When it comes to managing multiple devices in a business or home network, having a reliable switch is crucial. One device that stands out in the field of PoE (Power over Ethernet) switches is the NETGEAR GS724TPP 24 Port POE Smart Ethernet Switch. This device is packed with features that cater to both advanced users and those looking for a plug-and-play experience, making it a popular choice for expanding network infrastructure efficiently.
In this review, we’ll explore the features, performance, and potential use cases of the NETGEAR GS724TPP, a powerful 24-port POE switch!
Key Features
1. 24 Ports with POE+ Support
The GS724TPP provides 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, all supporting PoE+ (Power over Ethernet Plus). With a PoE budget of 380W, this switch is capable of powering devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points directly through the Ethernet cable, eliminating the need for additional power sources.
2. Smart Managed Features
This switch falls under the category of smart managed switches. It offers a balance between fully managed and unmanaged switches, providing essential network management capabilities like VLAN support, Quality of Service (QoS), Link Aggregation, and Access Control Lists (ACLs) while remaining user-friendly.
3. Web-Based GUI
The switch’s configuration is done through a simple web-based graphical user interface (GUI), making it easy to set up even if you don’t have extensive networking knowledge. For more advanced users, there are multiple layers of customization available.
4. Flexible Mounting Options
The GS724TPP is a 1U rackmount switch, perfect for businesses or tech enthusiasts who already have rack setups. However, it can also be used on a desktop if needed, offering flexibility in deployment.
5. Advanced Security Features
Security is a top priority, and this switch offers a variety of features to protect your network, such as:
- Port security to control unauthorized access.
- 802.1X authentication to ensure only authenticated users access the network.
- DHCP Snooping to prevent unauthorized DHCP servers from offering IP addresses to clients.
Performance
1. High Bandwidth
The GS724TPP supports Gigabit Ethernet across all 24 ports, delivering high-speed data transfer rates of up to 1000 Mbps. Whether you’re using this for high-definition IP cameras, VoIP systems, or large data transfers, this switch can handle the load.
2. PoE Power Distribution
With a 380W PoE budget, the switch can comfortably support multiple high-powered devices, such as PTZ IP cameras or wireless access points, without risk of overloading. Additionally, the switch automatically allocates power based on the device’s need, optimizing energy consumption.
3. Cooling and Noise
Though the switch features internal fans for cooling, they operate quietly under typical workloads. This makes it suitable for office environments where noise can be a concern.
4. Power Efficiency
NETGEAR has built-in energy-efficient features, including auto power-down on unused ports, helping reduce electricity consumption, making it an eco-friendly option.
Use Cases
1. Small to Medium-Sized Business Networks
The NETGEAR GS724TPP is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses looking to expand their network capacity while providing power to PoE-enabled devices. Its balance of cost, performance, and advanced features make it a top choice for these environments.
2. IP Camera Systems
With PoE+ support and a robust PoE budget, this switch is perfect for security systems. You can power up to 24 IP cameras over Ethernet, simplifying installation and reducing clutter.
3. Wireless Access Point Expansion
If you’re looking to improve your wireless network with multiple access points, the GS724TPP can power and manage these devices without the need for separate power sources.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- 24 PoE+ Ports: Provides power and data via Ethernet to 24 devices.
- Smart Managed Features: A great mix of ease-of-use and advanced control options.
- High PoE Budget: The 380W PoE budget ensures power-hungry devices can be supported.
- Quiet Operation: Even with fans, the switch operates quietly, making it suitable for office use.
Cons:
- No Full CLI Support: Lacks the advanced configuration options of fully managed switches.
- Limited Layer 3 Capabilities: This switch is more suitable for Layer 2 environments; it doesn’t have the advanced routing features of higher-end switches.
Conclusion
The NETGEAR GS724TPP 24 Port POE Smart Ethernet Switch strikes a great balance between features, performance, and cost. With 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, PoE+ support, and smart management features, this switch is versatile enough to handle a variety of network setups, from small businesses to home networks needing more power for PoE devices.
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-performance switch that can power multiple devices while offering basic network management capabilities, the GS724TPP is an excellent choice. Its reliability, ease of use, and robust feature set make it a great investment for anyone looking to expand their network infrastructure.
📝 For more information about this NETGEAR GS724TPP 24 Port POE Smart Ethernet Switch, review this data sheet.
