Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+ (GSM4328PA) - L3 Managed Switch with 480W PoE+ and 10G Links
The Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+ (GSM4328PA) represents the evolution of enterprise connectivity, meticulously designed to act as the intelligent core of growing networks or as a powerful edge device in medium and large enterprise infrastructures. This managed switch is not just a connection concentrator; it is a comprehensive Layer 3 solution that offers unprecedented flexibility, combining robust power for IoT devices with advanced stacking capabilities.
One of the greatest strengths of this model lies in its "Spine and Leaf" architecture. Unlike traditional switches, the M4300 series allows for transparent stacking of 1 Gigabit models with 10 Gigabit models, creating a virtual chassis topology that simplifies management and maximizes redundancy. With the GSM4328PA , you get 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports fully compatible with PoE+ (802.3at) , backed by an included 550W power supply that provides an actual power budget of 480W . This means you can power IP phones, high-performance Wi-Fi 6 access points, and PTZ surveillance cameras directly from the switch without the need for additional injectors or complex electrical installations.
To ensure your network is future-proof and meets high bandwidth demands, this device integrates four independent 10 Gigabit uplink ports : two copper (10GBASE-T) and two fiber (SFP+). This hybrid configuration offers extreme versatility, allowing you to connect local servers at high speed using standard RJ45 cabling or link to distribution cabinets over long distances using fiber optics, all without sacrificing front-end ports.
Main features
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High Power PoE+ Connectivity: 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports with PoE+ support (30W per port) and a total budget of 480W, ideal for dense device deployments.
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Hybrid 10G Uplinks: Includes 2 dedicated and independent 10GBASE-T (RJ45) ports and 2 SFP+ (Fiber) ports, facilitating connection to the network core or high-performance servers.
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Complete Layer 3 Management: Advanced static, dynamic (RIP, OSPF, VRRP) routing and PIM for multicast features included as standard, with no hidden costs or additional licenses.
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Virtual Stacking: A real stacking technology that allows managing multiple switches as a single logical entity with non-stop failover (NSF - Non-Stop Forwarding).
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AV-over-IP Ready: Optimized for professional audio and video streaming over IP thanks to its robust IGMP and multicast support.
Benefits for network infrastructure
Deploying the Netgear M4300-28G-PoE+ provides immediate business resilience . Its seamless failover stacking capability ensures that, in the event of a single unit failure, traffic is instantly rerouted, maintaining business continuity for critical applications such as Voice over IP (VoIP) and video surveillance. Furthermore, by eliminating the need for Layer 3 licensing, it significantly reduces the total cost of ownership (TCO), enabling network administrators to implement advanced routing at the network edge without financial barriers.
Its design also promotes service convergence . By centralizing data, voice, and power in a single device with a 128 Gbps backplane bandwidth, it simplifies cable management and optimizes overall network performance, avoiding common bottlenecks found in lower-category switches.
Use cases
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IP Video Surveillance Networks: Thanks to its 480W budget, it can power multiple high-definition IP cameras and motorized domes, while the 10G links ensure that recording to the NVR is smooth and without frame loss.
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Modern Office Environments: Ideal for powering and connecting next-generation VoIP phones and Wireless Access Points, managing voice and data VLANs separately and securely.
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ProAV Installations: Perfect for conference rooms and auditoriums using Video over IP systems, where zero latency and efficient multicast traffic management are critical.
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Network Core for SMEs: It can act as the main switch (Core) in small and medium-sized businesses, routing all internal traffic and connecting to 10G servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is the 480W PoE budget expandable?
The GSM4328PA model includes a 550W power supply unit (PSU) that provides 480W for PoE. The chassis has a second bay for adding a redundant PSU (sold separately), which could increase the budget or provide power redundancy (RPS/EPS).
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Do I need to purchase licenses to use OSPF or RIP routing?
No, unlike other manufacturers, Netgear's M4300 series includes all Layer 3 (L3) functionalities in the base firmware at no extra cost.
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Are the 10G ports shared (Combo)?
No, the 4 10G ports (2 copper and 2 fiber) are independent and can be used simultaneously with the 24 Gigabit ports, totaling 28 active ports.
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Is it compatible with other M4300 models for stacking?
Yes, it can form a mixed stack with any other M4300 series switch, including pure 10Gb or fiber models, allowing for flexible topologies.
Project description
Layer 3 managed switch with 24 1000BASE-T (RJ45) ports supporting PoE+ (802.3at) and a 480W power budget via the included APS550W modular power supply. The device features two dedicated and independent 10GBASE-T and two 10GBASE-X SFP+ ports for uplinks or stacking. It offers a switching capacity of 128 Gbps, full IPv4/IPv6 support, static and dynamic routing (RIP, OSPF, VRRP), and PIM without additional licenses. It is a 1U rackmount device with support for NSF (Non-Stop Forwarding) physical stacking and virtual chassis.
