What is our primary use case?
We're a network integrator and supplier for our clients. We've installed these switches for various scenarios. We have installed them for core switching and remote switching, and we have also installed them in various standalone organizations where there is no core or distributed switching. There is just the main switch, and that carries the whole network.
In our previous deployment, we've had three NETGEAR 48-port switches that we installed as standalone switches. They were basically managing everything, such as the internet, firewall, switching, and then distribution to the other network.
In terms of the version, I have worked with GS724.
What is most valuable?
Its setup, usage, and access are most valuable. It is a very easy switch to set up.
It is easy to do VLANs, software upgrades, etc. It is also easy to integrate it with other NETGEAR products.
One thing that NETGEAR does very well is that their switches come with a lifetime warranty, like HP. If a switch has not been neglected or misused, NETGEAR will replace your switch if it fails, which really helps.
What needs improvement?
Its integration with other products can be improved. A lot of time our clients have got an existing access point solution, but they want NETGEAR switching. They don't want to buy NETGEAR access points. The third-party integration would be a big assistance.
There are a lot of systems that are moving into different areas. There are a lot of cloud-based things happening. One nice feature that I've seen in other switches is artificial intelligence on the actual porting. They've got AI technology that will tell you when a port is down. They not only tell you when a port is down; they also tell you when a port is running slower. You can do a cable-fault check, or you can do other checks. It would be nice to have this information in NETGEAR. This feature might already be there in a new release of the NETGEAR's firmware, but I haven't seen it.
For how long have I used the solution?
I've worked with NETGEAR switches for the last six years.
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What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Its stability is very good. I've never had a NETGEAR switch fail during all the time I've used them.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
How are customer service and support?
I never had to use NETGEAR's technical support in all the time I've used it. I presume it's good, but I never had to use their technical support.
How was the initial setup?
Its initial setup is straightforward. Deployment is usually fairly quick because it has a very straightforward setup. Your cable runs will obviously take you longer, but deployment is very quick.
The deployment strategy is always to connect switching first, and then as we terminate our points, we connect our points so that people immediately have access to the internet. The strategy is always to first install a firewall, then install a switch, and then install cabling. This way when your cabling is up, your people are already protected, and they're behind the firewall.
For its deployment and maintenance, you don't need a lot of staff members. Usually, two members are enough. Specifically, if I've got a cabling team, there may be three people, but I don't need a lot of people to do an implementation. I can usually have two people on-site, and they'll implement and sort the switching out themselves. They are usually cable technicians and network technicians.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
You get what you pay for. From a price comparison, there are cheaper switch makers on the market that are definitely less expensive than NETGEAR. They give you the same functionality, but they don't come with a name.
There are solutions like Ubiquiti that are very good. They have the ease of setup, and I find NETGEAR battling a little bit in comparison to Ubiquiti.
Cisco is obviously very expensive, and for a lot of people, it is usually for their core network.
What other advice do I have?
If you're new to switching, then obviously, there is a learning curve, like with any product out there. If you're an existing user of the equipment, it is really easy to use. It is easy to implement and work with. It is easy to run. It is a nice system to work with.
I would rate it an eight out of 10.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.
Greg, Thank you so much for reviewing NETGEAR Business switches. We've been making Switches for over 22 years, NETGEAR definitely has switching solutions that can use a full-featured CLI Command Line Interfaces in our enterprise "Managed Switching" line. We of course also have switches that are unmanaged, smart managed and even remotely cloud managed. Feel free to reach out to me here on IT Central Station or contact our support team and we can provide more info on using NETGEAR Switches in enterprise environments. I look forward to hearing from you. -Bret from NETGEAR