NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch GS305 - Home Network Hub Office Ethernet Splitter Plug-and-Play Silent Operation

I actually have 2 of these. One is in my computer room and allows me to plug several computers into my ethernet line at the same time and without mucking around changing cords, etc. The other one is at the cable modem input and allows me to leave my wifi router off unless I need it for something. The latter I find to be a security measure, since the wifi router is not broadcasting and can't be compromised if it's off. When the wifi router is on, the output goes into the Netgear router and then into the cable modem - without me having to mess around changing plugs and wires. These units are plug and play - they simplified everything and increased my security at the same time. I really like that it's small and as far as my internet connection is concerned, I've seen no impact at all on speeds. I do wish that the power connector was in a different location (it's on the side opposite the ethernet connectors) but that's so trivial as to be unimportant. I recommend this product heartily! Read more

Simple, great, rugged build, and works just the way it was intended. I ran multiple speed tests and they all performed much better than the other network switches that I own. I was so pleased with it that I decided to purchase two more for my home. Great price, too. I recommend it. Read more

I ordered this switch because all of the network ports in one section of the office were fully occupied. It was a seamless installation and everything functioned as your would expect. I plugged in my wall connection and then was able to run 3 other devices off the same original network line. I think this is great for any home network or application where you have limited space/ports. It is a sleek unit with a solid build quality. Read more

Works great. Bridged ISP Gateway, Gateway port 1, then any other ethernet devices on open ports. Security camera system, Game consoles, Raspberry Pi for network monitoring. Fast and works flawless. Read more

Works as it should. Simple to setup! Read more

Low cost, reliable, fast, easy to use. So glad I've been using Netgear units like this one. Would definitely buy again and recommend to others. Read more

I needed to wire up the house since all the kids are gaming, TVs are running, and everything else is online. I went with the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch because Netgear is my favorite, and I’m glad I did. These switches work great—I even ran one out to the garage with a router so I can work out there and hardwired my Wi-Fi device. Connection is solid, setup was simple, and they feel reliable. For the price, these are awesome. Highly recommend if you need a dependable, no-fuss switch for home networking. Read more

I recently added the NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch to my household network setup, and it has proven to be an excellent investment, especially for those in need of extra ports. The design of the switch is compact and sleek, making it ideal for placing on a desktop or mounting on a wall. The build quality feels robust, and the metal casing is a nice touch, ensuring durability. It's small enough to fit in tight spaces but still provides the functionality needed for a modern home network. I stuck mine underneath my desk with some command strips. Initially, when I used the switch directly out of the box without any IP configuration, I noticed some issues with network lag, especially during high-traffic periods. This was particularly evident when streaming high-definition content or transferring large files across the network. After assigning an IP address to the device, the performance issues were resolved. Configuring the IP was straightforward through the web-based management interface. Once configured, the network lag disappeared, and the switch performed flawlessly. The data transfer rates are excellent, maintaining gigabit speeds without any noticeable slowdowns. The Smart Managed feature adds a level of control and customization that is very beneficial for fine-tuning the network settings according to specific needs. Setting up the switch is a breeze. The plug-and-play functionality allows for immediate use, but I highly recommend assigning an IP address to avoid potential performance issues. The web-based management interface is user-friendly and provides various options for managing and optimizing network performance, including VLAN setup, QoS, and more. This switch is perfect for any household that requires additional Ethernet ports. Whether you need to expand your network to connect more devices or enhance your home office setup, this switch does the job admirably. It has proven to be particularly useful for connecting multiple devices without compromising network speed and reliability. The NETGEAR 5-Port Gigabit Ethernet Easy Smart Managed Essentials Switch is an exceptional product for expanding your home network. It’s highly recommended to assign an IP address to the switch to avoid any initial performance issues. Once configured, it delivers consistent and high-speed network performance, making it an invaluable addition for anyone looking to add more Ethernet ports with smart management capabilities. The combination of robust build quality, ease of use, and excellent performance makes this switch a top choice for home networking needs. I highly recommend this switch to anyone needing extra ports for their household network. Whether you're connecting gaming consoles, streaming devices, or home office equipment, this switch will meet your needs effectively and reliably. Read more