NETGEAR GS305EP 5-port PoE+ Gigabit Plus switch: features and specs

The NETGEAR GS305EP is a small five-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, four ports of which supply Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). It is meant for powering devices such as VoIP phones, IP cameras and wireless access points over a single cable each, while also giving you some management options through a web page.

Ports and PoE power

All five ports are Gigabit Ethernet. Four of them are PoE+ ports, sharing a total power limit of 63W. PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) is the standard that can supply more power per port than the original PoE, which is useful for cameras and access points that need a bit more. The 63W figure is a shared limit, so if you connect devices that together draw more than that, the switch cannot power them all. Add up what your devices need and compare it with the limit before you plan the setup. The fifth port is typically used as the uplink to your router.

Smart Managed Plus software

NETGEAR describes this as "Plus" software with basic and advanced network management, controlled through an easy-to-use web browser interface. The company lists these features:

• VLANs, to separate traffic for better speed and improved bandwidth.
• QoS, to prioritise traffic for better delivery quality.
• IGMP snooping, for optimised multicast performance at Layer 2, which NETGEAR says is especially useful for bandwidth-intensive multicast applications such as IPTV.

Per-port PoE control

NETGEAR also lists advanced per-port PoE control. It says you can turn PoE power on or off per port, set PoE prioritisation, and set a PoE power limit per port. Prioritisation typically decides which devices keep their power if the total demand gets too high. Being able to switch a single port off is handy for restarting a camera or phone remotely.

Uninterrupted PoE

NETGEAR says that, unique to its switches, the GS305EP has uninterrupted PoE. This keeps PoE power on even when the switch is updating firmware or performing a software reboot, so connected devices should not lose power while the switch restarts.

Design, warranty and region

The switch supports desktop or wall-mount placement. NETGEAR says it operates silently, which suits noise-sensitive environments, and that the design is energy efficient and complies with IEEE 802.3az. It weighs 2.2 lb (about 1 kg) and measures roughly 10.4 x 6.4 x 3.8 inches (26 x 16 x 9.7 cm). The hardware warranty is three years, which NETGEAR calls industry-leading. The listing also says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.

Who it suits

It suits a small office, retail space or home setup with a few PoE devices, such as a pair of cameras and an access point, and the wish to apply a few network settings. If you need many ports or a lot of power, a larger model would typically be needed.

What to check before you buy

• Total power: add up your devices' draw and confirm it fits within 63W.
• Device standard: confirm your devices use a PoE standard the switch supports.
• Ports: only four of the five ports provide PoE.
• Region: it is marked for use in the U.S. and Canada only.
• Management: read the manual on how to reach the web interface for the first time.
• Mounting: choose desktop or wall mounting and gather any hardware you need.

The short version

• A five-port Gigabit switch with four PoE+ ports and a 63W total power limit.
• Plus software with VLANs, QoS and IGMP snooping through a web interface.
• Per-port PoE control and uninterrupted PoE during reboots and updates.
• Silent operation, desktop or wall mounting, a three-year warranty.
• Made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.

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