NETGEAR GS324P 24-Port PoE+ Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS324P is an unmanaged network switch with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 16 of which supply Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). It lets you connect computers, cameras, wireless access points and phones, and power some of them through the same cable. Here is what its specifications mean in practice.

Gigabit ports and unmanaged setup

All 24 ports run at Gigabit speed, up to 1,000 Mbps per port, which suits file transfers, network storage and general office traffic. "Unmanaged" means there is no menu, login or software. NETGEAR describes setup as plug and play: you connect power and cables and the switch handles traffic itself. The trade-off is that unmanaged switches generally don't offer features such as VLANs or detailed traffic controls.

What PoE+ does

Power over Ethernet sends electrical power along the data cable, so a device such as an IP camera or access point needs one cable instead of two. PoE+ corresponds to the IEEE 802.3at standard and can supply more power per port than the original PoE standard, typically up to about 30 watts per port. Devices that need no power over the cable connect as normal.

Understanding the 190W allowance

Sixteen ports support PoE+, but the switch has a total PoE allowance of 190W. That is the combined power available to all powered devices at once. Devices vary: a simple camera might use under 10W, while a pan-tilt camera or a powerful access point can use considerably more. If the combined draw is below 190W, all 16 ports can be in use. Adding it up beforehand is the key step.

Desktop or rackmount

The switch measures 13.0 x 8.1 x 1.7 inches (about 33 x 20.5 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 5.4 lb (about 2.4 kg). NETGEAR says it supports desktop or rack placement, with the mounting hardware included in the box. Its thin 1.7-inch height is in line with a one-unit rack slot.

Efficiency, noise and warranty

The design complies with IEEE 802.3az, the Energy-Efficient Ethernet standard, which lowers power use on links that are idle. NETGEAR also describes quiet operation and a 3-year limited hardware warranty. The listing notes that this version is made for use in the U.S. and Canada.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, workshops and homes with several PoE devices, such as cameras and wireless access points, that want simple wiring without managing a configuration. People who need VLANs, monitoring or remote administration would typically look at a managed model instead.

What to check before you buy

• Power allowance: list the wattage of each PoE device and confirm the total stays under 190W.
• Device standards: check that your cameras or access points support PoE+ (802.3at) or standard PoE.
• Cable length and type: Ethernet runs are typically limited to about 100 metres; use suitable cable.
• Placement: decide on a desk, shelf or rack, and leave room for airflow.
• Region: the listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada; follow the manual and local electrical codes.

The short version

• Unmanaged switch with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 16 of them PoE+.
• 190W total PoE allowance shared across the powered ports.
• Plug-and-play, no software; desktop or rackmount with hardware included.
• IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient design and a 3-year limited warranty.
• Made for use in the U.S. and Canada.

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