I recently purchased the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) for my home network, and I have been extremely satisfied with its performance. As someone who values reliability and ease of use, this switch has exceeded my expectations.
Pros and Cons
What We Liked
- Reliable Performance: The NETGEAR GS308E has consistently and steadily handled all of my devices while maintaining a stable network connection. It has proved to be incredibly reliable.
- Easy to Set Up: The plug-and-play functionality of this switch made the setup process a breeze. I didn't have to deal with any complicated configurations or software installations.
- Silent Operation: One of the standout features of this switch is its quiet functioning. Unlike some other switches that make annoying fan noises, the GS308E operates silently, creating a peaceful and quiet environment.
- Compact and Sturdy Design: The compact and elegant shape of this switch seamlessly integrates into my system without taking up extra space. Its sturdy construction assures me that it will continue to function reliably for years to come.
- Great Value for Money: The NETGEAR GS308E offers exceptional value for its price. It is an affordable option that delivers great performance, making it suitable for both home and office use.
What Can Be Improved
- Limited Managed Capabilities: While this switch offers basic managed capabilities, it might not be suitable for users looking for more advanced features.
- Lack of PoE Functionality: This switch does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which might be a drawback for users who require PoE functionality.
Quick Verdict
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) is a reliable, easy-to-use, and silent network hub that offers excellent value for its price. Its plug-and-play functionality and stable performance make it a top choice for both home and office environments. If you're in need of a high-quality and trustworthy Ethernet switch, the GS308E is definitely worth considering.
Click here to check out the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch on Amazon.
Unboxing - What's Inside?
As a tech enthusiast in the USA, I recently purchased the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) from Amazon. I was impressed with the product's features and decided to upgrade my home network. The delivery was quick, and I received the product within a few days.
Inside the box, I found:
- NETGEAR GS308E 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch
- 12V 1.0A power adapter
- Quick install guide
Specifications
The NETGEAR GS308E is a black desktop switch designed for use with desktop computers. It is manufactured by NETGEAR, known for their reliable networking products. The switch has 8 ports, allowing for multiple connections in your home or office network. It weighs 1.1 pounds and has dimensions of 6.2 x 4 x 1.1 inches. The GS308E was first available on March 7, 2019, and is still in production.
Documentations
The quick install guide included in the box provided clear and concise instructions on setting up the GS308E switch. However, for more detailed information and advanced configurations, I found the user guide extremely helpful. You can access the user guide here. It covers topics such as network setup, management, and troubleshooting, allowing me to make the most out of my new switch.
Features - What We Found
8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) comes with 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing you to connect multiple devices to your network with high-speed connectivity. Whether you want to connect your gaming consoles, smart TVs, or computers, this switch provides a reliable and fast connection for all your devices.
This feature is particularly beneficial for households or small offices that require a robust network infrastructure. With 8 ports, you have plenty of room to expand your network without compromising on performance or speed.
Pro-Tip: Make sure to use high-quality Ethernet cables to maximize the performance of this switch and ensure stable connections.
Plus software with easy-to-use interface offers basic managed capabilities
The NETGEAR GS308E switch is equipped with Plus software, which provides an easy-to-use interface to configure, secure, and monitor your network. This software offers basic managed capabilities, allowing you to have more control over your network settings.
With the Plus software, you can easily set up VLANs, prioritize network traffic, and optimize your network performance. It also enables you to enhance the security of your network by setting up access controls and preventing unauthorized access.
To configure the switch, simply access the intuitive web-based interface provided by the Plus software and navigate through the various settings. The software makes it convenient for both beginners and advanced users to manage their network.
Learn more about the product and purchase it here.
Supports desktop or wall mount placement
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) offers the flexibility to be placed on your desk or mounted on a wall, depending on your preference and space availability. This allows you to customize the placement of the switch in a way that best fits your network setup.
If space is limited, you can conveniently mount the switch on a wall using the included mounting kit. This feature is particularly useful for small offices or homes where desk space may be limited.
The switch's compact design makes it easy to fit in any environment, whether it's sitting on your desk or mounted on a wall. It blends seamlessly with its surroundings, contributing to a neat and organized workspace.
Industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty
NETGEAR stands behind the quality and reliability of their products, and the NETGEAR GS308E switch is backed by an industry-leading 3-year limited hardware warranty. This warranty provides assurance and peace of mind, knowing that NETGEAR will support you in case of any hardware issues with the switch.
During the warranty period, you can contact NETGEAR's customer support for assistance with troubleshooting, repairs, or replacements. This warranty showcases the trust and confidence NETGEAR has in their product's durability and performance.
Pro-Tip: Register your product on the NETGEAR website to activate the warranty and ensure prompt support if needed.
Energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az
The NETGEAR GS308E switch incorporates an energy efficient design that complies with IEEE802.3az standards. This ensures that the switch operates with minimal power consumption, reducing energy costs and promoting eco-friendliness.
The switch intelligently adjusts its power usage based on the network activity, powering down ports that are not in use or experiencing low traffic. This feature contributes to energy savings without compromising on performance or functionality.
The IEEE802.3az compliance also aligns the switch with industry standards for energy efficiency, making it an environmentally conscious choice for your network infrastructure.
Our Review and Score
Our Score: 95.0
The NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) is an exceptional product that I highly recommend. Personally, I have had a positive experience using this switch as a home network hub and office Ethernet splitter. It has surpassed my expectations in terms of reliability, ease of use, and performance.
Setting up the switch was a breeze as it is plug-and-play, so I didn't have to deal with any complicated configurations or software installations. The switch's software with an easy-to-use interface also offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure, and monitor my network, which was a great bonus. It even supports both desktop and wall mount placement, offering flexibility in how you set it up.
One of the standout features of this switch is its silent operation. Unlike some other switches that can be noisy and disrupt the workspace, the GS308E operates without making any noise at all. Additionally, with its energy-efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az, it not only saves power but also keeps the environment quiet and peaceful.
In conclusion, the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) is a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly network hub. Its enhanced features, such as the easy-to-use software interface and silent operation, make it a top choice for both home and office use. I personally believe that it offers excellent value for its price and is a worthwhile investment in building a stable and high-speed network.
You can purchase the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) on Amazon.
Similar Options
When it comes to networking solutions, the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E) is a popular choice. However, there are some great alternative options available in the market that you might want to consider. Let me introduce you to a few:
- NETGEAR GS308E: This switch is a reliable choice for expanding your home or office network. It offers 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and can be easily mounted on a wall or placed on a desktop. With its silent operation, it ensures a peaceful working environment. But if you're looking for similar functionality with a more affordable price tag, you should check out the NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308E).
- TP-Link TL-SG108E: This switch is another great option if you are seeking an easy-to-use and managed network solution. It offers 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports and supports features like QoS, VLAN, IGMP, and LAG. With its sturdy metal construction and shielded ports, it ensures reliability and durability. You can find the TP-Link 8 Port Gigabit Switch at an affordable price, making it a great alternative to consider.
- NETGEAR GS108PEv3: If you have devices that require Power over Ethernet (PoE), this switch could be the perfect fit for you. With 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports, including 4 PoE ports, it provides both data connectivity and power to compatible devices. The NETGEAR 8-Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS108PEv3) is a managed switch offering advanced features while still being desktop or wall-mountable.
- Linksys SE3008: If simplicity is your priority and you don't require advanced management features, the Linksys SE3008 is worth considering. This unmanaged switch offers 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports that automatically maximize data flow for smooth connectivity. The Linksys SE3008 is a reliable and cost-effective choice for home or small office networks.
- NETGEAR GS308EPP: If you need to power multiple PoE+ devices, this switch is an excellent alternative. With 8 PoE+ ports, it provides high-power capabilities for devices such as IP cameras, access points, and VoIP phones. The NETGEAR 8 Port PoE Gigabit Ethernet Plus Switch (GS308EPP) offers enhanced features and power options for your network setup.
These alternatives provide similar functionality to the main product but at different price points or with specific features that may better suit your needs. Consider your requirements, budget, and preferred features when making a decision. Happy networking!