NETGEAR MS308E 8-port multi-gigabit Easy Smart switch: specs and uses

The NETGEAR MS308E is a compact eight-port network switch in which every port runs at up to 2.5 gigabits per second. Unlike a plain plug-in switch, it has basic management software, so you can configure, secure and monitor the network from a browser. It suits home offices and small networks that have outgrown standard gigabit speeds.

What multi-gigabit means

Standard Ethernet ports top out at 1 Gbps. Multi-gigabit ports, listed here as 1G/2.5G, detect what the device on the other end supports and run at 1 Gbps or 2.5 Gbps accordingly. The benefit is that many current motherboards, mini PCs, network storage boxes and WiFi 6 or WiFi 7 access points have 2.5 Gb ports, and they can talk at that speed over ordinary Cat5e cable at typical home and office lengths. A device with a standard gigabit port still works and simply runs at 1 Gbps. Both ends of a link, and the cable between them, set the actual speed.

Easy Smart Managed Essentials

NETGEAR describes the software as easy to use, with basic managed capabilities. Switches in this class are commonly called "smart" or "web-managed". Typically they offer features such as VLANs to separate traffic into groups, quality-of-service settings to prioritise certain traffic, port monitoring and some security options. The exact feature list is in the manual, so check that the function you need is included. A smart switch is also a middle step between a simple unmanaged switch and a fully managed one.

Energy efficiency

The switch is designed to comply with IEEE 802.3az, the Energy-Efficient Ethernet standard. In general, it lets ports lower their power use when there is little traffic.

Placement and warranty

The switch supports desktop or wall-mount placement, which helps in a tidy home office or utility cupboard. NETGEAR describes its five-year limited hardware warranty as industry-leading. The listing gives the weight as 1.7 lb (about 0.8 kg); no dimensions are provided, so check the manual if you need to fit it into a tight space. One detail to note: the listing's short description refers to the GS308E, so confirm the model number MS308E-100NAS when you order.

Who it suits

It suits someone who wants to link several 2.5 Gb devices, such as a desktop, a network storage unit and a wireless access point, and who also wants a few management options like VLANs. People who only need extra ports and do not want to configure anything may find a simpler unmanaged model enough.

What to check before you buy

• Your devices: check that they have 2.5 Gb ports, or the extra speed will not be used.
• Cabling: Cat5e or better is typical for 2.5 Gbps; check the maximum run length in the manual.
• Uplink: the connection to your router also needs to support 2.5 Gbps if you want fast access to the internet or other networks.
• Features: read the software description to confirm that it offers what you plan to configure.
• Power: the listing does not mention Power over Ethernet, so do not plan to power devices from it.
• Mounting: decide whether you will use the desk or wall option and check the hardware you need.

The short version

• An eight-port switch with 1G/2.5G multi-gigabit Ethernet.
• Easy Smart Managed Essentials software for basic configuration, security and monitoring.
• Desktop or wall mounting, with an energy-efficient design to IEEE 802.3az.
• A five-year limited hardware warranty, according to NETGEAR.
• Best matched to devices that have 2.5 Gb ports.

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