Netgear Gigabit Ethernet Switch

Five Port GS605

Summary: Good for modding.

Anyone with a growing collection of computers will soon need a network. Anyone who frequently moves around data by the gigabyte will need a fast network. So when a gigabit switch went on sale for 50% off, I snapped it up.

Let's get it out of the way: It works. Its just an ethernet switch, there isn't much that can be done wrong.

That said, let's get to why you're actually reading this.

 

Netgear ships the switch with a 12 volt 1 amp wall wort. It would be nice if they spent an extra dollar on a switching power supply instead. More importantly, 12 watts of power seems a little high. The documentation instructs you to leave two inches of air space on all sides and warms against operating the switch inside an unventilated closet. Very similar to the warnings that come with toaster ovens. I think they're just covering their butts, because in actual operation heat did not seem to be a problem.

 

The switch was dissembled to figure out the source of heat. The screws are under rubber feet and require a T9 Torx bit. Inconvenient screws, but Netgear was probably thinking of us when they didn't glue the feet in place, instead paying extra to make the feet un-losable. The bits of rubber can be removed, so the case can be easily re-painted.

 

The packaging actually describes the reflective foil as a feature, allowing it to "blend your NETGEAR product into its environment". Baloney. The clear edge piece slips right off, allowing the user to insert their own material in place of the foil. One issue that makes repainting more difficult: the LED light pipe is plastic-welded to the top shell. If removed, the light pipe would then have to be glued in place.

 

 

The circuit board is not attached to the case. Good quality soldering throughout. The RF-shield was not permanently connected to the circuit board. Usually manufactures will solder it down. Lifting seven tabs loosens the shield. Under the RF-shield we can finally see what makes the switch tick. Each port has its own interface chip, as all ethernet devices should.

 

The heat sink is shared by two chips. Unfortunately, the heat sink is connected by two solder joints, one shown in detail at right. This greatly limits modifications for better cooling. Upgrading the heat sink is risky. Adding more ventilation holes in the RF-shield is risky at Gigabit frequencies. A fan could be added, but this seems like overkill. I recommend operating the switch in an upright position, allowing for better airflow.

Altogether, it was a pleasant disassembly with good potential for modifications.

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History:
  2005/12/31 uploaded