NETGEAR MS324TXUP 28-Port Ultra60 PoE Multi-Gig Smart Switch: specs

The NETGEAR MS324TXUP is a managed 28-port network switch for businesses, schools and larger homes that run many powered devices. It pairs 24 multi-gigabit copper ports, all with high-power PoE, with four 10G fibre-style uplink ports. Here is what the headline specs mean.

Multi-gig ports

Its 24 copper ports run at 1G or 2.5G. Many recent wireless access points have 2.5G network ports, because Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 7 can exceed what a one-gigabit cable carries. Multi-gig lets those devices run at full speed over the existing Cat5e or Cat6 cabling that is common in buildings, without rewiring. Ordinary 1G devices also connect as normal.

Ultra60 PoE++ and the 720W power total

PoE (Power over Ethernet) sends power along the data cable. NETGEAR says all 24 copper ports are Ultra60 PoE++, which in general means up to 60W per port, enough for pan-tilt cameras, large access points, video phones and some displays. The total PoE power is 720W. That total is shared, so it can't run all 24 ports at their maximum at once: 24 ports at 60W would need 1,440W. For most installations, devices draw well under their limit, but add up the real figures for your equipment.

Four 10G SFP+ ports

The four SFP+ ports are for uplinks, either to a core switch, a server or another switch. They accept modules or direct-attach cables, depending on the distance and the other device. A 10G uplink matters because 24 busy multi-gig ports can produce more traffic than a single gigabit link could carry.

Smart management and Insight

"Smart" or managed software gives you a web interface for setup, secure access and SNMP monitoring, which lets network tools track the switch's status. NETGEAR says the switch includes one year of NETGEAR Insight, its optional cloud service for managing a network remotely. Whether you keep using Insight after that period is something to check with NETGEAR.

Mounting, efficiency and warranty

The switch supports desktop or rack mounting, and NETGEAR says the mounting hardware is in the box. It's listed at 13.5 lb. It complies with IEEE 802.3az, the energy-efficient Ethernet standard, which reduces power use on idle links. NETGEAR lists a five-year limited hardware warranty.

Who it suits

It suits offices, schools, small server rooms and well-equipped homes with many access points, cameras and phones, where one switch can power and connect them all and where managed features such as VLANs and monitoring are useful.

What to check before you buy

• Power total: list the PoE wattage of each device and make sure the total fits within 720W.
• Device standards: confirm that your devices use compatible PoE standards.
• Uplink needs: decide whether you need SFP+ modules or cables, and the right type for your distance.
• Cooling and noise: a switch of this size normally has fans, so consider where it will be placed. NETGEAR's manual gives guidance.
• Mounting space: check rack space or the desk surface and the power outlet.
• Management: decide whether the local interface is enough or you'll use Insight.

The short version

• A managed 28-port switch: 24 x 1G/2.5G Ultra60 PoE++ ports and four 10G SFP+ ports.
• 720W total PoE power, shared across the powered ports.
• Smart software with SNMP, plus one year of NETGEAR Insight.
• Desktop or rack mounting, with the hardware in the box.
• IEEE 802.3az energy-efficient design and a five-year limited hardware warranty.

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