Today I'm going to share my review of the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E). As someone who has used this product extensively, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations and proved to be an excellent addition to my home network setup. So, let's dive into the pros and cons of this switch!
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Reliable Performance: The NETGEAR GS308E has consistently delivered a stable network connection for all my devices. It handles data transfers seamlessly, making it a dependable choice.
- Easy Setup: The plug-and-play functionality of this switch makes it incredibly easy to set up. I didn't have to deal with complex configurations or software installations.
- Silent Operation: One of the standout features of this switch is its silent operation. Unlike some other switches that create annoying fan noises, the GS308E operates quietly, ensuring a peaceful work environment.
- Compact and Sturdy Design: The switch's elegant shape and compact size allow it to seamlessly integrate into any system without occupying additional space. Its sturdy construction gives me confidence in its longevity.
- Enhanced Features: The GS308E offers basic managed capabilities through its software, allowing you to configure, secure, and monitor your network with ease. It's a future-proof investment with the latest upgrades and compatibility with contemporary devices.
What Can Be Improved
- Limited Management Features: While the software provides basic managed capabilities, some advanced users may find it lacking in more advanced configuration options.
- Initial Configuration Challenges: Some users may face difficulties during the initial setup, especially if the switch is not recognized by the network. It may require manual configuration, which can be time-consuming for those without networking knowledge.
Quick Verdict
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) is an exceptional choice for both home and office use. Its reliable performance, easy setup, and silent operation make it stand out from the competition. While it may lack some advanced management features, it more than makes up for it with its compact design and enhanced capabilities. If you're looking for a high-quality, trustworthy Ethernet switch, I highly recommend the GS308E. You can find more information about it here.
Unboxing - What's Inside?
As an avid tech enthusiast residing in the USA, I recently purchased the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) from Amazon. Being in need of a reliable home network hub, I was drawn to its enhanced features and sleek black design. I placed the order online and was pleasantly surprised when the product arrived at my doorstep within a couple of days.
Opening the package, I discovered the following contents:
- GS308E: The main star of the show, this 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch was neatly packed and ready to be set up.
- 12V 1.0A power adapter: NETGEAR included a power adapter to ensure a stable and continuous power supply for the switch.
- Quick install guide: For those who prefer a straightforward setup process, a quick install guide was included to assist with the initial configuration.
Specifications
Here are the key specifications of the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E):
- Compatible Devices: Desktop
- Color: Black
- Number of Ports: 8
- Brand: NETGEAR
- Country of Origin: China
- Manufacturer: NETGEAR
- Date First Available: March 7, 2019
- Is Discontinued By Manufacturer: No
- Item Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Product Dimensions: 6.2 x 4 x 1.1 inches
User-Guide
The provided documentation, in the form of a user guide, proved to be extremely helpful during the setup process. It provided step-by-step instructions on how to properly connect and configure the switch, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free installation. If you wish to check out the user guide yourself, you can find it here.
Features - What We Found
8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) features 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to easily connect multiple devices to your network at blazing-fast speeds. Whether you're streaming high-definition videos, transferring large files, or gaming online, these Gigabit Ethernet ports ensure a reliable and high-performance connection for all your devices.
With the 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can connect your desktop computers, laptops, gaming consoles, smart TVs, and other Ethernet-enabled devices without any limitations. This switch provides the bandwidth and speed required for smooth and uninterrupted data transfer, making it an ideal choice for both home and office networks.
Pro-Tip: The 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide flexibility and scalability, allowing you to expand your network easily as your needs grow. You can connect additional switches or devices to these ports to create a larger and more efficient network infrastructure.
Plus software with easy-to-use interface
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch comes with software that provides basic managed capabilities, allowing you to configure, secure, and monitor your network with ease. The user-friendly interface makes it simple to set up VLANs, prioritize traffic, and apply security settings according to your specific requirements.
With the Plus software, you can easily customize your network settings and optimize its performance. You can assign different VLANs to segregate traffic and ensure better network management. The software also allows you to prioritize certain types of data, such as voice or video, for a smoother and uninterrupted experience.
To access and manage the software, simply connect your computer to the switch and use the intuitive web-based interface. You'll have full control over your network's configuration and can make adjustments whenever needed.
Product Link: NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch on Amazon
Supports desktop or wall mount placement
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch offers the flexibility to be placed on a desktop or mounted on a wall, depending on your space and installation preferences. Whether you have limited desk space or prefer a clean and organized setup, this switch can be conveniently placed wherever it fits best.
If you choose to mount the switch on a wall, it includes the necessary mounting kit for easy installation. This allows you to optimize your network setup and keep cables neatly organized and out of the way. The switch's compact and sleek design ensures it won't take up much space, regardless of where you decide to place it.
Whether you choose to have it on your desk for easy accessibility or mount it on a wall to save space, the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch offers versatile placement options to suit your specific requirements.
Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
NETGEAR stands behind the quality and reliability of their products, including the 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch. This switch comes with an industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty, which provides peace of mind and assurance that your investment is protected.
In the unfortunate event that you encounter any hardware issues or defects within the warranty period, NETGEAR will provide support and repair or replace the switch. This warranty demonstrates the confidence NETGEAR has in their product's durability and performance.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to register your switch with NETGEAR to activate the warranty. This will ensure prompt assistance and a hassle-free claim process, should you ever need to utilize the warranty service.
Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch features an energy-efficient design that is compliant with IEEE802.3az standards. This means the switch is designed to minimize power consumption during periods of low network activity, resulting in energy savings and reduced operating costs.
By detecting the level of network traffic and adjusting power usage accordingly, this switch promotes eco-friendly operation without compromising performance. The energy-efficient design not only benefits the environment but also extends the lifespan of the switch by reducing thermal stress and prolonging the life of its components.
This feature makes the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch an environmentally conscious choice that helps you save on energy expenses while maintaining a reliable and efficient network.
Our Review, Score and More
Our Score: 95.0
I recently purchased the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) and it has been a fantastic addition to my home network. One of the standout features for me is the easy-to-use software interface that allows for basic managed capabilities. I was able to configure, secure, and monitor my network without any issues. The switch also supports both desktop and wall mount placement, giving me flexibility in terms of installation.
One of the major selling points for me was the silent operation of this switch. Unlike other switches I've used in the past, the GS308E operates silently, making it perfect for a noise-sensitive environment such as my home office. Additionally, the switch's energy-efficient design complies with IEEE802.3az, helping me save on energy costs.
Another aspect that impressed me is the reliability of this switch. It has consistently and steadily handled all my devices while maintaining a stable network connection. The sturdy construction of the switch gives me confidence that it will continue to operate reliably for years to come. Overall, I highly recommend the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) for its reliability, ease of use, and silent operation.
Best combination
If you are considering purchasing the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS305E), I highly recommend pairing it with the alternate product, the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E). This combination will enhance your home or office network setup and provide you with an even better networking experience.
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) offers several enhanced features that make it a valuable addition alongside the GS305E. It provides an additional 3 ports, giving you a total of 8 ports to connect your devices. This allows for more flexibility and expands the capacity of your network.
The GS308E is designed for both desktop and wall mount installation, just like the GS305E. Its sleek black design blends well with any surroundings and offers silent operation, ensuring a pleasant working or living environment.
By combining the GS305E and the GS308E, you can create a robust network infrastructure that can accommodate more devices and provide faster data transfer speeds. Whether you are a home user or running a small office, this combination will handle your networking needs efficiently.
Investing in the GS305E and the GS308E will ensure that your network is future-proofed and capable of handling the increasing demands of today's connected world. So, don't miss out on this opportunity to optimize your network performance by purchasing these two excellent products together.
Alternatives To Go For
When it comes to choosing the right Ethernet switch for your home or office network, it's important to consider all available options. While the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) may be a great choice, there are several alternate products that you should also consider. Here's why:
- NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS108): This switch offers all the basic features you need for a simple and reliable network setup. It is easy to install and provides high-speed connectivity for up to 8 devices. With its desktop or wall mount design, it can fit seamlessly into any environment. Plus, it comes with limited lifetime protection, ensuring long-term use and peace of mind. Check it out here.
- NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108PEv3): If you require Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, this managed switch is a great choice. It offers 4 PoE ports with a total power budget of 53W, allowing you to connect and power devices such as IP cameras or VoIP phones without the need for additional power sources. With its enhanced management features, it provides greater control over your network. Learn more here.
- Linksys SE3008 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch: If you're looking for a reliable and affordable option, this Linksys switch is worth considering. With its auto-sensing ports, it maximizes data flow for speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. The compact design and plug-and-play functionality make it a convenient choice for any setup. Get more details here.
- NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS208): This desktop switch is another great alternative. It offers silent operation and can be easily set up without any configuration required. With its 8 ports, it provides ample connectivity options for your devices. Whether you need to connect your computer, game console, or smart TV, this switch has got you covered. Check it out here!
By considering these alternate products, you can find the perfect Ethernet switch that meets your specific needs and budget. Whether you're looking for simplicity, PoE capability, affordability, or ease of use, there's a product on this list that will suit you. Explore the options and make an informed decision for your network setup.