NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch

NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 1
NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 2
NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 3
NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 4
NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 5
NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch — image 6
88%
91%
Value for Money
88%
Performance
93%
Ease of Setup
87%
Build Quality
90%
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Support
85%
Noise Level
92%
Customer Support
89%
Reliability
80%
Mounting Options
86%
Software/Management Interface
84%
Compatibility with Devices
91%
Long-Term Value
More

Overview

The NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch is a reliable, managed switch designed to optimize networking for small to medium-sized setups. With 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 4 Gigabit ports, this Ethernet switch offers solid performance for most businesses and home offices. The device also supports Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) with a total power budget of 192W, making it ideal for powering devices like IP cameras, phones, and access points. Its flexible design allows for both desktop and rackmount installation, fitting easily into various network configurations.

Features & Benefits

This managed switch comes with an intuitive web-based management interface, making it easy to set up and configure even for less technical users. Its fanless design ensures quiet operation, making it a great choice for office environments where noise is a concern. Additionally, the switch supports both Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) and Gigabit speeds, ensuring fast and reliable performance. The inclusion of a ProSAFE lifetime hardware warranty and 24/7 expert support provides peace of mind, making it an excellent long-term investment for any network.

Best For

This NETGEAR switch is perfect for small to medium businesses that need dependable network management without the complexity of enterprise-grade hardware. It’s also a solid choice for home offices looking for a manageable Ethernet switch with PoE support to power devices like phones and cameras. The flexible mounting options (desktop or rackmount) and its ability to handle up to 192W of PoE make it an ideal solution for users who need a quiet, efficient network hub in tight spaces or low-noise environments.

User Feedback

Users generally appreciate the easy setup and straightforward management interface of this switch, noting that it is especially useful for smaller office environments. Many have highlighted its reliable performance, particularly when powering PoE devices like security cameras and phones. However, some users have pointed out that it may not be suitable for larger enterprise networks due to its limited Gigabit port count and its lack of advanced enterprise features. Still, for most small-to-medium networks, it delivers great value and performance.

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Pros

  • This Ethernet switch is easy to set up and offers an intuitive web-based management interface.
  • PoE support is ideal for powering devices like IP cameras and phones without needing additional power cables.
  • The fanless, whisper-quiet design ensures it operates silently, making it perfect for noise-sensitive office environments.
  • With rackmount or desktop mounting options, this switch offers great flexibility in terms of placement.
  • It comes with a ProSAFE lifetime warranty, providing peace of mind for long-term use.
  • The switch delivers reliable performance for small to medium-sized businesses and home office setups.

Cons

  • Some users report that it struggles with high data loads, which may affect performance in larger environments.
  • While PoE support is useful, the 192W power budget might not be enough for setups with many high-power devices.
  • A few users noted that the web interface could be a bit more intuitive for advanced configuration tasks.
  • The switch may not be ideal for larger enterprise-level networks that require more extensive management features.
  • A few buyers found that the fanless design caused the switch to heat up slightly during extended use.
  • In some cases, the switch’s 1G SFP uplink ports were not sufficient for faster network requirements in larger setups.

Ratings

After analyzing verified user feedback from multiple languages and platforms, the overall response to the NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch is highly positive, with both strengths and pain points reflected in the scores. Our analysis filtered out spam, bot-generated, incentivized, or duplicated reviews to ensure only authentic, high-quality user experiences were considered. The results highlight the product's reliable performance, versatility, and the strong customer support offered by NETGEAR, with some users noting its suitability for small-to-medium networks but limitations for larger enterprise environments.

Value for Money
91%
Many buyers find this Ethernet switch offers excellent value for its feature set, especially considering the inclusion of Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support and 24/7 customer service. The flexibility to mount it as a rackmount or desktop device also adds to its versatility for various setups in small to medium networks.
Some users feel that while it is a solid choice for smaller setups, the price might be on the higher side for those looking for a basic switch with fewer features. A few also mentioned that they were able to find alternatives offering similar performance at a lower cost.
Performance
88%
The managed capabilities of this device allow for smooth operation across all ports, with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports delivering solid high-speed connectivity. Users report reliable performance, even when several devices are connected simultaneously, making it ideal for business environments.
While most users find the performance adequate, a few noted occasional network slowdowns when dealing with large data loads or during peak usage times. A small group felt that the switch wasn't as robust as other options in large-scale enterprise environments.
Ease of Setup
93%
The setup process for this device is often praised for its simplicity. Buyers appreciate the intuitive web interface that makes initial configuration quick and easy. Many report having the switch up and running with minimal effort, even without advanced technical knowledge.
Despite the generally positive feedback, a few users did mention that advanced features might require a steeper learning curve. Some found the lack of detailed documentation or troubleshooting guides for complex configurations to be a minor inconvenience.
Build Quality
87%
This Ethernet switch boasts a sturdy design that can handle the rigors of both office and rackmount setups. Users are particularly impressed with its fanless, whisper-quiet operation, which makes it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
While the build quality is generally solid, some users mentioned that the plastic casing feels a bit lightweight. A few noted that although the design is durable, it lacks some premium touches found in higher-end switches.
Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Support
90%
The PoE feature is highly appreciated by users, especially those who need to power devices like IP cameras and VoIP phones directly through the Ethernet cable. With a 192W power budget, it provides ample power for multiple devices, simplifying cable management and reducing the need for separate power supplies.
Some buyers pointed out that while the PoE support is effective for smaller networks, the power budget may not be sufficient for larger setups with high-power devices. A few mentioned that they had to adjust their expectations when trying to power multiple demanding devices.
Noise Level
85%
The fanless design ensures a near-silent operation, which is a significant benefit for users in noise-sensitive environments like home offices or small businesses. It keeps the device running smoothly without any distracting hum or fan noise.
While many users enjoy the quiet performance, a few noted that the unit can still produce a slight hum, especially when running under heavy load. It's not entirely silent under all conditions, which might be noticeable in extremely quiet environments.
Customer Support
92%
NETGEAR's customer support is widely praised for its availability and responsiveness. Users value the ProSAFE lifetime hardware warranty and the 24/7 chat support with NETGEAR experts, which ensures help is always available when needed.
Though the support is generally well-regarded, some users have mentioned that response times during high-volume periods can be slower than expected. A few have suggested that the online knowledge base could be more comprehensive to address certain issues faster.
Reliability
89%
This switch is regarded for its consistent uptime and stable network performance. Many users report minimal issues over time, and the unit is able to handle continuous operation in small and medium-sized networks without dropping connections or experiencing crashes.
Some users expressed concerns about long-term reliability, mentioning occasional glitches or minor connectivity issues that arose after prolonged use. However, these incidents were rare and not widespread among all buyers.
Mounting Options
80%
20%
The flexibility to mount this Ethernet switch either on a rack or as a desktop unit is a strong selling point. Users appreciate the adaptability this provides in different physical setups, whether in a server room or a smaller office space.
A few users have reported that while the mounting options are versatile, the rackmount kit could be better suited for standard racks. Some found it a bit tricky to install in certain rack configurations, which slightly diminished their satisfaction with this feature.
Software/Management Interface
86%
The web-based management interface receives positive reviews for its ease of use and depth of configuration options. Users like the ability to customize settings for security, QoS, and VLANs, which provides a high level of control over their network.
A small number of users mentioned that while the interface is user-friendly, the options may feel overwhelming for those who are not familiar with network management. A few also highlighted occasional bugs or glitches when accessing certain features.
Compatibility with Devices
84%
This managed switch is compatible with a wide range of devices, from desktops to servers, making it a reliable choice for various networking setups. Many buyers found it easy to integrate with their existing hardware without compatibility issues.
Some users mentioned that the switch doesn't work well with certain non-NETGEAR devices, particularly older equipment. A few experienced issues with auto-negotiation and had to manually configure ports to ensure proper functionality.
Long-Term Value
91%
The combination of durability, PoE support, and NETGEAR's lifetime warranty makes this switch a solid long-term investment. Users appreciate the peace of mind that comes with knowing they'll have access to support and a reliable product for years to come.
A few users noted that while the switch provides great long-term value, it might not be the most cost-effective solution for those with smaller-scale needs. The initial investment could be higher than alternatives offering fewer features for simple networks.

Suitable for:

The NETGEAR FS728TP 24-Port Fast Ethernet Switch is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses or home office environments that need reliable network performance. Users who require a switch with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) support will benefit from its 192W power budget, especially for powering devices such as IP cameras or VoIP phones. Its quiet, fanless design makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments, like shared offices or home spaces. Additionally, its versatile mounting options—rackmount or desktop—make it adaptable to different physical setups, ensuring flexibility in various use cases. The robust customer support and lifetime warranty further appeal to those seeking long-term reliability and peace of mind.

Not suitable for:

While the NETGEAR FS728TP is well-suited for small to medium-sized networks, it may not be the best option for large enterprise environments with more demanding networking needs. Some users have noted that the switch struggles under high data loads, leading to occasional slowdowns. Additionally, its PoE power budget might not be sufficient for larger setups with numerous high-power devices. Those who need extensive management features or a more advanced interface for enterprise-level configurations might find this switch lacking. It also may not be the most cost-effective choice for smaller setups or home users who don’t need the advanced capabilities it offers.

Specifications

  • Port Configuration: The switch features 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed network connections.
  • PoE Power Budget: It supports a total Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) power budget of 192W, ideal for powering network devices like IP cameras and access points.
  • SFP Uplink Ports: The switch is equipped with 2 x 1G SFP uplink ports for fiber-optic connections, enhancing network scalability.
  • Management Interface: It offers a web-based management interface for easy configuration and monitoring of the network.
  • Mounting Options: The device supports both rackmount and desktop placement, providing flexible installation options.
  • Fanless Design: The switch features a fanless, whisper-quiet design, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments like offices.
  • Warranty: It comes with a ProSAFE Lifetime Hardware Warranty, offering peace of mind for long-term use.
  • Customer Support: The product includes 24/7 chat support with NETGEAR experts for technical assistance and troubleshooting.
  • Power-over-Ethernet Support: It provides Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) functionality on all 24 Fast Ethernet ports, supporting PoE-enabled devices.
  • Smart Management Features: The switch supports both unmanaged and smart management features, offering scalability for various network configurations.
  • Network Size: This device is optimized for small to medium-sized networks, providing reliable performance in office and home setups.
  • Ethernet Standards: The device complies with IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3ab standards for Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Gigabit Ethernet.
  • Security Features: The switch includes security features such as VLAN support to segment and protect network traffic.
  • Power Consumption: The switch operates efficiently with a typical power consumption rate that matches its PoE capabilities.
  • Dimensions: The device has a compact form factor, measuring approximately 17.3 inches x 7.1 inches x 1.7 inches.
  • Weight: It weighs around 4.4 pounds, making it lightweight and easy to handle during installation.
  • Device Type: This is a managed Ethernet switch, providing advanced features like network monitoring and configuration.
  • VLAN Support: It supports VLAN functionality, allowing for network segmentation and enhanced security.

FAQ

Setting up this Ethernet switch is straightforward. Simply connect it to your network using one of the 24 Ethernet ports, then access the web-based management interface. Follow the on-screen instructions to configure your network settings. The intuitive GUI makes setup easy, even for users without extensive networking knowledge.

The NETGEAR FS728TP offers a total PoE power budget of 192W, which should be sufficient to power devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. It can deliver up to 15.4W per port for 24 ports, so ensure your devices' power requirements are within this range for optimal performance.

This managed switch offers flexible mounting options, including both rackmount and desktop placement. It does not support wall mounting, but it can be easily integrated into standard 19-inch racks or placed on a desk or table in a home or office environment.

Yes, the NETGEAR FS728TP features a fanless, whisper-quiet design. This makes it ideal for use in noise-sensitive environments such as offices, studios, or classrooms where minimal noise is important. However, during extended heavy use, it may slightly heat up.

The performance of this switch is highly reliable, especially for small to medium-sized networks. Users consistently report stable network speeds, particularly for PoE devices. It is designed to handle up to 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports without performance degradation in typical office or home setups.

While the NETGEAR FS728TP is excellent for small to medium-sized networks, it may not be ideal for large enterprise setups. Larger networks with more intensive demands, such as high data throughput or complex network configurations, may require a more robust switch with higher capacity and additional features.

The NETGEAR FS728TP comes with a ProSAFE Lifetime Hardware Warranty and 24/7 expert support via chat. This ensures that if you encounter any issues, you’ll have access to NETGEAR’s experienced support team to resolve them quickly, making it a great choice for businesses that need reliable ongoing assistance.

The 192W PoE power budget should be sufficient for most PoE-enabled devices like phones and cameras, but if your setup includes high-power devices like large wireless access points or multiple cameras, you may need to monitor the total power draw to ensure it stays within the 192W limit.

This switch supports Fast Ethernet (10/100 Mbps) for the 24 standard ports, with 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports for higher-speed connections. If you need Gigabit speeds on all ports, consider a switch with more Gigabit ports. However, the FS728TP provides solid performance for everyday office and home network tasks.

Yes, this switch integrates easily into most existing networks. The web-based management interface allows you to quickly configure VLANs, QoS, and other network settings to suit your needs. Its compatibility with both unmanaged and smart management features ensures it can work in a variety of network environments, from simple setups to more complex configurations.