Netgear EN-108TP 10-Base T-Ethernet Hub 8-Port

NETGEAR's EN100 Series Ethernet hubs connect your PCs for the important functions you need - file, print, resource, and Internet access sharing, e-mail communications, and multi-user network gaming. Flexible, straightforward and cost-effective, these hubs deliver an extraordinary value for users seeking a highly dependable and easy-to-use connectivity solution.NETGEAR's EN100 Series effectively provides data exchange, resource sharing, and client/server or peer-to-peer applications solutions with simple UTP (unshielded twisted-pair) wiring. The hub links to other networks using thin coaxial cables connected to the BNC port, or by using other cabling with appropriate external AUI transceivers for great backbone support. Push-button uplink port simplifies cascading with other hubs for network expansion using standard UTP cables. Slim, sturdy, metal case design means these hubs fit in almost anywhere without cluttering your workspace. Desktop and wall-mount kits are included. Installation is just Plug and Play. LEDs are integrated in the network ports, which simplifies installation even more, and makes network monitoring a breeze.

1 Great for 10 Mbps, but you should consider 10/100 Mbps.
Our office used to use a handful of the EN-108 8-port hubs and some of the EN-104 (the 4-port version of the same product).

As most of the NetGear equipment line, the EN-108's are really nice. NetGear equipment are nicer because they have:

- Nice sturdy metal construction instead of plastic.

- Status indicators built into the jacks, so you can easily tell which cable is connected and is active.

- Right-angled barrel power connector which reduce the likelihood of disconnecting power accidentally.

- An easy-to-access switch to toggle port 1 between station mode and uplink mode. Unlike some hubs where two jacks are wired together, this design prevents accidentally shorting a station to an uplink.

- Screw-mount notches on the underside allows for easy attachment to the wall, underside of a counter, etc.

Rather than buying this 10Mbps hub, however, I strongly suggest that you buy a 10/100 Mbps hub. Your interest in buying an 8-port hub suggests that you have an actively-used network. If so, you'll most likely benefit from higher networking speeds.

Is there a noticeable difference between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps? It depends on your usage, but if you regularly share larger files with your coworkers, (about 300 KBytes or larger), you'll notice a tangible difference. For truly large files (like graphics/movies, or when installing an application via a network drive), a 10 second transfer at 100 Mbps will take well over a minute at 10 Mbps.

2 A smart buy
Very easy setup (literally just plug it in and connect all ethernet cables). I had mine up and running within 15 minutes of opening the box.

3 Simple and Effective
To reiterate the above, it works flawlessly for me, and is very sturdy. I appreciate a nice box, and that it is. I think I paid an extra $10 or so for the nice box, and I feel good about it.

4 I'll get the job done. Thats all you need.
Pros: The 8th port is easy to configure for stacking.

Cons: It costs a little more then the rest.

Result: Its a sturdy little thing, and will last forever. However, the extra price is for sentimental value only. I'd buy this one because I want my network to work when I want it. Not that others dont, but like I said, its sentimental value. A good hub.