Netgear GS308LP Ethernet Switch — 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Unmanaged Switch for Small Offices

The Netgear GS308LP Ethernet Switch is a compact, plug-and-play 8-port Gigabit switch with PoE+ designed to simplify network expansion in small offices, retailers, or home offices that demand reliable connectivity without IT complexity. Built for quick deployments, this unmanaged switch makes it effortless to add high-speed wired connections for IP cameras, VoIP phones, wireless access points, and other Ethernet-enabled devices. Its discreet, low-profile design fits neatly on a desk or mounts to a wall, delivering robust performance without creating a tangled mess of cables or requiring specialized setup.

• Plug-and-play, unmanaged design: Experience instant network expansion with zero configuration. The GS308LP auto-negotiates speed and duplex with connected devices, delivering dependable, latency-free performance from the moment you plug it in.
• PoE+ on four ports with a 60W budget: Power IP cameras, IP phones, and wireless access points directly through the switch. The PoE+ ports provide up to a total budget of 60W, reducing clutter and eliminating the need for separate power injectors for each device.
• Eight Gigabit ports for fast, scalable networking: Each port supports 10/100/1000 Mbps with auto-sensing, enabling smooth, high-speed connections for desktops, printers, servers, and other network devices—perfect for small offices that require reliable bandwidth across multiple workstations.
• Quiet, compact, and versatile: The fanless, silent design makes it ideal for quiet workspaces, home offices, or small retail environments. Its compact footprint supports desktop placement or wall-mount installation to maximize space and keep cables organized.
• Reliable, low-maintenance performance: Designed for stability and ease of use, the GS308LP delivers consistent, plug-and-play operation with straightforward LED indicators for port activity and link status, so you can rely on it day after day without complex management tasks.

Technical Details of Netgear GS308LP

• Ports: 8 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 ports; 4 of these ports support PoE+ for powering connected devices.
• PoE Budget: Up to 60W total PoE power across the PoE+ ports, enabling multiple PoE devices to run directly from the switch.
• PoE Standards: Compliant with IEEE 802.3af/at PoE+ to support a wide range of PoE-enabled devices.
• Performance: Unmanaged, plug-and-play operation with auto-negotiation on every port; supports 10/100/1000 Mbps per port for flexible device compatibility.
• Design: Compact, fanless form factor suitable for desktop placement or wall-mount deployment; LED indicators provide quick status at a glance.
• Management: No management interface required; simple, reliable operation that reduces maintenance and IT overhead in small-business environments.

How to Install Netgear GS308LP

Installing the GS308LP is straightforward and fast, designed for users who want immediate results without a complicated setup process.

Start by choosing a placement that keeps your cables tidy and accessible. The compact switch can rest on a desk or be mounted on a wall using its mounting holes, offering flexible deployment options to fit any workspace.

Next, connect the GS308LP to a power outlet using the included power supply. Once powered, connect your network devices to the eight RJ-45 ports. Prioritize PoE-powered devices by plugging them into the four PoE+ ports to take advantage of the 60W PoE budget, which eliminates the need for separate power adapters for those devices.

Use high-quality Ethernet cables (Cat5e or higher) to ensure optimal performance across all connections. If you are integrating IP cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points, connect them to the designated PoE+ ports to simplify installation and reduce cabling complexity.

Power on the switch and verify the status LEDs on each port. A solid or blinking LED typically indicates a successful link and active data transfer with the connected device. Since this is an unmanaged switch, no software configuration is required; it will automatically begin forwarding traffic between connected devices once powered and connected.

For ongoing reliability, place the GS308LP in a well-ventilated area and away from heat sources. Although its fanless design minimizes noise, ensuring adequate airflow helps maintain performance during prolonged use, especially in environments with multiple PoE devices drawing power concurrently.

Routine maintenance is minimal. If a connected device isn’t appearing on the network, check the corresponding port’s LED, reseat the cable, or try a different port. Because the switch is unmanaged, routine tasks are often limited to hardware placement and basic troubleshooting rather than software configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Netgear GS308LP? It is an 8-port Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE+ designed for small offices, offering plug-and-play deployment without the need for complex management.
• How many PoE ports does it have? It includes four PoE+ ports, capable of powering PoE-enabled devices directly from the switch.
• What is the PoE budget? The switch provides up to 60W total PoE power across the PoE+ ports.
• Do I need to configure anything? No. As an unmanaged switch, it operates out of the box with automatic speed and link negotiation for each port.
• Can I mount it on the wall? Yes. The GS308LP is designed for desk placement or wall-mount deployment to suit your space and cable routing needs.
• What devices can I power with PoE? PoE-enabled devices such as IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points can be powered directly through the PoE+ ports.