NETGEAR GS716TNA Giga Smart Switch 16Pt

Ok, so it lets electrons flow in the expected way. It does work as a 10/100/1000 switch. BUT, when something is billed as a "Smart Switch", I expect it to be - get this - smart. Simply throwing a web ui on it doesn't make it smart.

Let's make a list of the things this switch doesn't support.

1. 802.3ad link aggregation. The specs on Netgear's site claim 802.3ad support, but it's just not there. The $130 GS108T even does proper 802.3ad.

2. Network Time - Again, the much cheaper GS108T does NTP.

3. Syslog support - A so-called "smart switch" should generate log entries for various events, right? Right? Nope. Doesn't do it.

4. Be quiet - This switch is billed as usable in a rack mounted environment or as a "desktop switch". Great, if your desktop is in the middle of a noisy warehouse. Not so great if your desktop is in an otherwise quiet room. I blame the crappy 2x 40mm fans that operate full time when the switch...Read more

Excellent product with bandwidth shaping properties, great price. Used for high-traffic internal and DMZ subnets.

If you're going to put this thing in a closet with a heavy door and insulation, you could be OK - It's performance is great. It's just too darn loud. I returned it for a more costly D-Link switch.