NETGEAR XS505M 5-Port 10G Multi-Gigabit Switch: features and who it suits

The NETGEAR XS505M is a compact five-port switch for faster-than-Gigabit wired networks. It has four multi-gigabit Ethernet ports and one SFP+ port, and it needs no software or configuration. It is a way to link a few high-speed devices, such as a workstation, a network storage unit and a router, without moving to a larger managed switch.

What multi-gigabit means

The four copper ports are described as 1G/2.5G/5G/10G, and NETGEAR lists them as 10G Ethernet ports. Each port negotiates the speed that the device on the other end supports. That matters because many newer computers and network adapters offer 2.5G or 5G, and a link only runs as fast as the slower end. Older Gigabit devices still work, at Gigabit speed. Cable also matters: faster speeds typically need good-quality cabling, such as Cat6 or Cat6a over shorter and longer runs respectively.

The SFP+ port

The fifth port is a 1G/10G SFP+ slot. SFP+ ports take interchangeable modules or direct-attach cables, which allow fibre links or short copper links between devices such as a switch and a server. The module or cable is normally bought separately and should match the equipment at each end.

Unmanaged and plug-and-play

"Unmanaged" means there is no configuration interface. You connect the cables and it works. NETGEAR says there is no software to install. The trade-off is that features such as VLANs, port mirroring or detailed monitoring aren't part of this type of switch.

Placement, power and noise

NETGEAR says the switch suits a desk or a rack, and that the mounting hardware is in the box. It measures about 6.7 x 12.9 x 1.7 inches (17 x 33 x 4.3 cm) and weighs about 3 lb (1.4 kg). It lists quiet operation and an energy-efficient design that follows IEEE 802.3az, the standard for Energy-Efficient Ethernet, which reduces power when links are idle. The listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada.

Support

NETGEAR lists a lifetime limited hardware warranty, next-business-day replacement and 24/7 chat support. Read the current terms on NETGEAR's own site, since coverage conditions apply.

Who it suits

It suits home offices, editing setups and small studios that have a few devices capable of 2.5G, 5G or 10G and want to avoid a bottleneck at the switch. It also suits people adding a fast link between a computer and network storage.

What to check before you buy

• Device speeds: confirm what your computers, adapters and storage actually support.
• Cabling: check that your cables are rated for the speed you want over the length you need.
• Port count: five ports fill quickly; plan for growth.
• SFP+ modules: work out what you will connect and buy matching modules.
• Features: if you need VLANs or monitoring, an unmanaged switch won't provide them.
• Region: the listing says it is made for use in the U.S. and Canada.

The short version

• A five-port unmanaged switch with four 1G/2.5G/5G/10G ports and one 1G/10G SFP+ port.
• No setup software; suits a desktop or a rack, with mounting hardware included.
• Energy-efficient (IEEE 802.3az) and quiet, according to NETGEAR.
• Lifetime limited hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement.
• Intended for use in the U.S. and Canada.

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