NETGEAR GS728TPP 28-Port PoE+ Smart Switch: specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS728TPP is a 28-port smart managed switch with Power over Ethernet. It has 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports that all supply PoE+, a combined 380W of PoE power and four 1G SFP ports. It is built for small offices, shops and larger homes that need to connect and power many devices from one box.

What PoE+ does

Power over Ethernet sends electrical power along the same cable as the data. The switch can then power devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones, without each needing its own adapter or a nearby socket. PoE+ refers to the IEEE 802.3at standard, which typically delivers up to about 30W per port, enough for most cameras, phones and access points.

The 380W power limit

The switch has a total PoE capacity of 380W shared across all ports. That is lower than 24 ports at the full 30W each (720W), so you can't run every port at maximum. In practice most devices use far less than 30W, so 380W typically covers a large number of cameras and access points. Add up your devices' rated draw to confirm.

Gigabit ports and SFP

The 24 copper ports run at up to 1,000Mbps. The four 1G SFP ports take small pluggable modules, either fibre or copper, to link to another switch or a router over longer distances than a copper cable allows. The SFP modules are generally sold separately, and the listing doesn't mention any in the box.

Smart managed software

NETGEAR calls this a Smart Managed Pro switch, with a web interface for secure setup, access control and SNMP management (NMS 300). Smart managed switches typically offer VLANs, port settings and monitoring, without the full command-line depth of enterprise switches. The listing also mentions optional Insight cloud management, which is NETGEAR's app and web service for managing devices remotely. Check NETGEAR's documentation for the full feature list.

Installation

You can place it on a desk or mount it in a rack, and NETGEAR says the mounting hardware is in the box. The listing gives 10.1 x 1.7 x 17.3 inches (about 26 x 4.3 x 44 cm) and 9.0 lb (about 4 kg). The 1.7-inch height corresponds to one rack unit.

Efficiency and noise

NETGEAR lists energy-efficient operation to IEEE 802.3az and quiet operation. Switches with a high PoE capacity generally need cooling, so check the manual for placement and noise guidance, especially in a room where you sit.

Warranty and support

The listing includes a lifetime limited hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement and 24/7 chat support from NETGEAR. Terms and regional conditions are on NETGEAR's site.

Who it suits

It suits a small business running several cameras, access points and phones, or a home with a structured cabling setup. If you only need a few unpowered ports, a smaller unmanaged switch is simpler.

What to check before you buy

• Power needs: add up each PoE device's maximum draw and compare with 380W.
• Standards: confirm your devices use PoE or PoE+ (802.3af/at).
• Uplink: decide whether you need SFP modules and which type.
• Placement: check rack or desk space and airflow, and the noise in the room.
• Management: make sure you are comfortable with a web interface and VLAN settings.

The short version

• A 28-port smart managed switch: 24 Gigabit PoE+ ports and 4 x 1G SFP.
• 380W total PoE capacity.
• Desktop or rackmount, with mounting hardware included.
• Web management, SNMP and optional Insight cloud management.
• Lifetime limited hardware warranty, as listed by NETGEAR.

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