Since every user has a different preference for devices in their network, NETGEAR Company strives to meet each user’s needs and expectations. NETGEAR offers competitive internet switches in addition to other networking devices to personalize your networking experience.
Switches are an excellent way to connect your devices to the same network and enable faster communication among multiple clients. Because many users have frequently compared the NETGEAR GS108 vs GS608, if you are one of those users who is unsure which one to choose, we have provided a general comparison of the two switches to help you understand their features.
NETGEAR GS108 vs GS608
NETGEAR GS108:
The NETGEAR GS108 is an eight-port Ethernet switch that connects multiple Ethernet devices to the same network. Because routers and modems do not allow you to connect too many Ethernet devices via Ethernet ports, internet switches can be very useful in this regard. Though the fact that the GS108 switch is unmanaged has piqued the concern of users. As a result, its capabilities are potentially limited to only one task: connecting Ethernet devices. Because your GS108 switch has a fixed configuration, you cannot configure it, which is a problem among users because unmanaged switches are vulnerable to security risks.
Putting the unmanaged feature on compromise, the GS108 offers a slew of other features that will be useful to its users. Having said that, a GS108 switch can prioritize traffic, which is not a conventional feature of unmanaged switches. Their simple setup and installation allow any user to connect their devices without complications, and the GS108 plug-and-play switch is maintenance-free. Furthermore, you can expect gigabit speeds and high network performance from your NETGEAR GS108 switch, eliminating the need to compromise on divided network speeds due to multiple devices. Another great feature of the GS108 is its low energy consumption. Its Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) standard allows the switch to save energy on an inactive port or a port with minimum activity, which simultaneously reduces the cost of your energy bills.
NETGEAR has released several versions of the GS108 switch, each with an improvement over the previous version. Talking in totality, your GS108 switch is capable of delivering up to 16Gbps of bandwidth with a buffer size of up to 192KB. This lightweight switch with a durable metal case provides high network performance while operating quietly, making it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
NETGEAR GS608:
The NETGEAR GS608, like the GS108, is an 8-port Ethernet switch that serves a similar purpose. Because there isn’t a significant difference in the performance and features of the NETGEAR switches, the only distinction is in the hardware and chipsets. However, unlike the GS108, the NETGEAR GS608 has a plastic casing rather than a metal casing, which is not a hardware specification that users are fond of.
A NETGEAR GS608 Ethernet switch provides a high-speed network with an incredible 16Gbps of internet bandwidth and up to 1MB of buffer size, which is slightly more than a GS108. Furthermore, the NETGEAR GS608 switch can transfer large data files faster than the GS108 switch.
What’s more, you can efficiently hook up 10 to 1000Mbps devices on your internet switch with a network latency of up to 20 µ over 10 -100 Mbps devices and up to 10 µ over 100-1000Mbps devices. The NETGEAR GS608 has a sleek and minimalist design with interactive LEDs that help you determine the status of your switch. Its silent operation feature, like that of the GS108, is ideal for noise-sensitive environments.
The Final Verdict – Which Is Better NETGEAR GS108 or GS608?
When it comes to internet speeds and bandwidth, the NETGEAR GS108 and GS608 have very similar features and specifications. The only significant difference between the two is the pricing as well as the difference in chipsets and hardware. The GS608 has a slightly larger buffer size than the GS108, so if you prefer a plastic-cased switch, which most users do not prefer, with a slight edge in buffer size and internet speeds, the GS608 would be ideal. Otherwise, the GS108 is a good option for a lower budget.