NETGEAR GS108 ProSafe 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch
by Netgear
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List Price: Buy Used: from $34.95 (click here) Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of NETGEAR GS108 ProSafe 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Desktop Switch
Customer Review: Gigabit made simple
Summary: 5 Stars
This switch is exactly what I expected it to be: solid. Just like the other Netgear equipment I've used, the GS108 is completely hassle-free. My whole house was literally wired for gigabit Ethernet in no more time than it took to plug in the cables. I took it out of the box, plugged in the power cord, and plugged in connections (including a router and the patch cables to the rooms in my home), and went about my networking. It's completely idiot-proof, since all 8 ports automatically detect connection speed and uplink/downlink (meaning that no special cables are needed to hook up additional switches or routers). Plus, the indicator lights show which ports are in use, and at what speeds (10Mb, 100Mb, or 1Gb).The form factor is great, too: At about 9 inches wide by 4 inches deep by 1 inch thick, it's small enough that I was easily able to place it inside the structured wiring panel, and so light that a little heavy velcro holds it fast. Plus, it doesn't put out a lot of heat; even with the door to the panel closed, it feels warm but never hot to the touch.
Customer Review: Disconnects all computers every few hours.
Summary: 1 Stars
Very disappointed. I have other Netgear components on the network that have worked flawlessly for years, but this particular model does indeed have the issue many people have reported about disconnects. I could see how an average email checking / web surfing user would not care much about it, but I use software for work that requires a full restart when disconnected, so this switch drives me absolutely crazy.
Every few hours everything attached to it just disconnects, as if they are plugged into nothing. Sometimes it comes back up in about 2 minutes, about 25% of the time I need to unplug the unit and plug it back in to get it to reconnect to the computers again. I am back on Amazon to find a different switch and figured I'd warn everyone that this one is headed for the trash bin here. I still believe Netgear makes a great product, just this particular unit is flawed. Funny sidenote, actually disconnected me two times while writing this, don't think it wanted me to warn everyone about it. :-)
Customer Review: 7 months uptime - no problems!
Summary: 5 Stars
I replaced a Netgear 5-port Fast Ethernet switch on my desk with this one to get more ports. What I did not count on was the increased speed of a gigabit switch. I frequently sync my desktop Windows email and files with my laptop (MacBook Pro running OSX plus Windows via VMWare Fusion). Both systems have gigabit Ethernet adapters so the transfers are breathtakingly fast through the switch. Just checked a recent sync log. 106 music files -- 490+MB data -- in 14 seconds.
If I ever got ambitious, I'd move this switch down to the basement and put it just downstream from the FIOS router, then use it to connect all the Ethernet drops from various rooms in the house so any in-house system-to-system wired link would be gigabit. I'd still need a multiport gigabit switch at my desk, though -- probably another Netgear.
Like many other users, I unpacked the box, plugged in the power and cables and started using it. Haven't touched it in six months. A great product.
Customer Review: Disappointing - Netgear aint what it used to be... :-(
Summary: 1 Stars
I used to swear by Netgear during my years of corporate IT servitude, but it seems that they've really abandoned any quality goals when it comes to their consumer grade equipment. This is the third (and last) piece of almost brand new Netgear equipment that is sitting in my parts closet unused.
Every couple of hours it will disconnect all the users/devices attached to it. This disconnect would last anywhere from 15 seconds to a minute or more. Definitely puts a kink in large file transfers, video streaming and online gaming.
I got a D-Link gigabit switch to replace it and couldn't be happier. D-Link DGS-2208 8-Port 10/100/1000 Desktop Switch I must admit I prefer the build and look of the Netgear (it's solid and the rear facing LEDs are great) as opposed to the D-Link's plasticky lightness, but it's all about performance, not looks now, isn't it?
Customer Review: Netgear Failures
Summary: 1 Stars
Over the years I've purchased many Netgear, but in the last three it seems I have port failures on new equipment frequently. My 9 month old GS108 died a horrid death one day, I kept it on a mondo surge suppressor and have pretty high quality power anyways. At any rate, I've had other netgear failures, originally consumer quality so I started purchasing the Pro line thinking it would be better. Not so much.
My advice, avoid the brand - they have quality issues.
By the way, talked to tech support and the person told me that the problem was using a surge suppressor. He wanted me to plug it directly into the wall.
Honestly, I think they would have replaced the device free of charge, my problem is that their products keep dying. Better to pay for a product that will last 5-10 years then get another defective product albeit free. I've switched to d-link, I've had good longevity at a work site with their products.