NETGEAR GS728TP 28-Port PoE+ Smart Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS728TP is a 28-port smart managed Ethernet switch. Twenty-four of its ports are Gigabit and deliver power over Ethernet, so cameras, wireless access points and phones can be powered through the same cable that carries their data. It is aimed at small offices, shops and larger homes that are building out a wired network.

What the port layout gives you

The switch has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, each running at up to 1 Gbps, plus four 1G SFP slots. SFP slots take small plug-in modules, usually fibre or copper, which are handy for a longer run to another building or floor, or for linking to another switch. Ports that carry a standard Gigabit signal are enough for most office computers, printers and network storage.

PoE+ and the 190W total

PoE+ refers to the IEEE 802.3at standard, which can supply up to about 30W per port. NETGEAR lists all 24 copper ports as PoE+ with 190W of total PoE power. That total matters more than the per-port figure: the switch shares 190W across everything plugged in, so you can't run 24 devices that each want 30W at once.

As a rough guide, many IP cameras and wireless access points draw well under 15W each, so a switch with this much power can usually power a good number of them. Add up the rated draw of your devices and compare it with 190W, leaving some headroom.

Smart managed control

NETGEAR describes the software as an easy-to-use interface for secure setup, access and SNMP management through its NMS300 tool. A "smart" managed switch sits between a basic unmanaged switch and a full enterprise one. You typically get features such as VLANs, which split a network into separate segments, along with traffic prioritisation and port monitoring, usually through a web page. The listing also mentions optional Insight cloud management, which lets you oversee the switch remotely if you choose to set it up.

Desktop or rack

The switch measures roughly 17.3 by 10.1 by 1.7 inches and weighs 8.3 lb. NETGEAR says it can sit on a desk or mount in a rack, and that the mounting hardware comes in the box. The listing describes quiet operation and energy-efficient design compliant with IEEE 802.3az, which lets ports reduce power when idle. With this much PoE power, switches generally have some fan or thermal management, so check the manual for placement and airflow.

Warranty and support

NETGEAR lists a limited lifetime hardware warranty, next business day replacement and 24/7 chat with a NETGEAR expert. Conditions for these programmes vary by region, so read the terms that apply where you live.

Who it suits

It suits a small business or a home lab that wants to power and connect many network devices from one place, such as a mix of cameras, access points and desk phones. It is less relevant if none of your devices use PoE, or if you need faster-than-Gigabit speeds to every port.

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 190W total.
• Uplink needs: decide whether you will use the SFP slots and which modules or cables you need for them.
• Placement: check the space, ventilation and rack-ear fit, and the noise level where it will sit.
• Management: confirm you are comfortable with a web interface and VLAN settings, and whether you want the optional cloud tool.
• Power and cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable and follow the manual and local electrical codes.

The short version

• 28 ports: 24 Gigabit PoE+ plus four 1G SFP.
• 190W of total PoE power shared across all ports.
• Smart managed software with SNMP support and optional cloud management.
• Desktop or rackmount, with mounting hardware included.
• Limited lifetime hardware warranty as listed by NETGEAR.

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