Zyxel launches affordable XGS1250-12 multi-gigabit switch

Many homes and businesses rely on wireless networking almost exclusively, and that's not really a bad thing. This is especially true if you are only connecting to the internet and not transferring files between machines on your network. Look, Wi-Fi has gotten much better over the years, becoming both faster and more stable. Not to mention, wireless connectivity is more convenient and less messy -- you don't need to run cables through walls.

If you do leverage wired networking and transfer files between computers on your local network, Zyxel has a new multi-gigabit switch that you should definitely check out. Called "XGS1250-12," this 12-Port web-managed switch features eight gigabit ports, one 10G fiber port, plus a trio of multi-gig ports with a maximum of 10G each. Best of all, the switch is surprisingly affordable.

"Designed to optimize high-bandwidth applications in the home and office, such as HD multimedia content creation and storage, and high-speed WiFi 6 data and IoT traffic, the versatile XGS1250-12 switch features three multi-Gigabit ports to eliminate network bottlenecks for devices such as 10G NAS or servers, Wi-Fi 6 access points and new 2.5G motherboards. XGS1250-12 can be easily managed through an intuitive browser-based graphical user interface," says Zyxel.

The hardware-maker further says, "The switch features eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, one 10G SFP+ port, and three Multi-Gigabit ports that support five speeds: 10 Gbps, 5 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps and 1 Gbps. The highest common link speed is automatically and independently negotiated with each connected device. The operating speed of each port is indicated by an easy-to-read five-color LED. Networks can be easy upgraded to Multi-Gigabit while retaining existing Cat 5e cable infrastructures, thereby minimizing cost and saving time."

Zyxel shares some specifications below.

• 8 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet port with metal shielding
• 3 x RJ-45 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10G Ethernet port with metal shielding
• 1 x SFP+
• Hardware reset button
• Item dimensions (WxDxH): 250 x 104 x 27 mm (9.84" x 4.10" x 1.06")
• Item weight: 783 g (1.73 lb.)
• Switching capacity: 96 Gbps
• Switching forwarding rate: 71.42 Mpps
• MAC address table: 16 K
• Packet buffer: 1.5 MB
• Jumbo frame support up to 12 KB

The Zyxel XGS1250-12 multi-gigabit switch can be had here immediately. It is currently priced at $219.99. That makes it a surprisingly affordable multi-gig switch with all things considered.

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