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(More customer reviews)NETGEAR's GS608 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch is a good product with nice clean lines. The one I have actually works flawlessly for my needs. The problem I have is that I have noticed that there is a wide variation in performance depending on the version of the switch that you get. If you have a v1, you will not get full jumbo packet support, thereby limiting you to 20 MBps. If you have v2, you will get full jumbo packet support, but non-windows computers seem to have hardware issues interfacing with the ports. And now that I have gotten to use the version 3 rendition in a Windows only situation, I can say that the performance was good. But I can't help but wonder, what happens when I have to hook up one of my Unix or linux workstations in that room? What if I have to connect a Mac? Will version 3 have the same compatibility problems as version 2? So my main gripe is, why didn't Netgear just scrap this product line and create a new product with a new model number if they new they had hardware problems with different revisions? Those buying from Amazon will probably get version 3, but if you try to buy this at a brick and mortar store all bets are off. Depending on how long they have had inventory, you can get any of the three. So the moral of the story is, definitely try to avoid versions 1 and 2 if possible.
How do you know which version you have? On the bottom of my switch, there was a white sticker with the standard power rating info and random information. Towards the bottom of the text it had the model number with *v3* appended to it, with no spaces. So if you have v3, the actual model number will look like "Netgear GS608v3*. The same goes for v2. I believe that v1 doesn't have any special markings on it, though I don't have one of those handy to verify that.
As to speed and performance, the v3 definitely works great. Each port is represnted by a number on the front of the switch. You will know that it is running in gigabit ethernet mode and connected to a cable if the port is lit up green. So if you see a green 1, 3 and 4, that means each of those ports are in use by network cards that are GigE capable.
Since all three of these are still sold under the same model number, I have to average out the performance of the others with the latest revision. As long as you get the latest revision, you should be OK in terms of features and performance at the higher end of the speed limits of gigabit ethernet. But as for whether or not all the problems with alternative TCP/IP compatibility, I have to test that a little further before I will feel comfortable that they have solved the problems of v2. If that happens, I may revisit changing this rating but until then I think this is a good device that still has some risks associated with it.
Enjoy.
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Netgear GS608NA Giga Switch 8PortThe NETGEAR GS608 8-Port Gigabit Desktop Switch connects up to eight network devices at up to 1000 Mbps over Ethernet cables.
Sturdy and Reliable Design NETGEAR's GS600 series switches are designed for use in a home and small office, housed in a compact white case that blends into your home decor. A fanless design keeps operation both silent and more reliable, and ports are located in the rear to reduce cable clutter. Each port has status LEDs for link and activity. The switch can be placed on a flat surface or vertically on the included stand.
Simple Setup and Stellar Performance Plug in your Ethernet cables and connect a power cord, and you're ready to go. There is no software to install or settings to configure. The switch features auto negotiation, which automatically obtains the right speed and mode, and Auto Uplink adjusts for the different types of Ethernet cables. There is no need for toggle switches or special crossover cables. The device can seamlessly integrate 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps devices on the same network and honors Layer 2 priority tags.
All ports deliver up to 2000 Mbps speed and the switch supports 9,000 byte frames when set to support jumbo frames. There is a 1 Mb packet buffer memory and support for a MAC address database of 4,000.
The NETGEAR GS608 8-port Gigabit Desktop Switch has a rated Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 87,600 hours and is backed by a 2-year warranty.
What's in the Box GS605 8-port Gigabit Desktop Switch, AC power adapter, vertical stand, installation guide, warranty/support information card.
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