Best Gigabit Ethernet Switches For SMBs

Gigabit Ethernet used to be found only in enterprise settings. But today the technology is so common that it's built into most new notebooks. SMBs involved in video conferencing, video streaming, multimedia training and so on need the added functionality of Gigabit Ethernet, and with several vendors targeting the space, Gigabit Ethernet is becoming practical for smaller companies. Here we look at Gigabit Ethernet switches from Hawking Technology, Netgear and SMC priced from $60 to about $1,200.

For customers looking for basic gigabit switch functionality in a small size and at an affordable price, Hawking's five-port or eight-port switches excel. Netgear's GS748T includes 48 ports, offers robust management features and is ideal for combining 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps and 1,000-Mbps devices on a single network. Meanwhile, the 24 ports on SMC's SMC8524T switch can be configured for various speeds, and the unit includes features to ensure proper delivery of data.

All of the switches are backed up by thorough sales, technical and marketing assistance from the vendors.

Hawking Five-Port H-GS5T Gigabit Switch

Hawking Technology is selling its five-port gigabit Switch model H-GS5T for only $59.99. The unmanaged auto-sensing unit needs no attention once it's set up. It features five 10/100/1000-Mbps auto-sensing RJ-45 ports, all capable of automatic speed and duplex negotiation to provide the best possible network performance. The unit offers wire-speed filtering and forwarding.

The H-GS5T has a per-port cost of around $12. It is compatible with any standard NIC, hub or switch, regardless of speed, so it's easy to connect to an existing network. The unit measures only 8x2.25x4.5 inches and is practically weightless, so it will fit almost anywhere and is also wall-mountable. LEDs on top of the unit show connection speed, link activity, power and port status. For customers that need additional ports, Hawking sells an identical-looking eight-port unit, the H-GS8T, for $99.99.Hawking's single-level partner program provides an average reseller margin of 15 percent to 20 percent. Benefits include marketing and bid assistance, co-op funds, sales literature, and marketing and training materials. Standard technical support is available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST.

Netgear GS748T 48-port gigabitSmart Switch
If five or even eight ports aren't enough, try NETGEAR's GS748T 48-port gigabitSmart Switch. This rack-mountable 1U-unit features 48 10/100/1,000-Mbps ports, nonblocking bandwidth and simple browser-based management. The switch has a street price of about $1,200 and a per-port cost of $25. With its auto-sensing, auto-uplink ports, the GS748T is ideal for combining 10-Mbps, 100-Mbps and 1,000-Mbps devices in a single network. The switch includes several key management features such as performance monitoring, port configuration, VLAN for traffic control, port trunking for increased bandwidth and Class of Service (CoS) for traffic prioritization. Four SFP GBIC fiber slots provide optional fiber connectivity for greater distance.

Platinum partners in Netgear's channel program receive a 5 percent front-end rebate for meeting $300,000 in annual sales, while standard partners receive a 2 percent rebate for sales of $60,000. Both levels receive a 5 percent front-end government/education discount. Margins average 18 percent to 20 percent. Training, seed units, marketing materials and support from sales personnel are available.

SMC SMC8524T EZ Switch
The 24 ports on SMC's SMC8524T EZ Switch are auto-sensing, so connection parameters are adjusted automatically. The SMC8524T supports jumbo packets and features store-and-forward mode with wire-speed filtering to ensure data integrity. Its automatic source address learning capability ensures proper delivery of data. Broadcast storm control and runt and CRC filtering prevent erroneous packet delivery. The switch costs $529.99, giving it a per-port cost of $22.

The SMC8524T is ideal for applications such as imaging, animation, CAD and film production. All ports can be connected to either a workstation or another switch, making setup a breeze. Ports can be configured to 10/100-Mbps half or full-duplex mode, or to 1,000-Mbps full-duplex mode to ensure network stability with other equipment that might prefer fixed connection speeds.SMC provides priority customer support, MDFs and average margins of 25 percent. Vendor sales representatives are available to all partners, and solution providers in SMC's Gold and Platinum tiers can receive leads and additional rebates and incentives. Any partner selling to prequalified education and government facilities can receive additional discounts.