The FS308 Fast Ethernet Switch provides high-performance 10/100 Mbps switching capabilities to the small office and home office (SOHO). Unlike a hub, this switch provides dedicated 100 Mbps bandwidth, the ultimate 100 Mbps connection possible, at each port for attaching a server, a PC or a workgroup. The high bandwith enables the user to access multimedia information acrosss the network as quickly as from the local hard disk.
1 Works great but runs hot
NetGear FS308 is very nicely designed, just right for my network, where it did its work reliably for 2 years. However, the unit ran somewhat hot, and despite ample air circulation (it was on a wire shelf) the heat must have aged it prematurely. It seriously malfunctioned yesterday, overheating so much that it was dangerous to touch. Unfortunately, cooling off did not restore it to health, but at least it is still under warranty.
2 Nice solid switch
I've had the FS308 for about a year now, and it has been running great. All the rooms in my house are networked together at a central point using this switch. It is more expensive than most switches, but this is a high quality unit. Some features I love are the lights on front and back, an internal powersupply (no huge power adapter to plug in), and a solid case. The FS308 has worked flawlessly for me, and it's fast. I've done benchmarks on it - and it's slightly faster, and can handle heavy traffic better, than my other 5 port Linksys switch.
For the most part, a switch is a switch. This unit costs twice as much as other 8 port switches. But if you like having the best - this is the one to get!
3 Excellent 8 port fast ethernet switch for home/small office
There is really not much to say about this product, other than it works great. I once read a review by Jerry Pournelle where he raved about a new hub he got -- he just plugged it in and it worked (my take -- what kind of hubs was he used to?). Well, that is what you should expect from any hub or switch and this no exception.
I have always been satisfied with Netgear equipment and this piece of equipment supports my opinion. It is solidly constructed and in a tough metal case. There are activity & link status lights on the front, and the power and cables go in the back.
Oh yeah, unlike some network equipment, this has no fan. It is silent.
