Linksys LGS108 8-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Desktop Switch: features and specs

The Linksys LGS108 is an eight-port Gigabit Ethernet switch for a desk, a media cabinet or a small office. You plug your devices into it and they can talk to one another, with no software to configure. It is a way to turn one network socket or router port into several.

What an unmanaged switch does

An unmanaged switch has no settings screen. It learns which device is on which port and forwards traffic accordingly. For a home or small office, that is often all that is needed, and it means installation is plug and play: connect power, connect one port to your router or wall socket, then connect your devices.

Managed switches add controls such as VLANs and detailed monitoring. If you need those, an unmanaged model won't provide them.

Gigabit speed and auto-sensing ports

Linksys lists wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps (1 Gbps) on eight auto-sensing ports. Auto-sensing means each port detects the speed of the connected device and adjusts, so older 10/100 devices and Gigabit devices can share the switch. Real-world speed depends on your cables, the devices at each end and your internet connection. A switch does not make your internet service faster, but it can help with local transfers such as sending big files to a network drive or printer.

QoS traffic prioritization

Quality of Service (QoS) lets the switch give priority to some traffic over the rest. Linksys says this helps keep time-sensitive data moving when the network is busy. On a simple switch like this, the prioritization is automatic.

Energy-saving features

The LGS108 meets the 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standard. Linksys says it also cuts power to unused ports automatically and uses "smart power" on short cable runs. In general, that means a switch draws less power when links are idle or when cables are short.

Size and placement

The listing gives dimensions of about 3.0 x 6.7 x 1.0 inches (7.6 x 17 x 2.5 cm) and a weight of 0.7 lb (about 320 g). It is compact enough to sit beside a monitor or on a shelf. Keep vents clear and follow the manual for placement.

Who it suits

It suits people who have run out of ports on a router, such as those connecting a desktop PC, console, TV box, network drive and printer in one room. It also suits small offices with a handful of wired devices. A larger office, or a network that needs to power cameras or phones through the cable, will want more ports or a model with Power over Ethernet.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: count your wired devices now and allow a couple of spare ports.
• Speed: check that your devices and cables support Gigabit; Cat5e or better is typical.
• Power: the switch needs its own power connection, so plan for an outlet.
• Features: if you need VLANs or monitoring, an unmanaged switch won't offer them.
• Placement: think about where cables will run and where the switch will sit.
• Colour options: the listing mentions black and blue; confirm which you are getting.

The short version

• An 8-port Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch from Linksys, model LGS108.
• Wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps on auto-sensing ports.
• Plug-and-play installation with QoS traffic prioritization.
• 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet and power-saving features.
• Compact: about 3.0 x 6.7 x 1.0 inches and 0.7 lb.

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