LinkSys Launch New Home/SME Network Kit

London, United Kingdom, 12 December 2002 – Linksys, a leading provider of networking hardware solutions for the SME (small and medium enterprise) and SOHO (small office home office) environments, today announced the release of the FESWSK5 EtherFast™ Switched 10/100 Network in a Box®.

The first network starter kit to be equipped with a switch (5-port 10/100), the FESWSK5 is designed for SME and SOHO networks and is ideal for network gamers as it enables up to five PCs to connect to a 10/100 network. The additional uplink port enables the connection to another switch for the easy add on of more computers as a business grows or for LAN parties that gather more than five gamers.

The 5-port 10/100 switch also allows each port to deliver up to 200Mbps of full-duplex dedicated bandwidth to every PC on your network. This kit offers users everything they need to get two PCs networked: 5-port 10/100 auto-sensing switch, two EtherFast 10/100 PCI LAN Cards equipped with Wake-On-LAN capabilities, two 3 metre Category 5 Ethernet cables, two programme diskettes, an AC power adapter and an easy to follow user guide… “Our Network in a Box solution is ideal for the home environment or a small business just starting out,” said Robert Auci, Linksys’ international business development director. “With our launch into retail we wanted to offer a solution that provides a simple and affordable solution for sharing files and printers and even playing dual player computer games.”

The switch kit is also able to support other demanding applications for sharing, such as multimedia, desktop publishing, video and database programmes. This newly launched Linksys Network Starter Kit is an alternative to other kits that include a 5-port 10/100 Hub. Product Features:

5-Port 10/100 workgroup hand-size switch for connecting to workstations, file servers, printers, etc.
Two 32-bit professional grade 10/100 LAN cards for PCI desktop PCs
Each 10/100 Switch port adjusts to 10BaseT or 100BaseTX speeds at half or full duplex
10/100 LAN card RJ-45 ports automatically detect and negotiate 10 and 100 Mbps connections
True dual-speed per port auto-sensing
10/100 LAN Cards are Wake-On-LAN compatible on WOL motherboards
PCI bus mastering for fast uninterrupted data transfers
Software drivers for most major networks included
Perfect for sharing a cable modem, DSL or any type of Internet connection
Free technical support
Two Ethernet-Category 5 cables
5-year guarantee on the Switch + lifetime guarantee on the LAN cards and cables

Pricing & Availability – Linksys’ New Fast Ethernet Switched 10/100 Starter Kit is immediately available through retail outlets, distribution channels, direct response and e-commerce, at a suggested retail price of £79.00 (excl. VAT). A listing of all
Linksys channel partners for where to buy can be found at:

Home Network Kits : LinkSys [Now cisco.com]