Product Installation
The little unit allows 16+2 of its ports. This is an managed switch, we call these 'smart switches'. So there's added core logic to manage and/or prioritize ports or even threat protection as Netgear includes an extensive security suite. You plug it in, connect, and are good to go. It offers offer separated VLAN's aka Virtual Local Area Networks, shielded from the WAN side. Basically a computer on a VLAN will not be allowed to talk to another computer on a different VLAN.
Network switches are essential for expanding wired connections, especially in environments where multiple devices are used. These devices serve as an Ethernet hub, providing additional ports that most high-end routers lack. Integrating a network switch with top-rated small business or home routers can substantially increase your network's performance, particularly if you experience slow Wi-Fi speeds, wired connections always win.
The switch obviously has auto-negotiation. It didn't matter what type of cable that we plugged into it, be it cross-over or straight-through, or what port you plug into it, it would figure it out and just work. This is a nice touch because invariably you discover that you need a different cable very late at night. A series of LKED colors will indicate the connection made.
Talking about cables, we used a wide variety of cables starting at CAT 5e, they all worked at 10G problem-free. So I would not worry too much spending heaps of money on expensive better-shielded CAT6 cables (albeit better is always preferred) unless you plan very long distances for cabling 25+ meters. We test at max 10 meters, and even CAT5E gave us a 10 GigE links. Above all LED codes are properly described.
Netgear includes a handy Quick Install Guide. Mind you that this device has three fans and certainly is not a passive device. It'll make noise and in close vicinity to can be a little annoying, it is best to place this switch into a closet, and in your SOHO/Enterprise environment, in a rack, rackmounts are included btw. BTW note to Netgear, some web based fan control would be nice.
