NETGEAR
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS324)
Bottom line: The NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch ($62.89 on Amazon as of 2026-10-07): Fanless metal chassis, zero noise for desk or office placement; main trade-off: unmanaged - no VLANs, port mirroring, or link aggregation.
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Fanless metal chassis, zero noise for desk or office placement
- ✓ Desktop, wall-mount, and rack-mount hardware all included
- ✓ 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet cuts draw on idle ports
Cons
- ✗ Unmanaged - no VLANs, port mirroring, or link aggregation
- ✗ No PoE, so APs and cameras need separate power injectors
- ✗ 1Gbps ceiling per port; no 2.5GbE or 10GbE uplink
- ✗ Sold for U.S. and Canada use only per NETGEAR
Manufacturer description
The NETGEAR GS324 is a 24-port Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch built for home offices and small businesses that have outgrown the four ports on the back of a router. All 24 ports run at 1.0Gbps with auto-negotiation, so each connected device links at its highest supported speed over the Cat5e or Cat6 cabling you already have. Auto-MDI/MDIX means no crossover cables, and a non-blocking switching architecture keeps throughput up when every port is busy. Setup is genuinely plug-and-play: there is no firmware to configure, no VLAN menu, no management console. Plug it in, connect your devices…
SpecPicks Verdict
SpecPicks scored NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the networking category. NETGEAR's networking lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.
Common buyer scenarios for networking of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the NETGEAR GS324 support VLANs?
No. The GS324 is an unmanaged switch with no configuration interface, so VLANs, QoS tuning, and port mirroring are not available. Step up to a NETGEAR smart or managed model if you need segmentation.
Does this switch provide Power over Ethernet?
No. The GS324 is a non-PoE switch, so access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones will each need their own power adapter or an external PoE injector.
Can I mount the GS324 in a standard server rack?
Yes. NETGEAR lists desktop, wall-mount, and rack-mount placement for this model, and the metal enclosure ships with mounting options for all three.
Will it work with my existing Cat5e cables?
Yes. The ports auto-negotiate to the fastest speed each device supports and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 cable. Auto-MDI/MDIX also removes any need for crossover cables.
Is the GS324 loud enough to notice in a room?
No. The design is fanless, so there are no moving parts and no fan noise at all. That makes it practical for an office desk or living room rather than only a wiring closet.
Key Features
- GIGABIT ETHERNET PORTS: Features 24 x 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. Auto-negotiating ports detect the optimal speed for connected devices and work with existing Cat5e or Cat6 Ethernet cables.
- PLUG-AND-PLAY UNMANAGED NETWORK SWITCH: Simple plug-and-play setup with no software to install or configuration required.
- FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS: Compact metal design supports desktop, wall-mount, or rack-mount placement for versatile installation.
- SILENT & ENERGY-EFFICIENT OPERATION: Fanless design ensures silent performance, while IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet reduces power consumption without compromising high-speed network performance.
- REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY: Made for use in U.S. & CA only
Full Specifications
| Brand | NETGEAR |
|---|---|
| Color | Black |
| Voltage | 230 Volts |
| Platform | Not Machine Specific |
| Interface | RJ45 |
| Unit Count | 1.0 Count |
| Switch Type | Metal |
| Model Number | GS324-200NAS |
| Compatibility | Switch |
| Built-In Media | 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS324v2), 100-240VAC~50/60Hz; power cord, Desktop rubber feet, Rackmount kit, Wallmount kit, Installation guide |
| Mfr Part Number | GS324-200NAS |
| Number of Ports | 24 |
| Number of Layers | 1 |
| Case Material Type | Metal |
| Compatible Devices | Television, Monitor, Projector, Gaming Console, DVD Player, Laptop, Personal Computer |
| Data Transfer Rate | 24 Gigabits Per Second |
| Included Components | 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS324v2), 100-240VAC~50/60Hz; power cord, Desktop rubber feet, Rackmount kit, Wallmount kit, Installation guide |
| Warranty Description | This product is backed by NETGEAR limited 3-year hardware warranty. |
| REGIONAL COMPATIBILITY | Made for use in U.S. & CA only |
| FLEXIBLE MOUNTING OPTIONS | Compact metal design supports desktop, wall-mount, or rack-mount placement for versatile installation. |
| Full listing title | NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS324) - Desktop, Wall, or Rackmount, Silent Operation |
Ready to buy?
NETGEAR 24-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Essentials Switch (GS324) - Desktop, Wall, or Rackmount, Silent Operation is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.
*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated 2026-10-07. Price and availability subject to change.
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