Introduction
The Netgear GS308 is a gigabit Ethernet switch and is unmanaged hence it takes the Gigabit Ethernet to different homes or small office spaces in an affordable way. A switch gives 8 plain copper Gigabit Ethernet ports for connecting computers, printer, smart devices and more at a speed of 1Gbps. It is a basic unit which nevertheless comes equipped with a number of popular options; this is one of the easiest guitars to set up and to play straight from the box.
In the commentaries given below we will provide a precise description of this switch model and its features, technical specifications and ways to assess its performance as well as guidelines on setting up this switch as well as other similar switch models belonging to the same class.We will also respond to some common questions concerning this switch and its suitability for home or small office/home office networks.
Key features of Netgear GS308
Gigabit ports for faster networking
The GS308 has 8 Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) ports that support transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps. This is a huge upgrade over older 10/100 Mbps switches and allows transferring large files much faster.
Plug-and-play setup
Being an unmanaged switch, the GS308 requires no configuration and setup is a breeze. Just plug it in, connect devices to the ports using Ethernet cables and it is ready to use within seconds.
Small form factor
Despite having 8 ports, the GS308 has a compact design that takes up very little space. Its small footprint makes it ideal for placing on a desk or mounting under a table/cabinet to save space.
Energy efficient
The GS308 is an eco-friendly switch that utilizes little power when idle, helping lower energy bills. It complies with various environmental standards like RoHS.
Fanless design
Some switches make noise due to internal cooling fans. However, the GS308 stays cool passively without any fans, making it virtually silent at all times.
Lifetime warranty
Netgear backs the GS308 with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. This provides long term peace of mind when investing in this switch.
Expanding Network Capabilities
Adding More Wired Devices
As mentioned earlier, modern home routers typically come with 4-5 Gigabit Ethernet ports. But as the number of wired devices increases in home with desktop PCs, smart TVs, gaming consoles, surveillance cameras and more, the router ports fall short. This is where an Ethernet switch provides a handy solution.
The Netgear GS308 with its 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports allows users to seamlessly add more wired devices to their existing network setup. This expands the network capacity without having to depend on slower WiFi connectivity.
Setting Up A Guest Network
The multiple ports on GS308 also enable homeowners to easily set up a separate guest WiFi network isolated from the main home network. They can connect the guest wireless router to one of the switch’s LAN ports to achieve this.
Connecting IP Cameras And DVR Systems
Surveillance cameras installed around the home commonly feature Ethernet ports for a wired connection. The GS308 makes it easy to directly connect multiple IP cameras to the switch and view their live feeds or recordings on a connected NVR (network video recorder) system.
Distributing Wired Access In Multiple Rooms
Through standard Ethernet cabling, the switch ports allow extending a single network access point to multiple areas in large homes. Key areas like a home office, entertainment room, basement, etc. can all get wired connectivity using the GS308 as a central connection hub.
Performance and specifications
The GS308 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet switch has the following key specifications:
- Ports: 8x Gigabit Ethernet ports (1000BASE-T)
- Switching capacity: 16 Gbps
- Forwarding rate: 12.8 Mpps (million packets per second)
- MAC address table: 8K entries
- Packet buffer: 1MB
- Mean time between failures: >500,000 hours
- Power supply: External power adapter (12V, 1A)
- Power consumption: 7 Watts (Max)
- Dimensions: 162 x 113 x 27 mm
- Weight: 0.31 kg
In terms of real world performance, the GS308 can easily handle regular small office/home use cases without breaking a sweat. It has more than enough switching capacity and packet buffer for smooth browsing, streaming, file sharing etc even when all ports are active. Larger file transfers between devices take place at near 1Gbps wire speed.
Setup and installation
Setting up the Netgear GS308 is very straightforward and simple:
- Plug the external power adapter into the switch’s DC power port.
- Plug the other end of the adapter into a power outlet.
- Connect Ethernet devices like computers, printers, smart devices etc to any of the 8 ports on the switch using standard Ethernet cables.
- The ports automatically negotiate connection speeds and the switch is ready for use within seconds. No software or configuration is required.
- LED indicators on each port glow green to indicate active connections.
That’s it – the GS308 can now pass network traffic between the connected devices at Gigabit speeds out of the box. New devices can be added anytime just by connecting them to an open port.
Comparing Netgear GS308 with other switches
Here is a comparison of some key specs of GS308 vs similar switches from Netgear and TP-Link:
| Switch | Ports | Switching Capacity | Form Factor | Fan | Default Warranty |
| Netgear GS308 | 8 | 16Gbps | Compact | Fanless | Lifetime |
| Netgear GS308E | 8 | 16Gbps | Desktop | Fanless | 3 years |
| Netgear GS308P | 8 | 16Gbps | Wall-mountable | Fanless | Lifetime |
| TP-Link TL-SG108E | 8 | 10Gbps | Desktop | Fanless | 3 years |
| TP-Link TL-SG105 | 5 | 10Gbps | Compact | Fanless | 2 years |
As seen above, the GS308 offers comparable performance at a much lower price point than some alternatives while also providing a lifetime warranty protection. Its compact size makes it an all-round great choice for homes and SOHO use.
Common FAQs about Netgear GS308
Is it suitable for home use?
Yes, the GS308 is perfect for small home networks with fewer than 10 devices connected. It easily handles regular internet usage like web browsing, streaming, gaming etc.
Which devices can be connected?
You can connect all types of Ethernet devices like desktops, laptops, printers, IP cameras, smart devices, gaming consoles and more to this switch.
Can I expand my network using multiple switches?
Yes, you can daisy chain multiple GS308 switches to add more ports as your network grows over time. Up to 4 switches can be connected in this manner.
Does it support PoE (power over Ethernet)?
No, the GS308 is a basic unmanaged switch that does not support PoE. For connecting PoE devices, you need a different switch with PoE ports.
Can I manage or prioritize bandwidth?
As an unmanaged switch, the GS308 offers no configuration options or traffic management features. Bandwidth is shared equally across all active ports.
Will it work with my existing router/modem?
Yes, the switch is plug-and-play compatible with all networking equipment regardless of manufacturer or technology (wired/wireless).
What if a port stops working after some time?
Problems with individual ports are generally fixed by changing the connected cable or reseating it firmly. Else reach out to Netgear support for timely assistance during the lifetime warranty period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Netgear GS308 is an affordable, compact and easy to use Gigabit Ethernet switch ideal for basic small office and home networks. Despite being an unmanaged device, it provides smooth network connectivity for common bandwidth needs. It is easy to install since it comes with a plug-and-play feature, it does not have a fan making it very cool and safe for the entire life-cycle and has a lifetime warranty, this makes the GS308 very relevant in everyday networking use. Overall the GS308 is one of the best choices if you want to avail improved network speeds at a relatively lower price.
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