The NETGEAR GS324P is a 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for growing networks in small offices, home businesses, and medium-sized IT environments. What sets it apart is its built-in Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) support, providing both data and power through a single Ethernet cable to compatible devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
Key Features at a Glance
- Ports: 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, including 16 PoE+ capable ports
- PoE Standard: IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+)
- PoE Budget: 190W total power budget; up to 30W per PoE+ port
- Speed per Port: 10/100/1000 Mbps
- Switching Capacity: 48 Gbps
- Forwarding Rate: 35.7 Mpps
- Management: Unmanaged (Plug-and-Play setup)
Design and Build Quality
The GS324P has a rugged, all-metal body finished in matte black. It is rack-mountable and includes rubber feet for desktop placement. The fanless design ensures quiet operation, ideal for environments where noise is a concern. Its build quality is solid, and port LEDs offer clear visual indicators for link/activity and PoE status.
Dimensions: 13 x 6.6 x 1.7 inches
Weight: 5.73 lbs
Color: Matte Black
Power Interface
- Type: Internal power supply
- Connector: Standard C13 power cord (included)
- Cable Length: Approximately 5 feet
PoE Explained
PoE (Power over Ethernet) enables you to transmit both power and data through a single Ethernet cable. PoE+ (802.3at) supports higher wattage (up to 30W per port), allowing you to connect more demanding devices like PTZ cameras or multi-band wireless APs. This eliminates the need for separate power cables or wall adapters.
Who Is It For?
The GS324P is perfect for:
- Small to medium-sized offices
- Video surveillance setups with IP cameras
- Voice-over-IP phone systems
- Wireless AP deployment in retail or hospitality
Its unmanaged design makes it ideal for plug-and-play environments where simplicity and reliability are key. There are no advanced configurations to worry about; just connect and go.
What We Like
- Generous 190W PoE power budget
- Quiet, fanless operation
- Solid metal chassis for durability
- Simple to deploy and use
- Rackmount or desktop friendly
What We Don’t Like
- No management or VLAN capabilities
- Lacks uplink-specific ports (can use any port, but shared bandwidth)
- No QoS (Quality of Service) prioritization features
Final Verdict
The NETGEAR GS324P offers reliable performance and a generous PoE+ power budget for users who need a fuss-free, scalable network switch. While it lacks the advanced features of managed switches, it excels in environments where plug-and-play simplicity, quiet operation, and dependable Gigabit performance are essential.
