NetGear GS724T ProSafe 24-Port Gigabit Smart Switch

If you require 802.1Q VLANs, find another switch.

I opened a case with NETGEAR support when I tried to use 802.1Q VLANs on the GS724T. After two weeks of prodding, they finally tested my config in their lab and, lo and behold, the switch isn't conforming to 802.1Q standards.

The bug appears in firmware versions 1.2.2 and earlier.

Also, I found that the web interface used to manage the switch would stop responding frequently - and in at least one scenario (deleting a VLAN) I was able to reproduce the lost connectivity and open a case with NETGEAR - they said this also was a bug that needs fixing.

Furthermore, I found NETGEAR L2 and L3 support to be extremely unhelpful and quite disinterested in resolving these issues, even after they agreed each issue was a bug in their software.

After using a LINKSYS WRV4400N for a year, I got so used to Gigabit speed: copying files from one computer to another; that I bought this one to have enough ports. It is really fantastic (VLAN, port mirroring, etc); my only complaint is that it is too noisy for a home setting: I tried to replace the fan with one rated for 23dB, but believe it or not, the noise actually got worse. The airflow through the case acted like a flute and made an incredible sound. I have now put a resistor to reduce voltage and hence noise level of the fan (thank god it is not a speed controlled model). With a little mod- a great device!