Item: NETGEAR Ethernet Switches
Rating: 8
Author: Steve Davis

Overall Satisfaction with NETGEAR Ethernet Switches

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have used Netgear switches in a smaller environment. The majority of anyone I support that utilize Netgear switches are users in a SOHO environment who are looking to get the job done without breaking the bank.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Gigabit speed is consistent and reliable
Cost is low
Easy to install

Cons

Better advertisement about advanced enterprise features. My experience is with smaller switches and not with the fully managed switches.
Additional management tools to monitor multiple switches in the environment. Similar to Cisco Network Assistant.

Return on Investment

Rarely need to reboot or troubleshoot the SOHO switches.
Low cost for the functionality. For example, 8 port GB switches for $20 is a no brainer for a home environment that doesn't need vlans or more enterprise type features.
No negative impact on any environment I am aware of, however have not tested in a larger environment with multiple switches.

Alternatives Considered

Linksys Ethernet Switches

Netgear stacks up fairly well against Linksys in terms of the SOHO switches. Easy to install, clean look, and solid functionality.

Other Software Used

Cisco Catalyst, WatchGuard NGFW, Mitel Applications Suite, Cisco Business Edition 6000 (BE6000)

Likelihood to Recommend

Most companies have warranty contracts or prefer a specific type of equipment to match their current environment. Smaller environments that don't have a policy for a specific device, or someone looking for a good switch with a low cost would be where I have currently utilized these switches. I don't see why these switches couldn't be used in a larger environment, although I have not tested them in a corporate environment. In home or small office environments, these have worked very well.

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Netgear SOHO Switch Review