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Use ProSafe switch as unmanaged?
This is probably a very niche setup request, but I am looking to acquire a gently used 48 port unmanaged switch for home use. I currently have a D-Link 24 port unmanaged switch, which still works fine after many years, but I'm out of ports and I don't want to daisy chain switches together to be able to add more ethernet runs. I do have 2 POE devices at this point, both using injectors, so if a new-to-me 48 port switch had POE also, that would be a plus (but not a hard requirement).
So, I see Netgear makes a product to fit the bill, a GS348PP, but I'm not looking to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand new unit, especially when there are plenty of good condition, used ProSafe switches out there on eBay, for around $100 or less.
So, can I scoop up a gently used ProSafe switch on eBay and just turn off ALL of the smart management features? I don't have any need for VLAN's and all of the other alphabet soup features that come with it (most of which I don't understand). I have a very simple home network setup, and I'm not looking to become a network engineer at this point in my life.
The closest thing I found to an answer was on page 11 of an S3300 Stackable Smart Switch manual where it says "The NETGEAR switch functions as a simple switch without the management software." And that's it - it doesn't describe further on how to actually accomplish that. Would I get a used unit from eBay and just factory reset it, and then never log into the management GUI, and call it a day at that?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Is it really that easy?
Yes. The reset takes you back to the default config - which works perfectly as an unmanaged switch. Changing the management password is a security precaution (intended to prevent a bad actor on your network from changing the switch behavior).
7 Replies
Welcome to the NEtgear Community jziggity !
There are many Netgear ProSafe switch models with very different capabilities and features in the second use market.
In general, all are very likely operating by default on most ports like unmanaged switches.
To avoid any unexpected security issues, it's strongly suggested to take control, configure your own password, ensure there is the latest firmware available in place.
For inexperienced buyers, I would vote against buying into managed switches, stick to the more consumer-friendly Smart Managed models, and avoid stackable switches.
Better ask than sorry before buying!
Regards,
-Kurt.
PS. To give you a wider coverage (sure, I see you referred to a S3300 Managed Switch model KB entry) I've moved your post from the Managed Switch section to the wider open Easy Smart, Plus, and Smart Switches community section.
Thank you for that info. I find it interesting that out in the secondary market there is a glut of managed switches with POE, and they are cheaper than the unmanaged POE variety that I'm trying to get a hold of. That was really the crux of the matter - can I get a cheaper switch and have it function as unmanaged?
If I have to pay more (ironically) for a switch with fewer features because I don't need all of the extra what nots, so be it I guess. If there is an easy way to disable just about every smart management feature, I'm all ears.
Thanks!
If there is an easy way to disable just about every smart management feature, I'm all ears.
You can just reset the switch, change the management password and then ignore the management features.
If you google the model number and add "support" you'll find the Netgear support page that has all the manuals. Info on how to do the above steps is in the manual.
For instance, googling s3300 support will give you this page:
- https://www.netgear.com/support/product/s3300-52x%20gs752tx/
Thank you for that info. I did find the documentation that you referred to. Having never worked with a smart switch before, I wasn't sure if there were any other steps to take to ignore/deactivate any/all of the managed features. Is it really that easy?
I may end up going the route of an unmanaged switch anyway, to avoid hardware with fans. The noise won't be an issue, but for the very low end home network that I am running, I don't think having a unit with fans spinning 24/7 is worth it if I can pick up a fanless unmanaged switch and end up with lower power consumption.
I do appreciate the feedback and help from the group here, especially over a holiday weekend!
I understand, thank you for that info. I ended up going with a used Netgear unmanaged switch from eBay for just under $100 bucks. No POE, but that was just a nicety, if I could score one at a really good price. My home network is really simply, so I just don't see the need to jump into a managed switch at this time, but maybe down the road some point?
I appreciate the feedback here, it was nice to hear from knowledgeable folks.
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