tnroroc
Let's Rock
join:2001-04-25
Matawan, NJ
|  Netgear Switch Upgrade Question.
I am looking to start upgrading my current home network from 10/100 to gigabit.
I have been using a Netgear FS108 un-managed switch for years with absolutely no problems.
Their current offerings I have been looking at are the GS108 which I believe is very similar to the FS108. »www.netgear.com/Products/Switche···ications
And the GS108T which is a "managed" version. »www.netgear.com/Products/Switche···ications
Is there anything to be gained by using the "managed" over the "un-managed" in a home network? Is it something that may "future-proof" my network at some point down the road?
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rok - Enjoy this game called life, nobody is actually keeping score.  |
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GadgetVirtu
join:2008-08-10
Fort Worth, TX
| I bought the GS108T a couple weeks ago and have been very happy with it. The biggest difference with a managed switch is control. You can setup VLANs allow some ports to access others yet exclude others. With LAPC you can pair two ports and create a 2GB channel to another switch. This managed switch can handle your DNS. You can set each port's speed and on and on.
If you are going to upgrade to the GS108, spend the little extra for the GS108T to give yourself the managed portion. Even if you don't need or use it now the extra cost now could be worth it down the line. I'm actually looking at purchasing a second GS108T and have them each branched off my 1GB router. We have several HD TiVos, Slingboxes and with FIOS it balances the load more effectively between internal and external traffic. In hindsight I should have just bought the higher port model but it's too late for that now. |
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tnroroc
Let's Rock
join:2001-04-25
Matawan, NJ | Thanks for the insight.
Off to price shop now! |
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KCrimson
Premium
join:2001-02-25
Brooklyn, NY
 ·Optimum Online
 ·Verizon FIOS
2 edits | reply to tnroroc
I bought the GS108 (unmanaged) 8 port switch from Newegg about 10 days ago. I bought it "factory recertified" for $30 plus $8 shipping. Its working fine on this home network. It would have been nice to play with VLANs, but with DD-WRT firmware on my WNDR3300, my head is already spinning trying to figure out the extra controls available. 
The switch allows my LAN to operate at gigabit speed, while the router is connected via a 10/100 uplink. Considering the real-life throughput of today's home internet connections and wireless N traffic, I figured that's fine.
The WNDR3300 was also purchased refurbed - $30 shipped in a Newegg special that was featured on Slickdeals (ended on 5/1). Newegg has it now $50 (refurb'ed) plus shipping.
Note: Purchasing it refurbed negates the Netgear lifetime warranty.
BTW - The last time I posted in this forum was during my first year on DSLR - I was attempting to write custom filters for my Netgear/Zyxel (the forums weren't yet split) RT-314 on which I had running hacked Zyxel P314 firmare. If I have anywhere NEAR as solid performance from the new switch and router, I'll be VERY pleased. |
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