Newlink NLHUB-08FE 8-Port Fast Ethernet Desktop Switch

An Ethernet switch gives several wired devices access to the same local network and forwards traffic between the ports that need it.

In a typical small installation, one port leads back towards the router and the others serve computers, access points, cameras, printers or the rack cabling. It expands the wired side of the network; it does not take over the router's job.

It means the switch does not have the normal management interface of a managed switch. There is no web console for configuring VLANs, per-port settings, SNMP or similar network-management functions.

The switch handles ordinary Ethernet forwarding automatically. Some models may still include automatic functions or simple physical mode switches, but that does not make them managed switches.

No. Power it up, connect a port back to the existing network, then plug in the devices you want to use. The ports negotiate their links automatically.

No. The switch expands Ethernet connectivity within an existing network. It does not normally provide routing, Wi-Fi, Internet access or DHCP address allocation.

A router or another suitable network device still provides the gateway to the Internet and, in most small networks, the DHCP service that assigns addresses.

Start with four things: how many wired ports you need, whether any devices need PoE, whether 100Mbps is enough, and whether the switch must mount directly in a 19-inch rack.

The Newlink NLHUB-08FE is the 10/100 model. The remaining switches in this range are Gigabit. The TL-SG1008P adds four PoE+ ports, while the TL-SG1016 and TL-SG1024 are the 16- and 24-port 19-inch rackmount choices. Leave a little room for growth, but there is no prize for buying twenty unused ports simply because they exist.

Yes. The switch models currently in this range are fanless, so there is no cooling-fan noise from the switch itself.

That is not the same as an absolute guarantee of silence from every power adapter or item of connected equipment, but the switches do not contain a fan.

Start with the simple things. Make sure both devices are powered, reseat the plugs, try another known-good patch lead and try another switch port.

If the cabling is through a patch panel or wall outlet, bypass that run temporarily if you can. A missing link light is usually a physical link or negotiation problem, so prove the short direct connection before chasing anything clever.

Yes, but not by bolting it straight to 19-inch rails. The compact models are desktop-style units. Put one on a suitable rack shelf if you want it to live inside a cabinet.

Leave the cables and ventilation comfortable rather than inventing rack ears for a box that was never given any.

No. These switches use ordinary auto-negotiating Ethernet ports, and any suitable port can be used for the link back to a router or another switch.

Whichever port you use for that connection is then occupied by the uplink rather than an end device.

Yes. Connecting one switch to another with a normal Ethernet link is entirely ordinary and is useful when you need more ports in another part of the network.

What you should avoid is accidentally creating two or more parallel paths between unmanaged switches. That can form a network loop and turn a perfectly quiet Ethernet network into a rather enthusiastic packet carousel.

Yes. Use a short RJ45 patch lead between the required patch-panel port and a switch port. The patch panel is passive; the switch provides the active network connection.

Use a normal RJ45 Ethernet patch lead of the appropriate category. Cat5e is suitable for ordinary Gigabit Ethernet, and Cat6 is also fine.

If the switch is connected through structured cabling, use patch leads at the equipment ends rather than treating solid installation cable as a flexible equipment cord.

Yes. Both Cat5e and Cat6 can be used with these RJ45 Ethernet ports. The Gigabit models support 1000BASE-T over suitable Cat5e or better cabling, while the Fast Ethernet model will simply operate within its 10/100Mbps capability.

The speed of the complete connection is determined by the equipment and cabling at both ends, not by the category name printed on one patch lead.

It means each port automatically agrees a supported Ethernet speed and duplex mode with the device connected to it. On the Gigabit models that can be 10, 100 or 1000Mbps; on the NLHUB-08FE it is 10 or 100Mbps.

Auto-negotiation improves compatibility, but it cannot create a speed that one end of the connection does not support.

Auto MDI/MDIX lets the Ethernet port adapt automatically to the transmit and receive wiring presented by the connected device. In normal use, you therefore do not need to choose a special crossover cable when connecting these switches to ordinary Ethernet equipment.

No. The NLHUB-08FE is a 10/100 Fast Ethernet switch, so the maximum negotiated link speed on its ports is 100Mbps.

A Gigabit-capable computer, router or other device can still connect to it, but that connection will negotiate down to a speed the switch supports. It cannot carry a 1Gbps Ethernet link through a 100Mbps port.

No. This model provides Ethernet data only and does not supply Power over Ethernet to connected devices.

If an access point, IP camera, telephone or other device requires PoE, use a suitable PoE switch or a compatible injector.

Not simply because a switch has been added. It gives you more wired connections; your Internet speed is still constrained by the broadband service, router, connected devices and the links between them.

Replacing an old 100Mbps switch with a Gigabit model can remove a local 100Mbps bottleneck, which may make a real difference to file transfers or a faster Internet service. The switch can remove a restriction; it cannot manufacture bandwidth upstream.