Question 1

Althought the spec states cat5, does this GS116 also support cat6?

Accepted Answer

The Cat5 recommendation, on any device I'm aware of, is a minimum. Going with a Cat6/7/8/9 is just like opening up a wider road. It'll give you more room but you're only gonna use as much as the of that width as the maximum amount the slowest device in the data exchange (including the switch) is able to send/recieve.
So, basically, you can make the road have as many lanes as you want but a Ford Focus is only gonna go as fast as a Ford Focus goes regardless of traffic conditions.

Question 2

What is the difference between unmanaged and unmanaged+?

Accepted Answer

The simplest answer is that an unmanaged switch is just plug and play. No extra passwords or network monitoring. A managed switch means you add passwords for devices to connect and you can monitor each devices that's plugged in. If you are using it for home network, you already have security through your router, so unmanaged is the way to go. If you're an IT Guru, you might want to setup a managed switch.

Question 3

Will any of the ports act as my "input port" from the router, and is there any advantage to using more than one input cable from the router?

Accepted Answer

You can you any of the ports on the switch to connect the router to.  I usually use the last or the first one.  Having more then one cable from the router to the switch would cause problems and not benefits.  It would basically cause a traffic jam.

Question 4

Is it one input and 8 output? Or no?

Accepted Answer

These unmanaged Ethernet switches, all 8 ports are the same. They not only automatically switch each port from input to output as needed, but in addition if you do happen to use a 4 pair wired "Crossover cable" (rare these days) they will automatically switch to even accommodate that hook up as well. Daisy chaining one feed to any of the eight ports then run an Ethernet cable (with all four pairs used) to any port on a second and you now have 14 ports at your disposal. Do it again and you will get 7 more each time you add another. Ethernet switches strengthen the signal so they can be up to 100 meters or 328 feet from one to the next. Very versatile for a SOHO (Small Office and/or Home Office). You need access to AC power for the power supply but otherwise about the only thing one can do wrong is to find an old 10/100 cable with 4 wires or 2 pairs and that will not work!!!

Switch type	Metal
Product dimensions	15.8L x 10.2W x 2.6H centimetres
Item weight	0.86 Pounds
Platform	Not Machine Specific
Voltage	12 Volts (DC)
Case material type	Metal
Interface type	RJ45
Data transfer rate	1 Gigabits Per Second
Global Trade Identification Number	00606449140132
Manufacturer	Netgear
UPC	606449140132
Part number	GS308-300PAS
Item Weight	390 g
Item model number	GS308-300PAS
Size	0.88 lb.
Style	8 port
Material	Metal
Item Package Quantity	1
Plug profile	Tabletop,Wall Mount
Specific uses	Gaming, Business
Batteries included?	No
Batteries Required?	No

NETGEAR 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch (GS308) - Home Network Hub, Office Ethernet Splitter, Plug-and-Play, Fanless Metal Housing, Desktop or Wall Mount

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