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We are living in a data world where so much is transferred across our networks that it’s easy to understand why video streaming, gaming, or even file transfers can experience interference. To resolve this issue, we can use one of the Netgear unmanaged ethernet switches.
We are going to look at the Netgear GS108 vs GS308. We will compare their features, ease of use, and appearance. We will include a comparison chart so that you can glance over the specifications and then we will follow up with some pros and cons. After looking at everything, we can give our final opinion on the best buying option.
They are almost identical, so let’s start by seeing how the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 are similar.
Netgear GS108 vs GS308 – Similarities
Quick Glance
Let’s recap all of the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 specifications in the comparison chart below.
Transfer speeds
The Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 have 8 1 gigabyte Ethernet ports. These are the latest in switches and allow for transfer speeds of up to 1Gbps with a bandwidth of 16 gigabits.
Plug and Play
As the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 are unmanaged which means though you don’t have as much control over the system, it is literally a case of just plugging in your devices.
Ideal Uses
Although Netgear has a massive range of Ethernet switches from cloud-based to fully managed enterprise level. The Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 are both suitable for home use and small businesses and are both reliable and secure.
Design
The Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 have sturdy metal housing so that they last. They are fanless so you don’t need to worry about additional noise disrupting your work environment.
LED Indicators
There is a power LED indicator for each unit. The Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 also have LED indicators on each port that keep you informed of link speeds and link activity.
Energy Efficient
To save money on operating costs, the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 are optimized for lower power usage. They are compliant with IEEE802.3az energy efficient ethernets.
Wall Mount
Because of their lightweight design, the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 can both be wall mounted. They also come with a wall mounting kit.
There are just a few differences between the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS30, so we will cover them next.
Differences Between Netgear GS108 and GS308
Appearance
Though it may not matter to some, they do look a little different.
Netgear GS108
This is a blue ethernet switch. It measures 8.54 x 6.5 x 4.29 inches and weighs 1.55 pounds.
Netgear GS308
This model is grey. The dimensions are similar at 8.86 x 7.48 x 2.32 inches, but it weighs less at 1 pound.
The Winner is- A tie
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Traffic Prioritization
Traffic prioritization is when the ethernet switch prioritizes certain data transfer, for example, video streaming.
Netgear GS108
This ethernet switch has the ability to automatically prioritize traffic.
Netgear GS308
It doesn’t have automatic traffic prioritization.
The Winner Is- The Netgear GS108
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Warranty
Aside from both of these Netgear ethernet switches being good value for money, they also have generous warranties.
Netgear GS108
You will receive a limited lifetime warranty as well as lifetime tech support.
Netgear GS308
If you purchase the Netgear GS308 in the U.S there is a 2-year limited warranty and for China, it’s 1 year. For anywhere else in the world, the warranty is for 3 years.
The Winner Is- The Netgear GS108
Pros and Cons
Because the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 are so similar, the pros and cons below will offer more information in order to make an informed decision.
Netgear GS108
Pros:
- The metal case and the color make it look smart and modern
- It’s such a simple solution to instantly increase the number of ports you have
- Noticeable difference in internet speeds
Cons:
- The lifetime warranty is not always honored
Netgear GS308
Pros:
- The setup is incredibly straight forward
- Very low latency compared with other brands
- Good value for money for the speeds
Cons:
- The overall quality of the product needs improving, too many failed units after a matter of months
The Final Verdict
It’s worth reiterating the design aspects of this ethernet switch so you aren’t surprised when it arrives. The ports and the LED indicators are on the front of the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308. This is so that they are easily accessed and visible when wall mounted. It might seem strange at first for those who are used to the ports being at the rear.
Another thing that cropped up frequently with the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308 was the lack of support from Netgear. Both of the warranties are very appealing, but it is a nightmare trying to get hold of any customer service personnel, and we had the first-hand experience of this.
On the positive, we absolutely loved the ease of use for both the Netgear GS108 and the Netgear GS308. All you need to do is connect the power, press the power button and connect the devices you want. It is very handy to be able to see the LED indicators so that you know everything is working properly. We felt that 8 ports were definitely enough form homes and small businesses. We were also more than satisfied with the speeds from both.
When it came to choosing one overall winner, the only thing we could really base our decision on was the color. Though the Netgear GS108 has automatic traffic prioritization, we didn’t really notice this, but it might be more relevant for businesses with huge amounts of data transfers. Still, it is an advantage, and along with the nice blue color, we felt that the Netgear GS108 was the better ethernet switch.