NETGEAR GS105NA 5-Port Gigabit Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS105NA is a small five-port Gigabit Ethernet switch. It solves a common problem: a router with too few Ethernet ports for the computer, console, TV box, printer and network storage that all want a wired connection. Plug it in, connect your cables and it works, with no software or settings.

What an unmanaged switch does

A switch connects wired devices on one local network and passes data between them. "Unmanaged" means there's no menu or login to configure. The GS105NA's ports are auto-sensing, so each one negotiates the fastest speed it can with whatever is plugged in, at 10, 100 or 1000 Mbps. NETGEAR says there are no toggle switches and no special crossover cables to think about.

Gigabit speeds in practice

Gigabit Ethernet moves data at up to 1000 Mbps per port. In everyday terms, that makes copying large video files across a home or office network quick compared with older 100 Mbps links. NETGEAR states that every port supports up to 2000 Mbps of dedicated bandwidth, which reflects full-duplex operation (sending and receiving at once).

Your actual speeds still depend on the cables, the devices at each end and your internet connection. A switch spreads local traffic; it doesn't make an internet plan faster.

Design and setup

The case is metal and the design is fanless, which NETGEAR says keeps operation silent and more reliable. It can sit on a desk or be fixed to a wall with the included wall-mount kit. Status LEDs show power and, for each port, link, speed and activity.

The box contents, as NETGEAR lists them, are the switch, wall-mount kit, power adapter, installation guide and warranty and support card.

Under the hood

• Buffer memory: 12 kbytes per port.
• MAC address table: 4,000 entries, the number of devices it can keep track of.
• Flow control: automatic, to keep traffic smooth.
• Priority: DSCP-based quality of service for traffic prioritization.
• Energy efficiency: compliant with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet.
• Reliability figure: a mean time between failures of 91,500 hours.

Warranty and support

NETGEAR lists a limited lifetime hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement, plus 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert. The power adapter has a 2-year warranty. Read the terms for your region.

Who it suits

It suits home offices, small businesses, gaming setups and entertainment centres that need more wired ports without managing a network. Anyone who needs VLANs, port monitoring or other management features would typically look at a managed switch instead.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: five ports, one of which usually connects to your router, leaves four for devices.
• Regional version: the listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.
• Power: it needs a mains outlet for the supplied adapter; it doesn't take power over Ethernet.
• Speed needs: if you have multi-gig devices or internet service, a Gigabit switch will limit them to 1 Gbps.
• Placement: decide whether it sits on a desk or on a wall, and leave room for cables.

The short version

• Five auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports.
• Unmanaged, plug-and-play, with no software.
• Metal, fanless case with a wall-mount kit.
• IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient design and DSCP-based QoS.
• Limited lifetime hardware warranty, as listed by NETGEAR.

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