The D-Link Green DGS-2208 Network Switch is a 8 port gigabit network switch that saves energy compared to other network switches. The switch automatically detects which network ports are connected to an active system (e.g. a computer that’s switched on compared to a computer that’s switched off or in standby), and only provides power to the ports that are active. Additionally the switch can vary the amount of power usage depending on the length of wire between the switch and another device on the network.
Since the active ports and cable length are determined automatically, the switch is automatically able to save energy as devices are switched on and off. A conventional switch uses the same energy regardless of cable length, and provides power to all ports simultaneously.
D-link provide an example where in a standard working day, where PCs are used for 10 hours a day and powered off 14 hours a day, and connected to the switch using 20 metre cables, the switch can save up to 40% power used for each system.
D-Link provide both 8 port DGS-2208 and 5 port DGS-2205 variations. The switches have a range of features, such as gigabit ethernet support, diagnostic LEDs for problem detection, Quality of Service (QoS) features, and really simple to use. The 8 port switch costs $46.99, and the 5 port switch costs $32.49.