NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) - Review

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) is a versatile networking solution that offers 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports for fast and reliable connectivity. Whether you need to expand your home network or upgrade your office setup, this switch provides a simple plug-and-play setup with no software installation or configuration required. It can be conveniently placed on your desktop or mounted in a rack, and its energy-efficient design ensures silent operation, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments. With a lifetime limited hardware warranty and 24/7 expert support, this switch offers peace of mind and exceptional performance.

Product Description

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) is a powerful networking solution for both home and business environments. With its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, this switch provides high-speed connections for multiple devices, ensuring fast and reliable data transfer.

Setting up the JGS524 is a breeze, thanks to its simple plug-and-play design. There's no need to install any software or perform any configuration. Just connect your devices using the RJ45 connectors, and you're good to go. Whether you're a networking expert or a novice, this switch is incredibly user-friendly.

One of the standout features of the JGS524 is its versatility in placement. It can be used as a desktop switch or easily mounted in a rack, thanks to the included mounting hardware. This flexibility ensures that the switch can seamlessly integrate into any setup, whether it's in a small office or a large data center.

NETGEAR takes pride in offering exceptional customer support, and the JGS524 is no exception. It comes with a Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty, ensuring that you're protected against any manufacturing defects. In case of any issues, NETGEAR also offers Next Business Day Replacement and 24/7 chat support with their experts, so you can have peace of mind knowing that help is just a click away.

In addition to its performance and reliability, the JGS524 is also energy-efficient. It is compliant with IEEE8023az standards, which means it consumes less power when network traffic is low. This not only helps reduce your energy bills but also makes it an eco-friendly choice.

Another noteworthy feature of the JGS524 is its silent operation. It operates quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments such as offices or even home setups. You won't have to worry about any distracting noise while enjoying seamless networking.

With over 12,000 customer reviews and an impressive 4.7 out of 5-star rating, the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) has garnered a strong reputation among users. Its easy setup, reliable performance, and excellent customer support make it a top choice for anyone in need of a high-quality and versatile networking solution.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

  1. True 802.1q VLAN tagging support: The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) offers true 802.1q VLAN tagging support, making it a versatile choice for network segmentation. This feature allows you to create separate virtual LANs, enhancing network security and improving overall network performance.

  2. Excellent wire-speed performance: This switch has been tested and proven to deliver outstanding wire-speed performance. In fact, it achieved speeds of 950+Mb/s in iperf on six ports simultaneously. With such impressive performance, you can rely on this switch to handle high-bandwidth tasks and ensure smooth data transmission.

  3. User-friendly and hassle-free: The JGS524 switch is incredibly easy to use, making it suitable for both beginners and advanced users. It is a plug-and-play device, requiring no complex configurations or setups. Additionally, it does not require any logging in or signing up for additional services. Its sturdy housing and quiet operation further enhance the user experience.

Cons:

  1. Limited customization options: The JGS524 is an unmanaged switch, which means it lacks advanced customization options. If you require more control over your network settings, such as QoS or advanced security features, you may need to consider a managed switch instead.

  2. Lack of power over Ethernet (PoE) support: This switch does not support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which may be a drawback if you require PoE capabilities for certain devices. If you need to power devices, such as IP cameras or wireless access points, directly from the switch, you will need to consider an alternative PoE-enabled switch.

  3. No redundancy features: The JGS524 does not offer any redundancy features, such as link aggregation or redundant power supply options. This may be a limitation for those seeking a more resilient network infrastructure.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) excels in its true 802.1q VLAN tagging support, wire-speed performance, and user-friendly nature. However, it lacks advanced customization options, PoE support, and redundancy features. Depending on your specific network requirements, these limitations may or may not be significant factors to consider when making a purchasing decision.

Customer Reviews

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) has received positive feedback from customers, with an overall rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. Let's take a closer look at what customers have to say about this product.

  • One customer mentioned that the switch offers true 802.1q VLAN tagging support at a very low price. They were impressed with its excellent wire-speed performance, which was tested at 950+Mb/s in iperf on 6 ports simultaneously. They rated it 4 stars.

  • Another customer, who uses the switch in an Amateur radio station with a 12VDC backup power system, appreciated its ability to power directly from the radios system. They awarded it a 5-star rating.

  • A different customer had initially tried a different NETGEAR switch, but faced internet connectivity issues. However, when they switched to the JGS524, all their devices were able to access the internet without any problems. They were pleased with its performance and gave it a 5-star rating.

  • One customer liked the sturdy housing of the switch and described it as plug and play, with no need for any adjustments or sign-ups. They also appreciated its quiet operation and network management capabilities. They rated it 4 stars.

  • Several customers praised the ease of installation and the fact that it works as expected. One customer mentioned that they needed extra ports and the switch fulfilled their requirements. They gave it a 5-star rating.

  • Another customer mentioned that they have been using this particular product for a long time and have found it to be a solid investment. They appreciated its reliability and gave it a 4-star rating.

  • One customer mentioned that they have multiple NETGEAR switches and have never experienced a failure, even under challenging temperature conditions. They rated it 5 stars.

Overall, the customer reviews highlight the affordability, performance, ease of use, and reliability of the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524). It seems to be a popular choice among customers looking for a reliable and cost-effective switch for their networking needs.

Conclusion

The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) is a highly efficient and reliable networking solution for both home and office use. With its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, it offers fast and stable connections for all your devices.

One of the standout features of this switch is its easy setup. You can simply plug it in and start using it right away, without the need for any software installation or configuration. The switch also comes with mounting hardware, allowing for flexible placement options on either a desktop or a rack.

In terms of performance, the switch delivers excellent wire-speed performance, reaching speeds of over 950Mb/s in iperf tests. It also supports true 802.1q VLAN tagging, offering advanced network segmentation capabilities at an affordable price point.

Thanks to its energy-efficient design, the switch is compliant with IEEE8023az standards, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, its silent operation is ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

While the majority of buyers are highly satisfied with the performance and ease of use of this switch, there have been a few isolated connectivity issues reported. However, these seem to be rare occurrences and do not significantly impact the overall performance of the device.

In conclusion, the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) offers excellent value for its price. With its reliable performance, easy setup, and convenient placement options, it is a great choice for expanding your network and ensuring fast and stable connectivity for all your devices.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can this switch be mounted on a rack?

Yes, the NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (JGS524) can be easily mounted on a rack. It comes with the necessary brackets and screws for rack mounting, allowing you to efficiently manage your network in a professional setup.

2. Does this switch support VLAN tagging?

Absolutely! The NETGEAR JGS524 switch offers true 802.1q VLAN tagging support. This feature allows you to segment your network into virtual LANs, providing enhanced security and improved network performance. Whether you have a small office or a large enterprise, VLAN tagging can help streamline your network management.

3. What is the maximum speed of this switch?

The NETGEAR JGS524 switch offers excellent wire-speed performance, with tested speeds of 950+Mb/s in iperf on multiple ports simultaneously. This means that you can enjoy fast and reliable data transfer rates, even when multiple devices are connected to the switch. Whether you're streaming high-definition videos or transferring large files, this switch can handle the demands of your network.

4. Is this switch plug and play?

Yes, the NETGEAR JGS524 switch is incredibly easy to set up and use. It is a plug-and-play device, which means you can simply connect your devices to the switch using Ethernet cables and start using it right away. There are no complicated configurations or settings required. This makes it a convenient choice for both beginners and advanced users.

5. Can this switch be powered by a backup power system?

Certainly! The NETGEAR JGS524 switch is compatible with a 12V DC backup power system. This is particularly useful for users who have a backup power setup, such as those with amateur radio stations. You can directly power the switch from your backup system, ensuring uninterrupted network connectivity during power failures.

6. What is the warranty on this switch?

The NETGEAR JGS524 switch comes with limited lifetime protection. This means that you can have peace of mind knowing that your investment is protected. In the unlikely event of any manufacturing defects or malfunctions, NETGEAR will provide support and assistance to resolve the issue.

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