NETGEAR GS308PP 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS308PP is a small, unmanaged network switch with eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, all of which supply Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). It lets you connect wired devices and power compatible ones, such as IP cameras or wireless access points, through the same cable. Here is what the specs mean and what to confirm before you plan a setup.

What an unmanaged switch does

A switch connects wired devices on one local network so they can talk to each other and share an internet connection. "Unmanaged" means there is no configuration to do. NETGEAR says setup is plug and play, with no software to install. You connect your router and your devices, and it passes traffic between them. Managed switches add features such as VLANs and traffic rules, which an unmanaged model doesn't offer, so it suits simple networks.

Gigabit ports

All eight ports are Gigabit Ethernet, which means up to 1,000 Mbps per port. That is enough for HD and 4K camera streams, desktop computers, network storage and most home or small office uses. Gigabit ports also work with slower devices, so older equipment can share the switch.

What PoE+ means

Power over Ethernet sends electrical power along with data over a standard network cable. That removes the need for a separate power adapter and nearby outlet at each device. PoE+ refers to the IEEE 802.3at standard, which typically allows up to 30W per port at the switch, for devices that need more than basic PoE can supply. Typical PoE devices include IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones.

The device must support PoE or PoE+ to be powered this way. Non-PoE devices such as a laptop can still be plugged in, and a PoE port typically only sends power to devices that ask for it.

Understanding the 83W power limit

All eight ports are PoE+, but the switch has a total PoE power limit of 83W, which is shared across the ports. This is different from a per-port limit. A few devices that draw 10 to 15W each fit comfortably, but eight devices that each need the full PoE+ allowance would exceed the limit. To plan, add up the wattage of the devices you want to power and compare it with the total.

NETGEAR also mentions FlexPoE. According to the brand, the PoE power limit can be increased at any time by swapping in an interchangeable external power adapter. Check NETGEAR's documentation for which adapters are compatible and how much power they provide.

Placement and noise

The switch can sit on a desk or be wall mounted. NETGEAR describes the operation as silent, which suits living rooms, offices and other noise-sensitive spaces. It lists IEEE 802.3az compliance, which is Energy-Efficient Ethernet, a standard that lets ports reduce power use when there's little traffic. The unit weighs 3.1 lb (about 1.4 kg).

Region and warranty

The listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only, so it's meant for those regions' power standards. NETGEAR provides a 3-year limited hardware warranty.

Who it suits

It suits a home or small office that wants to add a few IP cameras or access points without running power cables to each, or anyone who needs more wired ports without any setup. It is less suited to networks that need VLANs, monitoring or remote management.

What to check before you buy

• Device wattage: add up what your PoE devices draw and compare it with the 83W total.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices support PoE+ (802.3at) or standard PoE.
• Cable run: Ethernet cable runs are typically limited to about 100 metres.
• Mounting: check the wall-mount method and cable routing in the manual.
• Management needs: if you need VLANs or monitoring, you'll want a managed switch.
• Region: the listing says it is for use in the U.S. and Canada.

The short version

• Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, all PoE+.
• 83W total PoE power, with FlexPoE to increase it using an external adapter.
• Unmanaged and plug and play; no software to install.
• Desktop or wall mount; silent operation and IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient design.
• 3-year limited hardware warranty; for use in the U.S. and Canada.

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