Linksys Takes Wraps Off New Unmanaged Gigabit Switches

The new family of compact desktop and rack-mount unmanaged Gigabit switches are designed to provide a cost-effective way to migrate from slower Ethernet standards to Gigabit Ethernet, the company said.

The new switches include five-port and an eight-port unmanaged desktop Gigabit switches with estimated street prices of $199 and $279, respectively. Linksys also unveiled a 16-port unmanaged rackmount Gigabit switch with an estimated street price of $959, and a 24-port unmanaged rackmount Gigabit switch plus two mini Gigabit Ethernet connectors for fiber priced at $1,499.

Linksys also unveiled an accompanying partner promotion dubbed "Just the Ticket." As part of the promotion, which starts this week, eligible partners earn ticket points for selling Linksys unmanaged Ethernet and Gigabit switches.

Participants will earn points for each switch sold during the promotion period. At the end of the promotion, the points can be converted to dollars on a prepaid Visa card, according to Linksys.