Linksys LGS105 5-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch - Compact Office Speed

In this review the Linksys LGS105 shows itself as a straightforward, no-frills network switch for small offices or home labs that need reliable wired Gigabit connectivity. The biggest reason to buy is its simple plug-and-play design combined with true Gigabit throughput on all five ports, which makes it useful where quick file transfers and stable connections matter more than advanced management features. The reviewer found it especially helpful for extending a wired network without configuration and appreciated the compact metal case and power saving behavior.

Key Features

• 5 Gigabit Ethernet ports: Five auto-sensing Gigabit ports deliver up to 1,000 Mbps to connected devices for faster file transfers and reduced bottlenecks.
• Plug-and-play setup: Unmanaged operation means the switch works out of the box with no configuration required, saving time during installation.
• Quality of Service (QoS): QoS traffic prioritization helps maintain performance for latency-sensitive tasks such as VoIP or streaming when multiple devices share the switch.
• Energy Efficient Ethernet: Compliance with the 802.3az EEE standard and automatic port power-down reduce power draw when ports are unused.
• Power saving features: Smart power for short cable runs and disabling unused ports helps lower electricity use over time in a small network deployment.

Who It's For

The Linksys LGS105 is best for small business users, home offices, and hobbyist networkers who need a compact, reliable way to add wired Gigabit ports without the complexity of managed switches. It suits setups where stable throughput to servers, NAS devices, printers, or a few desktop clients matters more than VLANs or remote management.

Those who need advanced features such as layer 3 routing, extensive VLAN segmentation, or remote monitoring should look elsewhere at managed switches. Also, environments that require PoE to power devices like cameras or access points will need a different model that supplies power over Ethernet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable Gigabit performance across five ports for faster local transfers and reduced congestion.
• Very easy plug-and-play installation with no setup required, ideal for nontechnical users.
• Compact metal casing that fits into tight office spaces and feels durable for the price.
• Power-saving features and EEE compliance help lower operating costs over time.

Cons

• No management interface, so it is not suitable for users who need VLANs, traffic monitoring, or advanced configuration.
• Does not provide PoE, so powered devices require separate power sources or an injector.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Linksys LGS105 is a practical, cost-effective choice for anyone who needs a small number of reliable Gigabit ports without fuss. It delivers solid performance, sensible power-saving features, and a durable compact build, making it good value for small offices or home networks that do not require managed switch capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this switch need configuration?
No, it is an unmanaged plug-and-play switch that works without any setup.

Can it power PoE devices?
No, the LGS105 does not provide Power over Ethernet; PoE devices need a separate power source or injector.

Will it save power when ports are unused?
Yes, it supports EEE 802.3az and can disable power to unused ports to reduce energy use.