Netgear 16-port web/smart managed gigabit switch

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unmesh

Active Member
Apr 17, 2017
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I'm looking to upgrade the unmanaged distribution switch to something with a few features like statistics and VLANs and the Netgear GSS116E seems like the right form factor for my closet. However, a reviewer on Amazon warned that Netgear gear likes to "phone home" occasionally. Another reviewer said that you have to register the switch with Netgear before you can use the management features (this may be related to phoning home).

Does anyone know if this is true and how widespread this behavior is across their product line?

Is TP-Link TL-SG116E better in this regard?

Any other recommendations for SOHO fanless switches like these?

Thanks
 

BlueFox

Legendary Member Spam Hunter Extraordinaire
Oct 26, 2015
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I have the 8 port PoE version of that (GSS108EPP) and it did not require any sort of registration to use the management features.
 
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BlueFox

Legendary Member Spam Hunter Extraordinaire
Oct 26, 2015
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Different product line. The GSS ones can't be cloud managed.
 

cbarbie

Member
Mar 10, 2011
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It appears Netgear is no longer supporting this switch. A buggy firmware was removed from their site. There has been no indication that they are working on a corrected version.