Linksys LGS105 Review: A Quick Overview and Detailed Deep Dive
If you need a straightforward way to expand a wired network across a home office, entertainment area, small workspace, or multi-room setup, the Linksys LGS105 is the kind of networking hardware worth considering. This 5-port business desktop Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch is designed around a simple objective: provide additional wired Ethernet connections without adding complicated configuration steps. It supports wired connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, making it a practical option for computers, printers, access points, streaming equipment, network storage, and other Ethernet-enabled devices.
The important distinction to understand immediately is that the LGS105 is an unmanaged switch. Despite the supplied category phrase “managed PoE network switch Multi Room,” this particular model should not be treated as a managed PoE switch. It is better understood as a compact Gigabit Ethernet expansion point for users who want more wired ports with minimal setup. That distinction matters when planning a network, especially if you need VLAN configuration, advanced traffic management, or Power over Ethernet.
Quick Overview
At a glance, the Linksys LGS105 delivers five Gigabit Ethernet ports in a compact desktop format. Its biggest appeal is simplicity. Connect an Ethernet cable from your router or existing network to the switch, connect additional wired devices to the remaining ports, and the switch handles the network traffic automatically.
- Five Gigabit Ethernet ports: Adds additional wired network connections to an existing network.
- Up to 1,000 Mbps: Gigabit Ethernet provides substantially more wired bandwidth than older Fast Ethernet equipment.
- Unmanaged operation: No web-based switch configuration is required for normal use.
- Compact desktop design: Suitable for desks, shelves, entertainment centers, and compact network areas.
- Multi-device connectivity: Useful for computers, printers, TVs, game consoles, NAS devices, and other Ethernet equipment.
- Business-oriented design: Built for users who want dependable wired expansion without unnecessary complexity.
For a small network, five ports can make a meaningful difference. A router may have only a limited number of available Ethernet connections, and modern homes and workspaces increasingly contain multiple devices that benefit from wired connectivity. Instead of replacing the router, a compact switch can expand the wired side of the network.
Detailed Deep Dive: Design and Port Layout
The first strength of the LGS105 is its uncomplicated physical design. A desktop switch does not need to dominate a workspace, and this model is intended to sit quietly alongside other networking equipment. The five Ethernet ports give you flexibility for connecting multiple wired products without requiring a rack-mounted networking cabinet.
This makes the switch particularly interesting for a multi-room network where one Ethernet run reaches a secondary area and several devices need connectivity there. For example, an Ethernet connection could be extended into an office, media room, studio, or another part of the home and then distributed among several local devices through the switch.
The front-facing Ethernet connections also make cable management relatively easy to understand. There is no need to work through complicated port assignments or manually configure individual connections for ordinary networking. The physical layout is focused on getting cables connected and keeping the network operational.
Features That Matter
1. Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity
The headline feature is Gigabit Ethernet. With supported connection speeds up to 1,000 Mbps, the LGS105 is designed for modern wired networking rather than older 10/100 Mbps infrastructure. Actual transfer speeds will depend on the connected devices, cables, network conditions, and workload, but Gigabit Ethernet provides a strong foundation for everyday high-bandwidth applications.
2. Five-Port Expansion
Five ports provide a useful balance between capacity and physical size. In a simple setup, one port can connect back to the router or upstream network while the other ports connect local devices. This leaves room for several computers, entertainment products, printers, or storage devices without requiring a larger switch.
3. Unmanaged Simplicity
The unmanaged architecture is arguably one of the LGS105’s most important characteristics. There is no need to learn VLAN menus, traffic-priority settings, or complicated switch administration simply to add Ethernet ports. For households, small offices, and straightforward wired installations, this can save time and eliminate unnecessary configuration work.
4. Desktop-Friendly Form Factor
A compact desktop switch is useful when networking equipment needs to fit beside a workstation, television, printer, or home entertainment system. Instead of installing a large networking chassis, you can place a small switch close to the devices that need wired connectivity.
5. Useful for Multiple Rooms
Although the LGS105 is not itself a Wi-Fi access point or PoE switch, it can still be useful in a multi-room network. A wired Ethernet connection can serve as the upstream connection, while the LGS105 distributes that connection to several nearby Ethernet devices. This is particularly useful where several wired products are concentrated in one room.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Five Gigabit Ethernet ports | It is an unmanaged switch rather than a managed switch |
| Supports up to 1,000 Mbps wired connections | Not designed as a PoE power source |
| Simple plug-and-play networking approach | No advanced VLAN or traffic-management interface |
| Compact desktop-friendly design | Five ports may be limiting for larger networks |
| Useful for offices and multi-device rooms | Performance depends on the rest of the network |
| Good solution for expanding available Ethernet ports | Not a substitute for a router, firewall, or managed switch |
Performance in Everyday Networking
Performance is where a Gigabit Ethernet switch earns its place. Wired networking is often preferred for devices that need consistent connectivity, particularly desktop computers, workstations, network storage, smart TVs, game consoles, and other stationary equipment. Compared with relying entirely on wireless connections, a direct Ethernet connection can reduce dependence on wireless signal strength and congestion.
The LGS105 is therefore a sensible choice for environments where several devices are located near one another. Imagine a home office containing a desktop computer, network printer, NAS device, and another workstation. Instead of consuming every available router port, a five-port switch can provide local connectivity from a single upstream connection.
The same principle works in a media room. A television, streaming device, game console, and other Ethernet-capable products can be connected through the switch. For users who prioritize stable wired connections for bandwidth-intensive devices, that can make cable-based networking much easier to organize.
However, it is important to keep expectations realistic. A switch does not magically increase the internet speed supplied by an ISP. If your internet connection is slower than Gigabit Ethernet, your internet performance remains constrained by that service. The benefit of the switch is primarily network expansion and efficient wired communication between compatible devices.
Who Should Consider the Linksys LGS105?
The LGS105 makes the most sense for someone who needs more wired Ethernet ports without wanting to manage another complicated network device. A small business office is a natural application. If a router or network gateway does not have enough Ethernet connections for all nearby computers and peripherals, this switch provides a simple expansion path.
It can also suit home users who have gradually accumulated wired equipment. A smart TV, gaming console, desktop PC, printer, and storage device can quickly consume available router ports. Rather than constantly moving cables, a dedicated switch gives those devices a centralized connection point.
For a multi-room environment, the switch can be particularly convenient when multiple Ethernet devices are concentrated away from the primary router. It can help keep those local connections organized while allowing the main network to remain relatively simple.
On the other hand, users who specifically need PoE should choose hardware designed for PoE. Likewise, network administrators who require VLANs, advanced monitoring, port-based controls, or detailed traffic policies should look toward a managed switch. The LGS105’s value comes from doing less, not more.
Installation and Setup
Setup is refreshingly uncomplicated for a typical Ethernet network. Start by connecting the switch to the existing network using an Ethernet cable. Then connect compatible wired devices to the available ports. Once the physical connections are established, the switch can operate without the configuration process associated with managed networking equipment.
This simplicity is especially helpful for users who do not want to troubleshoot networking dashboards just to add a printer or another computer. It also makes the LGS105 a practical choice for secondary rooms where the goal is simply to provide several additional wired connections.
For best results, use appropriate Ethernet cabling and make sure the connected network equipment supports the speeds you expect. The slowest component in a connection path can affect the negotiated connection rate, so the switch should be considered as one part of the overall network rather than an isolated performance upgrade.
Deep-Dive Verdict
The Linksys LGS105 succeeds because it focuses on a very specific networking requirement: adding Gigabit Ethernet ports with minimal effort. It is not trying to replace a router, firewall, wireless access point, or advanced managed switch. Instead, it works as a compact connection hub for wired devices.
For a small office, workstation area, media room, or multi-room installation, that focused approach can be an advantage. The five-port layout offers enough capacity for several nearby devices while keeping the hardware footprint manageable. Gigabit Ethernet support gives the network enough bandwidth for a broad range of everyday wired workloads, assuming the connected hardware and cabling are similarly capable.
The biggest purchasing consideration is simply knowing what the LGS105 is and what it is not. If your goal is straightforward Gigabit Ethernet expansion, its unmanaged design is convenient. If your goal is PoE power delivery or advanced network administration, you should consider a different class of switch.
For readers researching related workspace equipment, you can also explore this Related Product Guide for another type of workstation-focused product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Linksys LGS105 a managed switch?
No. The LGS105 is an unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet switch. It is intended for simple wired network expansion without advanced switch-management configuration.
Does the LGS105 support Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The product is designed for Gigabit Ethernet connections with speeds up to 1,000 Mbps when the connected network hardware, cabling, and devices support that rate.
Can the LGS105 provide PoE power?
The LGS105 should not be purchased as a PoE power source. If you need to power compatible devices such as certain access points or IP cameras through Ethernet, look specifically for a switch with the required PoE standard and power budget.
Can I use the LGS105 with a router?
Yes. A common configuration is to connect one Ethernet port to the router or upstream network and use the remaining ports for local wired devices. This expands the number of available Ethernet connections.
Is this switch useful for gaming?
It can be useful for gaming setups where a wired connection is preferred. A compatible game console or gaming PC can connect through Ethernet, while other devices in the same area can share the additional switch ports.
Can I use it for a home office?
Yes. The five-port design can be useful for connecting a desktop computer, printer, NAS device, secondary computer, or other Ethernet equipment in a home-office environment.
Will this switch increase my internet speed?
Not directly. A network switch expands and distributes wired network connectivity. Your internet speed remains dependent on your internet service, router, network configuration, and connected equipment. Gigabit support simply provides a high-speed wired network path when the rest of the system supports it.
Is the LGS105 good for a multi-room network?
It can be useful when several wired devices are located in a secondary room or area. An upstream Ethernet connection can feed the switch, allowing multiple nearby devices to connect to the same network without requiring every device to run directly back to the router.
Who should buy the Linksys LGS105?
It is best suited to users who want a compact, easy-to-use Gigabit Ethernet switch for expanding wired connectivity. Small offices, home workstations, media rooms, and multi-device areas are all logical use cases.
Final Verdict
The Linksys LGS105 is a practical choice when the priority is simple, dependable Gigabit Ethernet expansion. Its five ports, desktop-friendly design, and unmanaged architecture make it easy to integrate into an existing wired network. While it does not provide the advanced controls or PoE capabilities of specialized managed switches, that is not necessarily a weakness for users who simply need additional Ethernet connectivity.
If your network needs a compact five-port Gigabit switch for computers, printers, entertainment devices, gaming equipment, or other wired hardware, the LGS105 offers a straightforward approach. Just make sure its unmanaged, non-PoE design matches your requirements before purchasing.