Netgear GS108 vs GS308 is a very important debate in today’s digital world. You’ll notice a good number of devices such as laptops, tablets, and mobile phones in every next house, and this increases the need for a better, unmanaged ethernet switch.
So, if you are confused between the two device models, then read this article to come out of the confusion. Also, please check out the questions and answers section at the end to clarify your remaining doubts.
Contents
Comparison Table
| Features | GS108 | GS308 |
| Material | Metal | Metal |
| Port Quantity | Eight | Eight |
| Port Type | Gigabit Ethernet Ports | Gigabit Ethernet Ports |
| Buffering Speed | 128 KB | 1MB |
| Size | 8.54 x 6.5 x 4.29 Inches | 6.22 x 4.02 x 1.02 inches |
| Longevity | Three years | Three years |
| Type of Mounting | Wall or desktop mount | Wall or desktop mount |
| Connectivity Type | “Gigabit” Ethernet | “Fast” Ethernet and “Gigabit” Ethernet |
| Speed and Performance | Fast | Faster than GS108 |
| Energy-Efficient | True but less than GS308 | True |
| Model Type | Old | Latest |
| Simple plug-and-play | True | True |
What Are the Differences Between GS108 and GS308?
The main difference between Netgear GS108 and GS308 is that the GS108 is an older model than the GS308. Moreover, the former comes with a buffer speed as low as 128 KB, while the latest GS308 comes with a buffer speed of 1 MB.
– Main Features and Price Differences
Furthermore, the GS308 switch is more capable of saving electrical power than the GS108 switch. Next, the GS308 provides both fast ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, while you can only have a single option of “Gigabit” Ethernet with the GS108 switch.
There is even a difference in prices between the two unmanaged switches. Being said that, although the GS108 switch is inexpensive, the GS308 switch has even a lower price than the former.
What Is GS108 Best For?
The Netgear “GS108” Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch is the best for splitting the connection between the devices being used at home. It is because the low buffering speed of the network switch would still be enough for a small area such as a house than a large office building.
– Pros of GS108
Now let’s check the features and main advantages of the device listed below:
- Inexpensive
- Energy-efficient
- Three years longevity
- Can be set up on the wall or desktop
- Fast speed and performance
- Fanless housing
- Simple plug-and-play
- Half-duplex mode
– Cons of GS108
Like every other device, this model has a couple of disadvantages as well that are covered:
- Old model
- No 24/7 support
- Low buffering speed
- Can’t be used in large offices
- No support for Power over Ethernet (PoE)
– Netgear GS108 Review
The GS108 switch can be installed quickly and easily. It requires neither a software installation nor a specific configuration. So, it won’t take much of your precious time.
The said switch enhances your internet productivity and lets you split the network between multiple network devices. It offers a Gigabit connection on every single port of the same that further ensures a fast internet connection on each connected device. However, the internet experience provided by the same in offices isn’t good enough due to its low buffering speed of 128 KB.
Another great feature of the GS108 is its power-saving mode. It ensures that the power consumption is reduced once you disconnect the network cable.
So, whether you choose to connect a television, Wi-Fi router, laptop, or gaming console, you can enjoy a consistent and smooth connection with the GS108 switch.
– Netgear GS108 vs GS108E
GS108 and GS108E are quite similar to each other, with a few differences. The GS108 device has more width than GS108E. Moreover, GS108 is heavier than the GS108E, and you’ll notice that the depth of the former is less than the depth of the latter. However, the height of both of the devices is the same.
Considering the switching capacity of the devices, GS108 has a capacity of 16GBs, while GS108E does not have any switching capacity. Also, GS108 has 9720.0 B as its Maximum Transmission Unit (MTU), while GS108E doesn’t have any MTU.
Along with this, GS108 offers MAC address buffering and comes with a packet buffering memory of 0.03MB, unlike the GS108E device.
What is GS308 Best For?
The Netgear “GS308” is the best for office use, where it’s required a better buffering speed as compared to home.
So, no matter how large is the office building, there is no need to worry about splitting the connection among the devices with this Eight-port Gigabit Ethernet Switch.
– Pros of GS308
GS308 has a wide range of that advantages over similar products. Please check the list below:
- Inexpensive
- Energy-efficient
- Three years longevity
- It can be set up on the desktop or wall
- Fastest speed and performance
- New model
- It can be used in large offices
- 24/7 support
- High buffering speed
- Fanless housing
- Status LEDs
- Simple plug-and-play
- Full and half-duplex mode
– Cons of GS308
It may come as a surprise, but the only negative side of GS308 is that it doesn’t have support for Power over Ethernet (PoE). Let’s agree that it’s not a big con to focus on.
– Netgear GS308 Review
Similar to the GS108, the GS308 switch can be installed quickly and easily. Also, the same switch requires neither a software installation nor a specific configuration. So, a lot of your time can be saved even if you choose GS308.
The four sticky rubber feet of the given switch make it easier to place it on a surface. Plus, the two notches offer great support if you want to mount the same switch on a wall. Along with this, the status LEDs that stand on the front panel prove to be very helpful in checking the power status of the system while keeping an eye on the connection.
It would be safe to say that GS308 has the largest memory buffer when compared to the other “network” switches that belong to the category of the same. The said switch boosts up your internet productivity and gives you an opportunity to split the network between multiple network devices. It offers a Gigabit connection and “fast” ethernet connection on every single port to ensure a super-fast internet connection on each connected device. Therefore, it’s the best choice for offices and large buildings.
Plus, the said product is more energy-efficient and less expensive than GS108.
With only one drawback, the GS308 switch is the best option if you want to purchase a device without crossing the budget line. Moreover, the energy-saving feature of the given switch is perfect for reducing your electricity cost.
Furthermore, the availability of 24/7 support for the said switch makes it a better choice for the times when you can’t figure out the fault by yourself.
– Netgear GS308 vs GS308E
The GS308 device differs from the GS308E in the way that the latter is an Eight-Port “Gigabit” Ethernet Plus Switch, while the former is a simple Eight-Port “Gigabit” Ethernet device. Moreover, GS308E comes with a complete package of features that include QoS, VLANs, and IGMP Snooping, unlike the Netgear GS308v3 device. Furthermore, the plus switch doesn’t require crossover cables due to auto MDI/MDIX, and the auto-negotiation feature of the same makes it stand out against GS308.
On the other hand, the features that are common between the two devices include the fanless design, versatile installation options, and the ability to save power.
Note that both GS308 and GS308E are affordable. So, grabbing the one with more plus points will be a wise decision.
FAQ
1. Which Netgear Device Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
The Netgear ProSAFE GS308P Eight-Port Gigabit PoE Switch has the support for PoE.
2. What Is Ethernet?
Ethernet can be defined as a system in which multiple computers are connected through wires.
Eventually, it forms a local area network or LAN.
3. Which Eight Port “Unmanaged” Switch Would You Recommend?
There isn’t much difference among different types of “unmanaged” switches with eight ports. So, if you find the affordable one it has good reviews and it wasn’t made centuries ago, then you can purchase it.
4. Can You Compare Netgear GS108 vs GS208 vs GS308?
Yes, you can compare the above ethernet devices based on a variety of factors. However, the GS108 has already been compared against GS308 in the article above; here you’ll read about GS208 vs GS308.
Both of the said devices are well-designed and durable. However, you’ll notice a difference in their packaging. So, the GS208 device has a white plastic case with LED lights at the front and ethernet ports at the back. On the other hand, the GS308 device is packaged in a black metal case with LED lights and ethernet ports placed at its front.
Moreover, the GS208 switch offers an advantage as an ethernet splitter only for simple desktop applications. Contrary to this, you’ll see GS308 as a better option for home and office use. Also, you can choose to create a large network by stacking multiple GS308 network devices.
Along with this, the GS308 device comes with some managed switch features besides the unmanaged device features. However, you’ll find only unmanaged device features in the GS208 device.
Thus, it is safe to say that GS308 is better than GS208.
Conclusion
You learned about the key differences and similarities between GS108 and GS308 switches. The main difference between the two switches is that GS108 has a low buffering speed than GS308. Moreover, GS308 is more pocket-friendly than GS108.
So, whether you are looking for a “network” switch for home or office, the GS308 can fulfill your requirements in both cases while saving your money. Also, you’ll be able to grab the most energy-efficient switch with 24/7 support.