Introduction of Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart Ethernet SOHO Switch GS308E

The Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart Ethernet SOHO Switch GS308E is a powerful and reliable networking solution designed for small office/home office (SOHO) environments. With its 8 Gigabit ports, this smart switch provides high-speed connectivity for up to 8 wired devices, ensuring smooth data transfer and seamless network performance. The GS308E is currently available at an estimated price of $40 - $50, making it an affordable choice for SOHO users.

Package Contents

• Switch model GS305E or GS308E
• Power adapter (varies by region)
• Installation guide

Ethernet cables not included.

Smart Ethernet SOHO Detailed Specifications

The Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Switch GS308E comes with the following key features:

• 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
• Auto-negotiation for automatic connection at the highest common speed between switch and device
• Flow control for reducing data transfer errors
• Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing specific network traffic
• VLAN support for enhanced network security and segmentation
• Loop detection and prevention for maintaining a stable network
• Energy-efficient Ethernet for reducing power consumption
• Plug-and-play installation for easy setup
• Wall-mountable design for flexible placement options
• Fanless design for silent operation

Description of Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart

Ethernet SOHO Switch GS308E is a compact, high-performance networking device that provides reliable and efficient connectivity for SOHO users. Its 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports support data transfer rates of up to 1000 Mbps, allowing users to connect multiple wired devices simultaneously. The switch features advanced QoS, VLAN, and flow control capabilities, ensuring optimal network performance and security. With its silent fanless design, the GS308E is perfect for quiet office environments or homes. The switch's plug-and-play installation and wall-mountable design make it easy to integrate into any existing network infrastructure.

NETGEAR Register Insight App

Use the NETGEAR Insight app to register your switch, activate your warranty, and access support.

1. On your iOS or Android mobile device, visit the app store, search for NETGEAR Insight, and download the latest version of the app.

   

2. Open the NETGEAR Insight app.
3. If you did not set up a NETGEAR account, tap Create NETGEAR Account and follow the onscreen instructions.
4. Enter the email address and password for your account and tap LOG IN.
5. Tap + in the upper-right corner.
6. Either use the camera on your phone to scan the serial number bar code located on the bottom of the switch, or enter the serial number.
7. Tap Go.
8. Follow the onscreen instructions to add your switch to a network location. The switch is registered and added to your account.

Connect the Switch of 

Sample Network Configuration

Discover IP Address of Switch

An IP address is required to configure your switch. The switch gets an IP address from a DHCP server (such as your router) by default. If your switch is not connected to a DHCP server, use the default IP address: 192.168.0.239.

1. Connect your mobile device to the same WiFi network as the switch.
2. Make sure that the network connects to the Internet.
3. Launch the NETGEAR Insight app from your mobile device.
4. Log in to your account.

The current IP address of the switch displays.

Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Configure the Switch

We recommend that you use a web browser on a computer or tablet to configure the switch. 
Note: If your computer is a Mac, use the NETGEAR Switch Discovery Tool, as described on the other side of this document. 

1. Open a web browser from a computer or tablet connected to the same network as your switch.
   You can use a WiFi or wired connection.
2. Enter the IP address of the switch.
3. Enter the password.
   The default password is password. We recommend that you change the password to a more secure password.
4. Click the Login button.

Netgear Other Discovery and Configuration Methods

The NETGEAR Switch Discovery Tool and the ProSAFE Plus Utility also let you  discover the IP address and configure the switch. 

NETGEAR Switch Discovery Tool
You can use a Mac or a 64-bit Windows-based computer that is on the same network as the switch. You can use a WiFi or wired connection. When you discover the switch, this tool provides access to the local browser interface to configure the switch. To download the NETGEAR Switch Discovery Tool, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/netgear-switch-discovery-tool .

ProSAFE Plus Utility
To download the latest utility and user manual, visit https://www.netgear.com/support/product/prosafe%20plus%20utility . If you cannot discover or configure the switch, you might need to temporarily disable the firewall, Internet security, or antivirus programs. Make sure to reenable these security services after you discover and configure the switch.

Setup Guide

1. Unbox the Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart Ethernet SOHO Switch GS308E and connect the power adapter.
2. Connect the switch to your network using an Ethernet cable.
3. Plug in your devices to any of the 8 available ports.
4. The switch will automatically detect and configure the connected devices.
5. For advanced settings, access the web-based interface by connecting your computer to the switch and navigating to http://192.168.0.234.

SOHO Switch GS308E Troubleshooting

If you experience any issues with your Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart Ethernet SOHO Switch GS308E, consider the following troubleshooting steps:

1. Ensure that all cables are properly connected.
2. Check for any firmware updates on the Netgear website.
3. Restart the switch and devices connected to it.
4. Reset the switch to its factory settings if necessary.
5. Consult the user manual for further assistance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cost-effective SOHO networking solution
• High-speed Gigabit connectivity
• Advanced QoS, VLAN, and flow control features
• Silent fanless design
• Plug-and-play installation and wall-mountable design

Cons

• Limited to 8 ports
• No PoE (Power over Ethernet) support

Customer Reviews about SOHO Switch GS308E

Customers appreciate the Netgear 8-Port Gigabit Smart Ethernet high-speed connectivity, compact design, and affordable price point. However, some users have reported issues with the switch's QoS configuration and limited port count. Overall, the GS308E is a solid choice for SOHO users seeking a reliable and cost-effective networking solution.