Network switch Netgear GS108 Unmanaged 8-port Gigabit (IEEE 802.3ab/802.3u/802.3i, 16 Gbit/s, MAC table 8000)

NETGEAR GS108 Unmanaged is a compact 8‑port Gigabit Ethernet switch that provides dedicated 10/100/1000 Mbps connections for wired devices. Its fanless, silent design and small footprint make it suitable for home offices, small businesses, or any workspace where a simple, reliable wired network is required. The switch supports full‑duplex operation and an 8K MAC address table to handle multiple devices efficiently.

Advantages

The GS108 offers plug-and-play connectivity with eight RJ‑45 Gigabit ports, automatic speed and duplex negotiation, and support for IEEE 802.3ab/802.3u/802.3i standards. With a switching capacity of 16 Gbit/s and a compact, fanless metal enclosure, it delivers stable wired performance while operating silently and without requiring active cooling.

Suitable for

• Small office or home office networks requiring reliable wired connections
• Expanding existing networks with additional Gigabit ports
• Connecting desktop PCs, NAS devices, printers, and IP cameras

When it may not be suitable

This unmanaged switch does not provide advanced managed features such as VLAN configuration, QoS policies, or traffic monitoring, so it may not meet the needs of networks that require fine‑grained traffic control or enterprise management. It also lacks PoE (Power over Ethernet), so it cannot power compatible devices directly.

Key specifications

• Ports: 8 x RJ‑45 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Switch type: Unmanaged
• Switching capacity: 16 Gbit/s
• MAC address table: 8,000 entries
• Standards: IEEE 802.3ab (Gigabit), IEEE 802.3u (Fast Ethernet), IEEE 802.3i (Ethernet)
• Weight: 0.76 kg

How to use

Install the GS108 on a desk or shelf and connect it to your router or modem using a Cat5e or better Ethernet cable. Plug devices into the remaining RJ‑45 ports; the switch will automatically detect link speed and duplex settings. No configuration is required for basic operation—power it on and connected devices will communicate over the wired network immediately.

What to consider before purchase

• Whether you need managed features like VLANs, QoS, or port monitoring
• Need for Power over Ethernet (PoE) to power devices such as access points or cameras
• Number of Gigabit ports required now and for future expansion

Usage recommendations

For optimal performance, use Cat5e or Cat6 cables and place the switch in a ventilated area. If you require centralized network management or PoE, consider a managed or PoE-capable model instead of an unmanaged switch.