Netgear GS308E-400NAS 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch - Layer 3 Managed - Desktop/Wall Mountable - 10/100/1000Base-T - Fanless
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This switch operates at Layer 3 of the OSI model, enabling IP routing between VLANs and improved network segmentation compared to basic Layer 2 switches. It supports a comprehensive set of networking standards including IEEE 802.3az for Energy Efficient Ethernet, IEEE 802.1Q for VLAN tagging, and IEEE 802.3x for flow control.
The 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports auto-negotiate between 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds, ensuring compatibility with existing network equipment. The fanless design eliminates moving parts for increased reliability and zero noise, while the 3.70W power consumption represents efficient operation for continuous use.
Relevant factors for this section include Features, Total Number of Network Ports, Network (RJ-45), Stack Port. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The GS308E combines enterprise-grade switching features with simplified management, making advanced networking accessible to organizations without dedicated IT staff. Layer 3 support enables basic routing between network segments while maintaining the simplicity of a managed switch interface.
Silent Operation
Fanless design ensures completely silent operation, making this switch ideal for office environments, classrooms, or media rooms where noise reduction is important.
- No moving parts
- Increased reliability
- Zero acoustic footprint
Dual Installation Options
The compact form factor supports both desktop placement and wall mounting, providing flexibility for space-constrained environments while keeping cables organized.
- Desktop footprint: 6.20" × 4"
- Wall mount included
- Cable management ready
Deployment / Use Cases
The Netgear GS308E is optimally deployed in small business networks, branch offices, or educational environments where basic VLAN segmentation and QoS are required but full enterprise switching features are unnecessary. Its Layer 3 capabilities allow it to serve as a core switch in simple networks or as an access switch in larger deployments.
Common applications include connecting workstations, printers, IP phones, and surveillance cameras in office environments. The wall-mount capability makes it suitable for retail point-of-sale systems, classroom technology carts, or network closet installations where desktop space is limited.
Small Office Networking
Ideal for offices with 5-15 devices requiring separate network segments for departments, guests, or IoT devices while maintaining Gigabit connectivity.
Educational Environments
Perfect for classrooms or computer labs where silent operation and basic network management are needed without complex configuration.
Physical Profile
Measuring 6.20" wide × 4" deep × 1.10" high (157.48 × 101.60 × 27.94 mm), the GS308E maintains a compact footprint suitable for crowded network areas or discreet installation. The 1.10 lb (500 g) weight ensures stability while remaining lightweight enough for wall mounting without heavy-duty hardware.
The switch features a durable plastic enclosure with ventilation slots for passive cooling. The front panel includes status LEDs for each port and system indicators, while the rear houses the DC power input and reset button. The form factor supports both horizontal desktop placement and vertical wall mounting using included hardware.
- Width
- 6.20" (157.48 mm)
- Depth
- 4" (101.60 mm)
- Height
- 1.10" (27.94 mm)
- Weight
- 1.10 lb (500 g)
Highlights
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-negotiating 10/100/1000 Mbps speeds
- Layer 3 switching support for basic IP routing between VLANs
- Easy Smart Managed Essentials interface for simplified network control
- Fanless design for silent operation and increased reliability
- Dual form factor: desktop placement or wall mounting
- Supports standard twisted-pair cabling up to 100 meters
- Low power consumption at 3.70W for energy-efficient operation
- Comprehensive IEEE standards compliance including 802.1Q and 802.3az
- DHCP snooping for enhanced network security
- 5-year limited warranty for long-term reliability
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Netgear, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | GS308E-400NAS |
| Brand Name | Netgear |
| Product Series | GS300 |
| Product Model | GS308E |
| Product Name | GS308E Ethernet Switch |
| Product Type | Ethernet Switch |
| Technical Information | |
| Features | Plug and Play,Fanless,DHCP Snooping |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Network Ports | 8 |
| Network (RJ-45) | Yes |
| Stack Port | No |
| Port/Expansion Slot Details | 8 x Gigabit Ethernet Network |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair |
| Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 10/100/1000Base-T |
| Network & Communication | |
| Layer Supported | 3 |
| Networking Standards | IEEE 802.3az,IEEE 802.1Q,IEEE 802.1p,IEEE 802.3,IEEE 802.3ab,IEEE 802.3u,IEEE 802.3x |
| Management & Protocols | |
| Manageable | Yes |
| Switch Management Type | Easy Smart Managed Essentials |
| Power Description | |
| Input Voltage | 12 V DC |
| Power Source | DC |
| Power Consumption | 3.70 W |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Desktop,Wall Mountable |
| Height | 1.10" (27.94 mm) |
| Width | 6.20" (157.48 mm) |
| Depth | 4" (101.60 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 1.10 lb (500 g) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 5 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What is the difference between Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching on this Netgear switch?
The Netgear GS308E supports Layer 3 switching, which means it can perform basic IP routing between different VLANs or network segments. Unlike Layer 2 switches that only forward traffic based on MAC addresses, this switch can make routing decisions based on IP addresses, allowing for better network segmentation and traffic management in small to medium networks.
Can this switch be wall mounted, and what hardware is required?
Yes, the GS308E is designed for both desktop placement and wall mounting. The switch includes mounting holes on the bottom of the enclosure compatible with standard wall-mount brackets. The compact dimensions of 6.20" × 4" × 1.10" and lightweight design at 1.10 lb make it easy to install in network closets, behind desks, or in other space-constrained locations.
What management features are available through the Easy Smart Managed Essentials interface?
The Easy Smart Managed Essentials interface provides web-based management for VLAN configuration, QoS settings, port monitoring, and basic security features. It allows network administrators to create up to 8 VLANs, configure port-based or 802.1Q VLAN tagging, set up basic QoS priorities, monitor traffic statistics, and enable features like DHCP snooping without requiring advanced networking expertise.
Does this switch support Power over Ethernet (PoE) for connected devices?
No, the Netgear GS308E does not provide Power over Ethernet. This is a standard Gigabit Ethernet switch that requires connected devices to have their own power sources. For PoE capabilities, you would need to consider Netgear's PoE switch models within the same series or product line that specifically include PoE functionality.
What type of cables does this switch support for network connections?
The GS308E supports standard twisted-pair Ethernet cables (Category 5e, 6, or higher) with RJ-45 connectors. It is compatible with 10/100/1000Base-T networking standards, allowing it to work with existing cabling infrastructure. The switch supports cable lengths up to 100 meters (328 feet) per the Ethernet standard, making it suitable for typical office and commercial installations.
What is the power consumption of this switch, and what power adapter is required?
The GS308E has a maximum power consumption of 3.70 watts, making it highly energy efficient for continuous operation. It requires a 12V DC power source and comes with an appropriate power adapter. The low power draw contributes to reduced operating costs and makes the switch suitable for environments where multiple switches may be deployed while managing overall power consumption.
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