With prices ranging from $100 to $220, the latest Netgear unmanaged switches provide professional integrators with a choice of affordable network switches with Power over Ethernet (PoE) options. 

Netgear states that its new switches are, “the industry's first flexible PoE integrated technology” products, and the products can be used in homes and small businesses that require PoE and higher power PoE solutions. 

“These flexible, cost-effective switching solutions support growing businesses without requiring a big upfront investment. Other solutions in the market require additional add-on equipment purchases if you want to upgrade your PoE budget, and more often also require the purchase of an entirely new switch,” says Richard Jonker, vice president of product line management for SMB products at Netgear. 

“The Netgear laser-focus on innovation and continuous improvement is the reason we remain the longtime market share leader in small business switching products.”

Some of the applications in which integrators can use the new Netgear switches include installations with IP security cameras, AV over IP endpoints, LED lighting, IoT devices, voice-over IP (VoIP) phone systems, access door locks, and traditional networks.

Netgear's 4 Models Provide Integrators Options 

According to Netgear, through the implementation of its new switches, integrators can install PoE+ ports in any environment in specific locations in which they are needed. 

Because of the form factor and silent operation of the products the company points out the switches can live in rack environments; they can mount on walls, they can reside in furniture, and they can live on desktops. 

Related: Netgear 24-Port Smart Managed Pro Switch Supports PoE+ for Voice, Video, Data

The plug-and-play switches' key feature is a power selector and support for interchangeable external power supplies enabling integrators to increase an installation's PoE budget to meet a range of required specifications. 

The switches also include LED status indicators for each port, and auto-negotiation between the switches and end devices to enable the switches to connect at the highest common speed.

The range of products includes these four models:

• GS108LP 8-port PoE/PoE+ gigabit unmanaged switch with 60 watts of PoE power ($100)
• GS108PP 8-port PoE/PoE+ gigabit unmanaged switch with 123 watts of PoE power ($130)
• GS116LP 16-port PoE/PoE+ gigabit unmanaged switch with 76 watts of PoE power ($180)
• GS116PP 16-port PoE/PoE+ gigabit unmanaged switch with 183 watts of PoE power ($220)