a variety of large more complex devices for the enterprise and service provider customers that are not outlined here) 10/100Mbps and 10/100/1000Mbps switches with twenty-four or less ports that range in price from $23.54 to $4,549.29 (including switches that support 10-Gigabit Ethernet), fourteen routers (seven that include ADSL or G.SHDSL modems) priced from $48.15 to $645.00, and four 10/100/or 1000Mbps Ethernet adapters from $95.95 to $230.37.  See our product matrix Ethernet Equipment for detailed information on products and pricing.  3Com's sample network pricing (4 PCs - 4 desktops and a router) priced out at $448.11.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹¹

We always set aside at least 1/2 day when we're setting up a network (best case it doesn't take this long, worst case....).  However, once things are up and running, problems are few and usually limited to someone tripping on a cable or pulling one out by accident.  Networks are great productivity tools.  Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ease of Use - @@@@

3Com's Gateway Discovery Program, Connection Assistant and DynamicAccess software will help you get the most out of your Ethernet network.

Works With - YYY1/2

With the exception of the Ethernet adapters, 3Com's networking equipment is platform independent (but often requires Windows for configuration and management software installation).  The adapters are designed for Windows only.

Support - ppp1/2+

3Com's switches, hubs and routers carry lifetime limited warranties, the adapters one year warranties.  The technical support area on the 3Com web site includes a searchable knowledge base, a connection assistant that includes diagnostics and troubleshooting tips and software/driver downloads.  If you need more help, 3Com offers telephone ("800" number) support for the first 90 days only.  After that you must purchase an extended contract or upgraded warranty to continue to have access to technical support personnel via telephone.  Online service requests and email access to technical support is, however, available.

Features - iiii

3Com's switches supply plenty of speed (up to 10-Gigabit) as well as prioritization of some traffic and the routers offer firewall protection including support for NAT, filters, packet inspection and VPN end-point and pass through for IPSec, PPTP and L2TP traffic (great if you are working with a larger enterprise that requires secure access to their network). 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2+

3Com makes solid equipment at a good price.  They've been doing this for a while, for all shapes and sizes of companies and networks.  Your 3Com network will cost-effectively and reliably serve you and your business well.

AirLink+

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

All of AirLink+s Ethernet networking devices are "plug and play" and do not require installation of a software driver.  The router is configurable via a web-based interface.

Cost - $$$$

AirLink+ makes eight switches (5, 8, 16 and 24ports, 10/100 and Gigabit Ethernet) at prices from $17.99 to $105.00, one four port gateway/router at $34.99, three print servers USB 1.1 at $49.99, USB 2.0 at $9.99 and a 3 port model with 2 parallel and one USB 1.1 port at $69.99 and four adapters (we were unable to locate pricing for two PCI 10/100Mbps adapters) with the CardBus adapter priced at $14.99 and the Gigabit Ethernet PCI adapter at $24.99. See our product matrix Ethernet Equipmentfor detailed information on products and pricing.  AirLink+'s sample network pricing (4 PCs - 2 desktops and 2 notebooks, and a router) priced out at $114.95.

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹¹

We always set aside at least 1/2 day when we're setting up a network (best case it doesn't take this long, worst case....).  However, once things are up and running, problems are few and usually limited to someone tripping on a cable or pulling one out by accident.  Networks are great productivity tools.  Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ease of Use - @@@@

AirLink+'s router includes easy-to-use web-based configuration and management tools.  Switches and adapters are "plug and play" and often do not require separate drivers or configuration utilities.

Works With - YYYY

AirLink+'s switches and routers are "platform independent".  The adapter cards support Windows, NetWare, Linux and UNIX operating systems.

Support - pppp

AirLink+'s networking gear carries a one year warranty.  The tech support area on the web site includes manuals, quick installation guides, drivers and firmware downloads and a FAQ.  If you need more help you can email or telephone tech support at their "800" number Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM Pacific. 

Features - iii

What you'd expect in Ethernet networking devices.  Firewall in router, standard setup and management utilities.

Overall Rating - %%%%

Competitively priced products with a surprisingly good tech support strategy.

Asante

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹¹

Asante provides web-based access to their management and configuration tools on their routers (switches install without major "setup" software required, cards use standard software drivers or are "plug and play").  Set up utilities include "context sensitive" scripts that require you to configure only the functions associated with your specific networking environment.

Cost - $$$1/2

Asante makes fourteen switches (five to 24 ports - 10/100 to Gigabit Ethernet) that range in price from $43.99 to $2,063.99 and a bridge that links Ethernet Macintoshes to Local Talk devices at $99.00.  See our product matrix Ethernet Equipment for detailed information on products and pricing. 

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹¹

We always set aside at least 1/2 day when we're setting up a network (best case it doesn't take this long, worst case....).  However, once things are up and running, problems are few and usually limited to someone tripping on a cable or pulling one out by accident.  Networks are great productivity tools.  Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ease of Use - @@@@

Asante equipment includes easy to understand diagnostic LEDs on every device and web-based interfaces for configuration and management.

Works With - YYYY1/2

Asante switches and routers are platform independent.  Where  possible, adapters are designed to serve multiple OS's (including Windows, Macintosh and Linux) and Asante makes OS specific adapters as well - especially for older Macintosh environments.

Support - ppp1/2

Asante offers a mix of two and one year warranties on their Ethernet networking equipment. See our product matrix Ethernet Equipment for complete details. The tech support area on their web site includes a FAQ, user forums and downloads.  If you need more help, you can email Asante tech support or call them (no "800" number, you'll pay long distance charges where they apply).

Features - iii+

Asante makes switches that can accommodate speeds from 10 to 1000Mbps. 

Overall Rating - %%%1/2

Asante makes solid switch gear, that is competitively priced, for the home business owner. 

ASUS

Simple Start-Up - ¹¹¹1/2

ASUS' router is straight forward to set up using their web-based configuration tool. The switches are "plug and play" and do not require installation of software drivers.

Cost - $$$1/2

ASUS makes ten switches in port capacities from 5 to 24 ports (for small business) priced from $86.99 to $320.66.  We were unable to locate pricing for the RX3041 router.  See our product matrix Ethernet Equipment for detailed product specifications and pricing information. 

Time Savings - ¹¹¹¹¹

We always set aside at least 1/2 day when we're setting up a network (best case it doesn't take this long, worst case....).  However, once things are up and running, problems are few and usually limited to someone tripping on a cable or pulling one out by accident.  Networks are great productivity tools.  Once you have one, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!

Ease of Use - @@@@

ASUS VPN router offers web-based configuration and management to make managing their devices simpler and easier.  The switches are "plug and play", just connect the cables.

Works With - YYYY1/2

The ASUS VPN switches and routers are platform independent.

Support - ppp1/2

ASUS switches and VPN router carry one year warranties.  The technical support area of their web site includes a FAQ, downloads and technical reference.  If you need more help, you have to go to their web site and get an incident number before you email or telephone technical support (no "800" number, you must pay long distance charges where they apply) during the hours of 5:30 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific.