NETGEAR GS105Ev2 5-Port Smart Managed Switch: features and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS105Ev2 is a small five-port Gigabit Ethernet switch that adds basic management features to a home or small-office network. It turns one wired connection into several, and its web-based software lets you organise, secure and monitor that traffic without moving up to a full enterprise switch.

What "Easy Smart Managed" means

An unmanaged switch simply passes traffic along with no settings to change. A managed switch lets you configure how that traffic is handled. NETGEAR positions the GS105Ev2 in between: its Easy Smart Managed software offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure and monitor your network through an easy-to-use interface.

In general, smart managed switches of this type offer features such as VLANs (splitting one physical network into separate logical ones), traffic prioritisation for things like video calls, and port-level monitoring. Check NETGEAR's documentation for the exact feature list on this model, since the listing describes the software only in general terms.

Five Gigabit ports

All five ports are Gigabit Ethernet. Gigabit means each port can carry up to 1,000 megabits per second, the common standard for wired computers, network storage, printers, streaming boxes and access points. Typical uses include connecting a desk full of devices to a single router port, or adding wired connections near a TV or workstation.

Because there are only five ports, one of them is normally used as the uplink to your router, leaving four for devices. That is worth planning for if you already have more than four wired devices.

Mounting and size

The switch is small, at about 3.7 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches (roughly 9.4 x 9.9 x 2.8 cm), and weighs 0.6 lb (about 270 g). NETGEAR says it supports both desktop and wall-mount placement, so it can sit on a shelf or be fixed out of the way. A switch this size is easy to tuck behind a monitor or inside a media cabinet.

Noise and energy use

NETGEAR describes the switch as quiet in operation. It also says the design complies with IEEE 802.3az, the Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, which lets ports reduce power draw during quiet periods.

Support and regional note

NETGEAR lists a limited lifetime hardware warranty, next-business-day replacement and 24/7 chat access to a NETGEAR expert. The terms of those offers are set by the brand, so read the current conditions before relying on them. The listing also states the unit is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only, which matters mostly for the power adapter and regulatory approvals.

Who it suits

It suits people who want a bit more control than an unmanaged switch gives, such as a home office that wants to separate work and guest devices, or someone who wants to see what is happening on each port. If you only need more sockets and no settings, a simpler unmanaged switch may be all you need.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: confirm that four free device ports plus an uplink is enough.
• Features you need: check the manual or datasheet for the specific VLAN and monitoring options you want.
• Region: the listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.
• Placement: decide on desktop or wall mounting and check what mounting hardware is supplied.
• Network speed: your router and cables should support Gigabit speeds to benefit from the ports.
• Power: it needs a nearby outlet for its adapter.

The short version

• A compact five-port Gigabit Ethernet switch from NETGEAR, model GS105E-200NAS.
• Easy Smart Managed software for basic configuration, security and monitoring.
• Desktop or wall-mount placement, 0.6 lb, about 3.7 x 3.9 x 1.1 inches.
• IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient design and quiet operation, per NETGEAR.
• Limited lifetime hardware warranty and support, as the brand describes it.

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