Compaq Computer Corp has a low-cost dedicated desktop switch, the Netelligent 5114 Desktop Ethernet Switch which the company bills as an easy-to-use approach to providing a low-end switching solution directly to the desktop client. The 5114 is aimed at power users and small workgroups requiring increased bandwidth and productivity. The 5114 switch has 12 10Base-T ports and two 10/100Base-TX ports. The 12 10Base-T ports provide 10 Mbps directly to the desktop. Two dual-speed, autosensing ports function as uplinks for a server, printer or other devices connecting to a corporate network. One of the uplinks supports an unlimited number of MAC addresses and can be used to connect to the corporate network. The second uplink supports one MAC address and may be used for a workgroup server or other network device such as a printer. The Netelligent 5114 Desktop Ethernet Switch is available immediately and goes for $970.
