When the LINKSYS WRT1900AC Wireless Router launched, I know many of you immediately recognized the signature colors of the company’s most popular products of days gone by. The old skool, blue and black, LINKSYS WRT54G is likely still chugging away in many networking closets, thanks to 3rd party firmware like DD-WRT, Tomato, Open WRT and others. But the promise of support for the community, and firmware options for the LINKSYS WRT1900AC, have yet to materialize. But LINKSYS does have a matching 8 port Gigabit switch for you to buy today.
The Linksys WRT 8-port gigabit switch matches in both color and design to the WRT1900AC, but its bulbous casing, compared to other high quality switches, with their thin steel cases, offends me just a little. As an owner of a WRT1900AC, the last I would do is “stack it” on top of something that, in my opinion, ruins the looks of the much sleeker router it is supposed to complement. My WRT1900AC is hung on my wall, so I can achieve the best possible signal in my home, and my switch, is nowhere near my router. Linksys claims that it saves space, but I can tell you right now, if this WRT 8-Port gigabit switch, matches the footprint of the WRT1900AC, then it’s about three times the size of my 8-port gigabit switch, in a high quality steel case, from another manufacturer that uses the color blue. And I’ve got that tucked out of sight.
However, this is a free market. And if you do want a switch that matches the Linksys WRT1900AC perfectly, then I guess you’ve found it. It does have QoS, auto sensing power saving ports, and will cost you a premium at $69.99 US. But I guess the heart wants what the heart wants.
The full press release and additional photos are posted below.
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LINKSYS 8-PORT SWITCH, FIRST IN THE LINE OF NETWORKING PERIPHERALS MADE TO COMPLEMENT THE AWARD WINNING WRT ROUTER
New Linksys WRT 8-Port Gigabit Switch Expands the Number of Wired Connections on a Home Network
Irvine, CA – October 14, 2014 – Linksys®, a leading brand in wireless networking, today announced the Linksys WRT 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (SE4008), the first in a lineup of new networking peripherals made to complement the award winning Linksys Wireless-AC Dual Band Wireless Router (WRT1900AC). With sleek lines and designed to physically stack below the WRT1900AC router, the WRT 8-port switch expands a home network while reducing the clutter and creating a clean “stack” of vital networking components. Offering easy connectivity of up to eight devices, the new WRT Switch brings maximum Gigabit transfer speeds to wired products such as game consoles, printers, hard drives, IP cameras and more.
“This 8-Port Switch was designed and developed for our loyal WRT router fans. As with the legacy WRT router line, we had stackable solutions to help make it easier to connect other products, save space on the desktop all while building a tower of networking solutions that were all in one place and simple to access, said, Mike Chen, Linksys vice president of product management. “Our introduction of the WRT 8-port switch is our first in a line-up of networking peripherals that will stack below our flagship WRT router to enhance the performance or use of a home network.”
At a Glance Features:
- Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports deliver speeds up to ten times faster than Fast Ethernet
- Space-Saving Design: Build up the WRT system while saving desktop space with the switch’s unique stackable design
- Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize network traffic such as video and audio applications for optimal streaming from a connected router
- Auto-Sensing Ports: Advanced ports maximize data flow rates to connected devices. Additionally, when a connected device is turned off or not in use, the SE4008 will place the port in power-saving mode
- Easy Setup: Simply plug a router into the switch and instantly connect devices to your Wi-Fi network
- LED Indicators: Located on the front of the switch for simple troubleshootin
Network Switch Adds Connectivity to your Network
From surfing the Web to creating a robust local area network, you’ll experience exceptionally fast wired speeds and versatile connectivity with our SE4008 WRT Switch. The switch fits below the WRT1900AC router (sold separately), while also compatible with other routers, to create a powerful and space-efficient WRT network.
8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch For The Fastest Wired Speeds
Easily connect a gaming console, an IP camera, an external hard drive, or other devices to a home or office network and take advantage of ultra-fast wired Internet speeds. The switch is outfitted with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports that deliver speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps—up to 10 times faster than a traditional Fast Ethernet (10/100) connection. Quality of Service (QoS) technology helps prioritize video and audio applications for better streaming.
Perfect With The WRT1900AC Router
With its sleek lines and designed to physically stack below the WRT1900AC, the SE4008 is a perfect match for the iconic WRT1900AC router (sold separately) – allowing users to expand their local area network and connect devices to the Internet without taking up additional shelf space. The switch is also compatible with most other Wi-Fi routers.
Power-Saving Mode Helps Reduce Energy Use
To maximize energy efficiency and help you save on your electric bills, the SE4008 automatically enters into power-saving mode when it detects that a port is not in use or a connected device is turned off.
Pricing and Availability
The SE4008 8-Port Gigabit Switch is available today for an MSRP of $69.99 at major retail and online resellers as well as the Linksys store.
About Linksys
The Linksys brand has pioneered wireless connectivity since its inception in 1988 with its leading innovation and engineering strategies, and best-in-class technology, design, and customer service. Linksys enables a connected lifestyle for people at home, at work and on the move, and with its award-winning products, simplifies home control, entertainment, security and Internet access through innovative features and a growing application and partner ecosystem. For more information, visit linksys.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or watch us on YouTube.
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