NETGEAR GS305P v2 5-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: what it does and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS305P v2 is a small five-port gigabit Ethernet switch that can also power devices through the network cable. Four of its ports supply Power over Ethernet (PoE+), so a camera, phone or wireless access point can run from one cable carrying both data and power. This guide explains what the specifications mean and where it fits.

What an unmanaged switch is

A switch lets several wired devices share a network. "Unmanaged" means there is nothing to configure: you plug devices in and they work. NETGEAR describes the GS305P as plug and play, with no software to install. Managed switches add settings such as VLANs and traffic rules, which this model doesn't offer. For a home or small office that simply needs more ports, unmanaged is often enough.

Gigabit ports

All five ports are Gigabit Ethernet, which typically means up to 1 Gbps per port over suitable cable. NETGEAR's description mentions CAT-5 cable, which can carry gigabit speeds over normal run lengths. Four ports offer PoE+, leaving the fifth as a standard data port, handy for the uplink to your router.

PoE+ and the 63W power limit

Power over Ethernet delivers electricity over the same cable as data, so a device needs no power outlet nearby. PoE+ is the 802.3at standard, which can supply more power per port than the original PoE. NETGEAR lists a total of 63W across the four PoE+ ports.

The word total is important. That 63W is shared. For example, a wireless access point, an IP camera and a VoIP phone might each draw a few watts to the mid teens, so a few devices fit comfortably. Several power-hungry devices together may exceed 63W, and then the switch can't power all of them. Check each device's stated PoE draw and add them up.

Devices it is meant for

NETGEAR names IP cameras, VoIP or internet-based phones and wireless access points as examples. Those are typical uses of PoE. A device must support PoE itself (or be used with a splitter) to be powered this way, so confirm the standard it supports.

Placement and operation

The switch measures about 6.2 x 4.0 x 1.1 inches (about 16 x 10 x 2.8 cm) and weighs 2.1 lb (about 1 kg). It supports desktop or wall mounting. NETGEAR describes it as silent in operation, which suits quiet spaces like a home office or living area. It complies with IEEE 802.3az, the energy efficient Ethernet standard, which lowers power use on idle links. The listing also notes a 3-year limited hardware warranty.

What to check before you buy

• Your PoE devices: confirm each supports 802.3af or 802.3at, and add up their power draw against the 63W total.
• Port count: only four ports provide PoE, and one of the five is needed for the uplink if your router is separate.
• Cabling: use a suitable network cable for gigabit speeds and PoE, and keep runs within standard Ethernet distance limits.
• Features you need: unmanaged means no VLANs or monitoring.
• Mounting spot: check ventilation and where you plan to place it.
• Power: the switch has its own power supply, so allow for an outlet.

The short version

• Five gigabit Ethernet ports in a small unmanaged switch.
• Four PoE+ ports with a shared 63W total PoE power.
• No software or configuration: plug and play.
• Desktop or wall mount, silent operation as NETGEAR describes it.
• Energy-efficient Ethernet (802.3az) and a 3-year limited hardware warranty.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.