NetGear GS108 Copper 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch (GS108UK)

The Netgear ProSafe line of switches are solid performers, especially for home use. I paid less than $65 for the switch. While typical residential users won't need 1000Mbps (1Gbps) Ethernet access, most computers today ship with a 100/1000 Ethernet port so why not use a 1Gbps Ethernet switch, especially given the low cost. Also, consider if you have a requirement to move large or multiple files from computer to computer, or if you do backups to a shared disk/computer, 1Gbps is a perfect choice.

Highlights include:
- Lifetime warranty
- Metal case - solid!
- Auto-Uplink (cascading switch to switch or switch to router with a straight-thru or cross-over cable - the switch detects what type is needed for you)
- small footprint
- runs cool
- lights that depict 100Mbps or 1Gbps connection
- 8 ports including uplink

After we moved, one of my GS108v2 switches acted flaky. I contacted Netgear via email and logged a case. I had a response in 24 hours. I called per instructions to get an RMA. I sent the switch back on a Friday via Priority US Mail ($7), and had my replacement delivered via DHL the following Friday. That was a quick turn-around. They have other options for returns that can provide a replacement faster. For my use, I had a 100Mbps backup switch so down-time was not an issue.

While wireless devices (802.11G/N - upto 54Mbps) provide excellent connectivity to the ISP/Internet (typically 10Mbps or less) works well, the bandwidth bottleneck becomes the ISP. For LAN (Local Area Network) access at home, a wired solution is nice as you get the higher bandwidth for fast file transfers and backup.

We built a new house and pre-wired for Ethernet with one RJ45 to each room. Each room that needs more than one Ethernet connection gets a GS108 switch and it connects to a central GS108 switch. The central GS108 switch connects to a router that connects to the ISP. By cascading GS108s or direct connecting a computer to the central GS108, all computers have 1Gbps to each other, and the router provides 100Mbps access to a >10Mbps ISP connection.

Support was good (be sure to register your equipment at www.netgear.com - makes support simple and easy). Price was great (www.pcconnection.com). Strong metal case. Lifetime warranty. Small footprint.

This is one fine 1Gbps switch at a reasonable price.