Introduction
I bought this 5 port switch in combination with a GS108Ev2. This is the 8 port big brother from this series. Of course there is quite a bit of choice in the market when it comes to fanless swithes.
VLAN support
I came to choose this series because I need an extra separate network connection for digital TV (Solcon-Glashardt) for my upcoming fiber optic connection. Because I only have one good Cat5e cable between the meter box and my TV and I don't feel like a wireless solution, a swictch with VLAN support could be a solution.
Normally you will soon arrive at a switch of more than 100 EUR with a built-in FAN, but that is a bit overkill for my meter cupboard.
By placing the GS105E) next to my TV, I am able to hunt multiple networks together over 1 cable (Trunken via 802.1q).
Out of the box
The GS105E comes with a CD (handy without a CD player in your laptop) containing the management software.
The device looks solid and has a steel casing and is closed from the top. It feels fairly heavy, so the switch stays put even if there are a few cables in it. The case also has the option to attach a Kensington lock (handy for use in an office). In addition to being placed on the legs, the switch can also be mounted on the wall (both horizontally and vertically).
Installation
After first installing the software from the CD, I thought it would be wise to get the latest versions of Firmware and Management software first. It soon became apparent than expected that the products would be registered. I did this well. But when downloading, the popup kept coming back asking to register (which I already did). With some tweaking (copying the URL and pasting only the last part in the address bar) I manage to download the latest management software and firmware. Fortunately, the management software is suitable for both models. The firmware, on the other hand, is specific and also looks different.
To install the firmware, the switch must have an IP address in the same subnet as the PC. Because I initially connected the switch stand-a-lone to my laptop, the device got an IP address in the range 192.168.0.x, my laptop is in 192.168.1.x. That didn't work, so I set up a fixed IP. Afterwards, I was difficult, because the switch could simply get an IP address via DHCP.
Then install the latest firmware with the management software. For the GS108E I had to do that in 2 times. The first time the switch booted in a kind of minimal fashion where the management software immediately asked for the image. With the GS105E, everything went right the first time. With the GS108Ev2, the switch was operational again after the 2nd time uploading the firmware and all settings were saved. It's nice that you can set a name for each switch in your network yourself. That makes it easier to recognize which device you're setting up with. Furthermore, each switch can be protected with a password.
Functionality
I already mentioned the possibility of using VLANs. You have the choice for basic port based and advanced 802.1q VLAN management. Only the last option was suitable for me. All in all, I thought it was a bit cumbersome. In advanced mode you can create VLANs and hang any port and 1 or more VLANs. Next, each port must have a primary VLAN ID, in case untagged packets arrive on it. Outbound can be specified whether traffic should be tagged or not. In most cases you only do this on the trunk ports, in order to separate the VLANs.
Yet there are also fiber optic modems that give VLAN tags to the Ethernet packets. If they have to be kept, then that is possible.
In any case, I managed to trunk 2 VLANs over 1 port, the reason why I bought this switch!
Furthermore, the switch has 802.1p QoS capabilities, or can be chosen for Basic prioritization of the ports (high or normal). I have not tested this further.
Furthermore, the switch has an interesting possibility to monitor which ports have a link and to see if there is traffic and any errors on a port.
Energy efficient
Both the GS108E and the GS105E come with an energy-efficient adapter that takes up little space in the socket. The switches use a maximum of 4W and ports that are not used make the switch even more economical.
Although the swicthes do not have a power switch, the GS105E had a switch in the cord. I just don't really see what the point of that could be, other than a reset?
Price
I bought this switch (GS105E) for EUR30. The 8 port brother (GS105E) cost about EUR42. A very favorable price considering the functionality and reliability.
Guarantee
Netgear provides a lifetime warranty on its products (including the power supply!).
Conclusion
All in all I am very satisfied with this switch (and also with the 8-port version). The possibilities, price, guarantee, etc. It is good for each other. Documentation could have been better, and Netgear's website wasn't cooperating either, but that's the only flaw I can mention for the time being.
