Compare Linksys Instant 5-Port Ethernet Hub (EW5PCISK) to Linksys SD2005 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch

If you've thought about connecting your computers together to share documents, files, hard drives, programs, CD-ROMs, multimedia, printers, exchange e-mail, and more, the Network Starter Kit is just the ticket! Built for PCI 486 and Pentium desktop PCs, the kit comes with two network cards, a 10BaseT hub, network cables, and software--and the installation couldn't be easier! Just plug the network cards into your computer, connect them together with the enclosed cabling and hub, configure the software, and go.??Ready to run right out of the box with powerful 32-bit network software like Windows 95, 98, NT, Novell and others, the Network Starter Kit is easily expandable. The Workgroup Hub comes with five 10BaseT ports, allowing you to network up to five computers together just by adding additional network cards and cabling. And since the Workgroup Hub can be uplinked to other hubs, your network can grow to include an enormous number of computers and printers-expand as your network ne... Less

The 5-Port 10/100/1000 Gigabit Switch provides non-blocking, wire speed switching for your 10, 100, and 1000 megabit network clients. Drop this switch in place of your current workgroup hub or switch, and you can upgrade your high-requirement workstations to full Gigabit speeds as necessary, while continuing to service other clients at their current speeds. Or build your network from the ground up, with appropriate link speeds for each user's requirements. Either way, it's perfect for graphics, multimedia, and other applications that have to move large files across the network quickly. Less