Setup: Netgear Gigabit Smart Switch GS108T User Manual

Netgear Gigabit Smart Switch GS108T

Introduction

The Netgear Gigabit Smart Switch GS108T is a highly versatile and feature-rich networking device designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses and home offices. Launched in 2010, this switch has become a staple in many network setups due to its reliability, ease of use, and robust feature set. The GS108T is priced competitively, typically ranging from $100 to $150, making it an accessible solution for those looking to upgrade their network infrastructure.

This 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch is intended for use in environments where high-speed data transfer is crucial. It supports Gigabit speeds on all ports, ensuring that your network devices can communicate at the fastest possible rates. The GS108T also includes advanced management features such as VLAN support, QoS (Quality of Service), and IGMP snooping, making it a powerful tool for managing and optimizing your network.

Package Contents

Verify that your package contains the following:

• GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch.
• Rubber footpads for tabletop installation.
• External power supply.
• Wall mounting screws (2).
• Installation guide.

Product and Publication Details

• Model Number: GS108T
• Publication Date: April 2010
• Product Family: Smart Switch
• Product Name: GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch
• Home or Business Product: Business
• Language: English
• Publication Part Number: 202-10248-01
• Publication Version Number: 1.1

Appendix B Technical Specifications

This appendix provides technical specifications for the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch.

• Network Protocol and Standards Compatibility
  • IEEE 802.3 10BASE-T 
  • IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX 
  • IEEE 802.3ab 1000BASE-T
  • IEEE 802.3z 1000Base-X
  • IEEE 802.3x flow control
• Management
  • IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning tree
  • IEEE 802.1x Port Security
  • IEEE 802.1ab LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol)
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  • IEEE 802.1Q Static VLAN (Up to 256)
  • Port-based VLAN (Up to 8)
  • IEEE 802.1p Class of Service (CoS) 
  • Port-based QoS (Port default priority; options: High/Normal/Low/Lowest)
  • Port Trunking - Manual as per IEEE802.3ad Link Aggregation
  • Port Monitoring
• Interface
  • 8 RJ-45 connectors for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, and 1000BASE-T (Auto Uplink on all ports)
• LEDs
  • Per port (Gigabit): Speed/Link/Act
  • Per device: Power
• Performance Specifications
  • Forwarding modes: Store-and-forward
  • Bandwidth: 16 Gbps
  • Network latency: Less than 20 microseconds for 64-byte frames in store-and-forward mode for 100 Mbps to 100 Mbps transmission
  • Buffer memory: 128 KB embedded memory per unit
  • Address database size: 8,000 media access control (MAC) addresses per system
  • Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF): 108,016 hours (~12 years)
• Power Supply
  • Power Consumption: 12 W maximum
  • 12V/1A external power adapter
• Physical Specifications
  • Dimensions (H x W x D): 25.9 mm (1.02") x 235.5 mm (9.27") x 440 x 100.8 mm (3.97") Weight: 0.69 kg (1.52 lbs)
• Environmental Specifications
  • Operating temperature: 0 to 50C (32 to 122F)
  • Storage temperature: -20 to 70C (28 to 158F)
  • Operating humidity: 90% maximum relative humidity, non-condensing
  • Storage humidity: 95% maximum relative humidity, non-condensing
  • Operating altitude: 3,000 m (10,000 ft.) maximum 
  • Storage altitude: 3,000 m (10,000 ft.) maximum 
• Electromagnetic Emissions
  • CE mark, commercial FCC Part 15 Class A 
  • VCCI Class A 
  • C-Tick
• Electromagnetic Immunity 
  • EN 55022 (CISPR 22), Class A
• Safety
  • CE mark, commercial

Front and Back Panels

Figure 2-1 and Figure 2-2 show the key components on the front and back panels of the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch

Features

The following list identifies the key features of the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch.

• Eight 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-sensing Gigabit-Ethernet switching ports
• Reset Button
• Factory Defaults Button
• Administrative switch management
  • IEEE 802.1w Rapid Spanning tree
  • IEEE 802.1x Port Security
  • IEEE 802.1ab LLDP (Link Layer Discovery Protocol)
  • SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)
  • IEEE 802.1Q Tag VLAN with up to 8 VIDs ranging in 2 to 4K
  • IEEE 802.1p QoS support, four priority queues per port
  • Port-based VLAN with up to 8 groups; any one port can belong to different VLAN groups
  • IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation support
  • Embedded HTTP server for Web-based management
  • Supports port-setting function, enabling user to enable/disable each port, and set speed, duplex mode and device flow control
  • Auto-Discovery support with application program for discovering and managing the smart switches on the network
  • Flash upgrade, configuration backup/restore, and factory reset
• Full compatibility with IEEE standards:
  • IEEE 802.3i (10BASE-T)
  • IEEE 802.3u (100BASE-TX)
  • IEEE 802.3z/ab (1000BASE-X, 1000Base-T)
  • IEEE 802.3x (full-duplex flow control)
• Auto-sense and auto-negotiate for all ports
• Auto Uplink™ on all ports for the right connection sense
• Integrated address Look-Up Engine supports 8K absolute MAC addresses
• Full- and half-duplex functions for all 10/100/1000 ports
• Store-and-Forward transmission to remove bad packets from the network
• Active flow control to minimize packet loss/frame drops:
  • Half-duplex back-pressure control
  • Full-duplex IEEE 802.3x pause frame flow control
• LED indicators for port status monitoring:
  • Power LED indicates power on/off status
  • Link/Act LED indicates link status and activity
• Flexible installation:
  • Standalone desktop installation

LED Descriptions

The front panel of the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch comprises LEDs that provide a concise display of link, port speed, and activity. The following table summarizes the function of these LEDs.

Table 2-1. Front Panel LEDs 

Reset Button

The Reset button of the GS108T triggers a hardware reset of the switch. Figure 2-3 shows its location on the front panel. This action is equivalent to switching the unit power off and back on. The last saved configuration is loaded into the switch as it resets. To operate the reset button, insert a device such as a paper clip into the opening to press the recessed button. The front-panel LEDs should extinguish and light again as the switch performs its Power On Self Test (POST). 

Desktop Switching

Your NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch can be used as a desktop switch in a small network that gives users 1000 Mbps access to a file server. With full-duplex mode enabled, the switch port connected to the server or PC can provide 2000 Mbps throughput.

Checking the Installation

Before you apply power, inspect the equipment thoroughly to:

• Verify that all cables are installed correctly.
• Check that cables are not damaged and that cable routing does not interfere with equipment to create a safety hazard.
• Ensure that all equipment is mounted properly and securely.

Connecting Devices to the Switch

The following procedure describes how to connect devices to the switch’s RJ-45 ports. Your NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch contains Auto Uplink technology, which enables you to attach devices using either straight-through or crossover cables.

Applying Power

Because the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch has no ON/OFF switch, AC power must be controlled by means of the power adapter. Select an appropriate unswitched, grounded AC facility outlet to avoid any future inadvertent power interruptions. Use the following procedure to apply AC power:

1. Connect the female end of the supplied IEC AC power adapter cable to the power receptacle on the back of the switch.
2. Connect the AC power adapter cable to the DC jack.

When you apply power, the green Power LED on the switch front panel illuminates.

Switching Management Through a Web Browser or Utility Program (Initial Configuration)

Your NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch has embedded management software for viewing, changing, and monitoring its activity and configuration. You need not use this management software for it to function as a simple switch. However, the management software enables you to set up advanced features such as VLANs and Trunking and also enables you to configure the switch for improved efficiency and performance. As a result, you can improve the overall performance of your network. 
After you power-up the switch for the first time, you can configure it using a Web browser or a utility program called Smartwizard Discovery. For more information about managing the switch, see the User Manual on the Smart Switch Resource CD.

Appendix A Troubleshooting

This chapter provides information about troubleshooting the NETGEAR GS108T Gigabit Smart Switch. Information is supplied as:

• A Troubleshooting chart
• Additional troubleshooting suggestions

Troubleshooting Chart
Table A-1 lists symptoms, causes, and solutions of possible problems. 

Table A-1. Troubleshooting Chart 

Additional Troubleshooting Suggestions

If the suggestions in Table A-1 do not resolve your problem, refer to the troubleshooting suggestions in this section.

Network Adapter Cards
Ensure that the network adapter cards installed in the PCs are in working condition and their most recent software drivers have been installed.

Configuration
If problems occur after altering the network configuration, restore the original connections and attempt to isolate the problem by implementing the most-recent changes, one step at a time. Make sure that cable distances, repeater limits, and other physical aspects of the installation do not exceed the Ethernet specification limitations.

Switch Integrity
If required, verify the integrity of the switch by resetting it. To do this, use the Reset button (see Chapter 2, “Physical Description”) or remove AC power from the switch and then reapply it. If the problem persists, contact NETGEAR technical support. In North America, call 1-888-NETGEAR. If you are outside of North America, please refer to the support information card included with your product.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• High-performance Gigabit speeds on all ports
• Advanced management features like VLANs and QoS
• Easy setup and management through web-based interface
• Energy-efficient design with EEE support
• Fanless operation for silent running
• Compact design suitable for various environments

Cons:

• No PoE (Power over Ethernet) capability
• Limited to 8 ports which may not be sufficient for larger networks
• No built-in Wi-Fi capabilities
• Some users find the web interface somewhat outdated compared to newer models.

Customer Reviews

Customers generally praise the Netgear GS108T for its reliability, ease of setup, and robust feature set. Many reviewers appreciate its silent operation and energy efficiency. However, some users note that the web interface could be more modern and user-friendly. Common complaints include limited port count and lack of PoE support.