D-Link DMS-106XT 6-Port Multi-Gig Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The D-Link DMS-106XT is a compact six-port unmanaged network switch with five 2.5-gigabit ports and one 10-gigabit port. It is aimed at home networks that have outgrown standard gigabit Ethernet, whether because of a fast fibre connection, a network-attached storage (NAS) device or a household full of gamers.

What the port mix gives you

Five of the ports run at up to 2.5 Gbps, and the sixth runs at up to 10 Gbps. A typical gigabit switch tops out at 1 Gbps per port, so each 2.5G port offers 2.5 times that. D-Link points out that 2.5GE runs at double the speed over common Cat 5e cables, which means many households can upgrade without re-cabling. The 10G port is meant for the link that needs the most bandwidth, such as an uplink or a NAS.

Ports negotiate speed automatically, so slower devices should still connect and run at their own speed. Check each device's own port speed, because a switch can only deliver what both ends support.

Turbo mode and priority

D-Link describes a Turbo mode that uses Quality of Service (QoS) and port-based priority. In general, QoS lets a switch decide which traffic goes first when a link is busy. With port-based priority, traffic from certain ports is favoured in a set order, so a gaming PC or streaming box on a priority port is less likely to be held up by a large download elsewhere. D-Link says this delivers ultra-low latency for time-sensitive packets. As an unmanaged switch, it has no menus to configure; the feature is built in.

Plug and play, no fan

"Unmanaged" means there is no software to set up. You connect power and cables and it works. That suits people who want a faster network without learning VLANs or web interfaces. The trade-off is that you can't configure features such as VLANs or detailed traffic rules.

The switch is fanless, which D-Link says gives silent operation and better reliability, with low power consumption. The housing is metal, and coloured indicators show the speed each port has linked at, which makes it easy to spot a device that connected slower than expected.

Where the 10G port fits

D-Link suggests using the 10G port for high-bandwidth access to a NAS or an NVR (network video recorder), or as an uplink to another switch or router. It also positions the switch for people with 10G or 5G fibre internet and for multimedia design studios that move large files. The listing also mentions connecting a 10GPON or G.fast modem.

Size and backing

The switch measures about 8.5 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches (roughly 21.6 x 16.3 x 3.3 cm) and weighs about 0.2 lb, so it fits on a desk or shelf. D-Link says the brand has been building networks for more than 35 years and that the product is backed by Limited Lifetime Coverage; check the terms with the manufacturer.

Who it suits

It fits households with a few fast devices, such as a gaming PC, a console and a NAS, and LAN-party setups that want more than gigabit between a handful of machines. With only six ports, it is a small hub, not a whole-building switch.

What to check before you buy

• Device ports: confirm your PCs, NAS or router actually have 2.5G or 10G Ethernet; otherwise they will run at lower speeds.
• 10G connection type: check whether your 10G devices use the same type of port and cable as this switch, and which cable category the manufacturer recommends for 10G runs.
• Port count: six ports is limited; count your wired devices and allow for growth.
• No PoE or management: confirm you don't need powered ports or configurable settings.
• Placement: check ventilation guidance and the power supply in the box.

The short version

• Six-port unmanaged switch: five 2.5G ports and one 10G port.
• Turbo mode applies QoS and port-based priority for low latency, according to D-Link.
• Fanless metal housing with coloured port speed indicators.
• Plug and play; 2.5G works over common Cat 5e cabling.
• Suits fast fibre, NAS access and multi-gamer homes; not for managed or PoE needs.

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