If you need a reliable and affordable solution for expanding your wired network, the NETGEAR GS324 unmanaged switch offers plug-and-play simplicity with dependable performance. Whether you’re setting up a small business LAN, expanding your home office, or adding wired connectivity for IP devices, this switch is a solid and quiet performer.
Key Features at a Glance
- 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (RJ45)
- Switching Capacity: 48 Gbps | Forwarding Rate: 35.7 Mpps
- Unmanaged: No configuration required
- Silent Operation with Fanless Design
- Durable Metal Chassis
What Is an Unmanaged Switch?
An unmanaged switch allows Ethernet-enabled devices to communicate over a network without requiring any setup or configuration. It’s perfect for users who want to plug in their devices and go. There’s no user interface, no software, and no learning curve.
Performance & Throughput
The GS324 delivers a switching capacity of 48 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 35.7 million packets per second (Mpps). With all 24 ports running at Gigabit speeds (1 Gbps each), it can easily handle heavy workloads like large file transfers, video streaming, and simultaneous device connections.
Port Layout and Connectivity
- 24x Gigabit Ethernet Ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
- No dedicated uplink ports (uplink via any port)
- Each port auto-senses speed and duplex for seamless integration
Power & Cabling
- Power Supply: Internal
- Power Connector: Standard IEC C13 input
- Power Cable Length: Approx. 5.5 ft
- Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): Supports IEEE 802.3az for reduced power consumption when traffic is low
Design and Build Quality
- Color: Matte black with green/amber status LEDs
- Material: Heavy-duty metal chassis
- Cooling: Fanless design for silent operation
- Mounting: Desktop or rack-mount (rack ears included)
- Dimensions: 13 x 6.7 x 1.7 inches (33 x 17 x 4.3 cm)
Ideal Use Cases
- Home and Office LAN Expansion
- Small Business Network Backbone
- Adding Wired Connections for Media Servers, IP Phones, or NAS
- Dorms, Libraries, and Classrooms Needing Quiet Operation
What We Like
- Super quiet with no fan
- No configuration headaches: plug-and-play
- Rock-solid metal build
- Cost-effective for 24 Gigabit ports
What We Don’t Like
- No PoE support
- Lacks management features for advanced setups
- No SFP uplink or VLAN capabilities
Final Thoughts
The NETGEAR GS324 is one of the best network switches in the unmanaged 24-port category for 2025. It excels in providing stable, high-speed connections without noise or complexity. If you need a reliable switch for expanding your network quickly and affordably, the GS324 is a top contender.
