The Netgear MS305 or MS305-100NA is a basic 5-port 2.5GbE switch. Indeed, through a few paint options and a different warranty, Netgear has managed to create a second model from what appears to be the same hardware. We previously reviewed the Netgear MS105 and when we were ordering these two switches, we did not know how they were different. When we tested the switches, we could not figure out how they were different. Then we realized it is a price and warranty difference. With that, let us get to our review.
Ultimate Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Roundup
You may have seen that we published the Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Mega Round-Up. Here is the video for that one where this switch appeared.
We decided to do the round-up first and will be filling in with reviews that we had not published at that point, including this one.
Netgear MS305-100NA Hardware Overview
The front of the switch is very similar to what we saw on the MS105. There are simply five ports. Above each of the 2.5GbE ports, we have a set of status LEDs associated with each port and a key shown to the right.
For some reference, here is the Netgear MS105 where the main difference is paint.
There is also a power LED.
On the rear of the switch, we get the 12V 1A DC input and a Kensington lock port.
On one side of the switch, we get vents along a portion of the chassis.
On the other side of the switch, we get similar vents. This chassis is certainly not the low-cost small plastic-type that we see on very cheap switches. Still, we do not have mounting points for rack mounting. The best feature, perhaps, is simply being metal, not plastic.
On the bottom of the unit, we get perhaps what will be viewed as the best mounting solution in our roundup with either spots for rubber feet or two mounting points for wall, conference room table, or desk mounting.
Taking off the top involves simply removing a few screws.
Underneath, we get two switch chips, but as a low-port count switch, it is a simple design.
That is a good thing since it also means that it does not have fans making this a quiet unit without moving parts to make noise or fail.
We tested all of these units for PoE. This unit did not have PoE capabilities as we would guess from the internals.
Let us check that out with our performance and power consumption testing.
 review, we see how this unit compares to the MS105 and other options as part of our 2.5GbE switch series){kind=link}
Not cheap, no fast uplink, there is no reason to pay the money versus a real cheapo 1 Gbps switch. Not worth the time to read the review.
It does seem a case of too little too late. We were stuck at 1G for so long, everyone who cared has already moved to 10G, and is now looking at 25G and higher. So 2.5G is going backwards for us, and too expensive for the crowd who were always happy with 1G.
Unfortunately this probably means 2.5G stuff won’t sell especially well, leading manufacturers to think people aren’t interested in higher speeds. The reality is we are interested, their offerings are just 10 times slower than where we’re looking.
1 pes
I’m a 2.5 convert since about 12 months ago, home stuff. Thanks for the 2.5gbe content. Love your vids
regarding power consumption, so each port add’s 0.4W
so 4w idle and then if all ports are connected, then the total power consumption is be ~6W correct?
this looks like the most power efficient 5 port 2.5Gbit switch available, correct?
ps. great reviews loving it :)
Regarding the comment on “no reason to pay the money versus a real cheap…”. Well for me I like Netgear because of:
– security (their brand has a lot to lose from a cheapo security breach vs. say a no-name
– low power, easy to design with off the shelf chips, harder to do it efficiently
– reliability, see last point on design
I would rather get 2.5 when I expect 2.5, versus getting actually lower rates from less reputable brands (seen this with POE setups twice already).
Thanks for the comparison between the two. I agree, after the bathtub failure which will be covered by warranty, the remaining estimated life of the 305 is fine for me.