Networking

New Switches Fit Challenging Wireless Device Locations

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 01/17/17

The GS408EPP's design allows for two switches to be mounted in a single 1U rack slot.

Network device maker NetGear has introduced two switches intended to help administrators support power over Ethernet (PoE+) devices in challenging locations. The new line uses a "Virtually Anywhere" mounting system that enables the switches to be installed vertically, horizontally, against a flat surface or in perpendicular placement.

The mounting design support the proliferation of wireless devices within an enterprise, such as wireless access points, surveillance cameras and security door locks, that depend on PoE to keep them operational. The new eight-port switches can be attached to a wall, under a desk, strapped to pole or placed in the ceiling near a ventilation duct.

The ProSAFE 8-port Gigabit Ethernet Web Managed PoE+ Click Switch (GSS108EPP), priced at $149.99, has four PoE+ ports (47W total), supporting up to four devices and three non-PoE devices with one port for uplink. The company reported that a "fanless" design makes for quiet operation in conference rooms or other "noise-sensitive" environments.

The ProSAFE Easy-Mount 8-port Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ Web Managed Switch (GS408EPP), for $269.99, has eight PoE/PoE+ ports (124W total) and eight gigabit Ethernet ports. Two of these switches can be mounted in a single 1U rack slot back to back for a total of 16 PoE+ ports.