Test Setup
Soltek EQ3501-300P: Intel 560 (3.6GHz), 2 x 512MB Corsair TWINX
PC3200XL, ATI Radeon X800XT, 160GB Seagate 7200.7, Windows XP
SP1.
ASUS A8N-SLI: Athlon 64 3500+, 2 x 512MB Corsair TWINX PC3200,
ASUS AX800 XT, 160GB Seagate 7200.7, Windows XP SP1.
We'll be using the onboard PCI Express Gigabit NICs on both platforms,
transferring a folder of patches and benchmark apps ranging from
300kb to over 512MB. The breakdown is as follows: 4950 files,
352 folders, 4.25GB total.
For the large file tests, we compressed the above contents using
WinRAR into 6 archive files. The first five archives are 717MB
each, and the last one totals 291MB.
We will be testing the D-Link GigaExpress DGS-1008D against the
D-Link Gaming Router DGL-4300 and a Linksys BEFSR41 router. Keep
in mind that the Linksys is only a 10/100MBps router but we have
included it just to illustrate the improvement from 10/100MBps
to 1000MBps. The DGL-4300 is equipped with four 1000MBps ports,
so it should provide a good apples to apples comparison. All the
tests were done with direct CAT-5E connections from the PCs to
the routers and switch.
Performance - Small File Transfer
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DGS-1008D
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Well, it's no big surprise that a 10/100MBps connection
is not going to hold a candle against a Gigabit connection. While
we didn't test a wireless connection, keep in mind that 802.11g
is officially spec'd at 54MBps, so that won't be nearly as quick
as even the slowest of Ethernet connections. Getting back to the
tests, the Linksys averages 7.28/6.1MBps up and down, the DGL-4300
at 13.34/18.54MBps up and down and the DGS-1008D averages 13.56/21.20
up and down.
Performance - Large File Transfer
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DGS-1008D
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For the large file tests, we're seeing much better
numbers than the small files since it's a steadier stream of data.
In these tests, we're seeing averages 10.13/9.19MBps up and down
on the Linksys, 21.81/37.2MBps up and down for the DGL-4300 and
on the DGS-1008D, 22.9/37.15 up and down.
Final Words
Our benchmarks pretty much tell the whole story
in regards to performance. If you have the existing wiring and
network connections in place, there's really no reason to stick
with a 10/100MBps router, hub or switch. While the D-Link GigaExpress
DGS-1008D will do nothing for your Internet connection, it can
really boost the network speed between PCs behind the router.
You'll have to keep in mind we added the Linksys
into our test setup for illustration purposes only, and not as
a direct competitor to Gigabit networking equipment. Pretty much
all 10/100MBps routers will perform identically, so we can see
the big jump when moving to 1000MBps. As for the tests against
the DGL-4300, it's pretty much even as that router supports Gigabit
speeds as well. While a router is the preferred device for home
networking plus Internet, the DGL-4300 is limited to 4 ports,
so adding one DGS-1008D triples the available connections for
the home. D-Link also offers a 5-port switch (the 1005D) if you
want to spend less money or require fewer connections. One option
we would like to see is something to match their Gaming Router
(rubberized black and blue LEDs), but at this time, we'll have
to settle for the current look.
The D-Link GigaExpress DGS-1008D is about as close
to plug-and-play as networking equipment can get. Simply plug
in the power, attach a network cable from the PC to the switch
(and another cable to another PC or directly into your router)
and you're set. It really doesn't get much easier than this for
home users as D-Link has made the switch very easy to use. It's
only a layer 2 switch though (and marketed as such), so those
looking for switches that can do more such as encryption and application
level switching will need to look elsewhere. There is also no
way to shut down ports or prioritize traffic streams through specific
ports as you could with managed switches. Without delving too
much deeper into the networking jargon, network admins responsible
for mission critical servers in 500 000 user enterprises will
likely opt for a more advanced multi-layered switch with a couple
dozen connections, but keep in mind these switches have the price
tag to match the user base.
I suppose the real drawback for home users with
the GigaExpress DGS-1008D is that there is no wireless connectivity
for it to act as an access point (WAP). This is a feature available
on the D-Link Gaming Router though, and at a price point of $88
USD, the D-Link GigaExpress DGS-1008D is one of the lowest
priced Gigabit switches I've seen on the market.
Pros: Eight ports, all with Gigabit speed,
auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDI-X crossover. Unmanaged, which
makes it easy to use. Well priced.
Cons: Cannot act as a WAP. Unmanaged, which
is more of a problem for enterprises and advanced networks.
Bottom Line: Again, so that there is no confusion,
the DGS-1008D is not a true router replacement, though it can
be if you prefer to use your Operating System's Internet Connection
Sharing. Personally, for ease of use initially, and the future,
I'd go for a router and switch combo any day.
If
you have any comments, be sure to hit us up in our forums.
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