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TLDR Review: NETGEAR GS105Ev2 Switch

Item: NETGEAR GS105Ev2 Switch
Author: ShopSavvy

By ShopSavvy Team

Published: March 9th, 2025

Pros

•Works effectively with Dante for audio over the network.
•Achieves a stable gigabit network, enhancing performance significantly, especially for streaming and gaming with fiber optic internet.
•Efficiently upgraded older Netgear network switches and configured multiple switches as hubs and end units.
•Supports adaptive load balancing and advanced networking concepts like VLANs, port mirroring, and IGMP snooping.
•Useriendly setup for those with some networking knowledge, also effective for users without technical skills; plug and play.
•Retains configuration settings after power cycling.
•Affordable and reliable option for network expansion.
•Provides a more economical price per port with the 8 port version, offering better capacity for future needs.
•Functions as an inline packet sniffer and is more affordable than dedicated inline sniffers.
•Successfully achieves advertised 1 Gbps throughput, meeting its main performance goal.

Cons

•Setup can be complex for firsime users; requires configuring IP address and subnet.
•Documentation is poor, and the quick setup guide lacks essential information, making full manual access necessary.
•Netgear discovery tools fail to recognize the device on the network.
•EEE (Power Save Mode) must be turned off for reliable performance, adding a layer of complexity.
•Potential network dropouts and reliability issues if not configured correctly.
•Purchase requires additional network cables, as they are not included.

Bottom Line

The NETGEAR GS105Ev2 is a versatile and powerful smart managed switch that excels for users who need advanced features like VLANs and port mirroring, and it integrates smoothly with network configurations like Dante for audio. While initial setup may be challenging for those unfamiliar with networking, the device offers significant performance and expandability for home networks and beyond. For users looking for more ports and better value, consider the 8 port version, which offers greater capacity and a lower cost per port.

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