Netgear M4300-28G (GSM4328S) - Managed L3 Stackable Switch with 10G Copper and Fiber
The Netgear M4300-28G (GSM4328S) redefines enterprise connectivity by offering an incredibly versatile switching platform designed for both the core of small and medium-sized businesses and the edge of larger corporate networks. This managed switch from the acclaimed Intelligent Edge series features seamless stacking capabilities and a comprehensive Layer 3 architecture, including advanced routing without the need for additional licenses.
One of the major advantages of this model is its hybrid and flexible port configuration. Unlike other devices that force you to choose between copper or fiber uplinks, the GSM4328S allows you to simultaneously use its two 10GBASE-T (RJ45) ports and its two 10G SFP+ fiber ports . This, combined with its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, provides a total of 28 independent active interfaces, guaranteeing massive bandwidth and redundant uplink options for servers, NAS storage, or high-speed network cores.
Designed for business continuity, this device incorporates world-class high-availability technologies. Its full-width (1U) chassis supports redundant modular power supplies, ensuring your network remains operational even in the event of a power failure in one of the sources. Furthermore, its compatibility with AV-over-IP (professional audio and video) installations makes it the preferred choice for system integrators seeking zero-touch performance with pre-configured multicast protocols.
Main features
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True Hybrid 10G Connectivity: It has 2 10G RJ45 ports and 2 10G SFP+ ports that are completely independent and usable at the same time, without sharing bandwidth with the 1G ports.
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Mixed and Resilient Stacking: Allows stacking with any other model in the M4300 series (even pure 10G models) creating a "Spine and Leaf" topology with non-stop failover (Non-Stop Forwarding).
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Advanced Layer 3 Management: Includes, as standard, with no hidden costs, static routing, RIP, VRRP, OSPF and PIM functions, facilitating sophisticated and secure traffic management.
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Optimized for AV-over-IP: Comes pre-configured with IGMP Snooping, IGMP Querier and Fast Leave on VLAN 1, ready for professional video deployments (SDVoE) right out of the box.
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Power Redundancy: Chassis prepared for dual modular power supply (one included), allowing APS (Automatic Protection Switching) redundancy for mission-critical applications.
Benefits for IT infrastructure
Implementing the Netgear M4300-28G represents a significant leap forward in network reliability. For system administrators, the ability to manage the stack as a single logical entity dramatically simplifies maintenance and configuration tasks. The inclusion of 10 Gigabit copper uplinks reduces costs by enabling high-speed connections to servers using standard Cat6A cabling, eliminating the need for expensive fiber transceivers for short distances.
Furthermore, its non-blocking hardware architecture ensures that all ports can operate at line speed simultaneously, preventing bottlenecks during massive backups or 4K video streaming. Security is also paramount, with robust access control, DoS attack prevention, and secure management via an industry-standard command-line interface (CLI) or an intuitive web interface.
Use cases
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Network core for SMEs: Acts as the heart of the network, connecting Wi-Fi 6 access points, servers and other access switches with 10G trunk links.
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Professional Audio and Video Installations: Ideal for conference rooms, television studios or digital signage where zero latency and efficient multicast management for video over IP are required.
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Enterprise wiring closets (IDF): Perfect as a high-performance access switch that connects to the network core via 10 Gbps fiber optic cable.
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Virtualization and Storage: Direct connection to virtualization servers and storage arrays that require native 10GBASE-T connectivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are the 10G ports shared (combo) with the 1G ports?
No, the four 10G ports (two copper and two fiber) are dedicated and independent. You can use all 28 ports on the switch simultaneously.
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Do I need to purchase a license to use Layer 3 features like OSPF?
No, the M4300 series includes the full Layer 3 license out of the box, allowing the use of dynamic routing at no extra cost.
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Is it compatible with PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
No, the M4300-28G (GSM4328S) model is a data switch. If you require PoE power, you should choose the M4300-28G-PoE+ (GSM4328PA/PB) variant.
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Can it be stacked with 10 Gigabit M4300 models?
Yes, Netgear's stacking technology allows you to mix 1 Gigabit and 10 Gigabit models in the same logical stack.
Project description
Supply of a stackable, 1U rack-mountable, full-width Layer 3 managed switch. The unit must have 24 independent, simultaneously active 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 ports, 2 10GBASE-T (100M/1G/10G) RJ45 ports, and 2 SFP+ slots for 10GBASE-X (1G/10G) fiber. The switching capacity will be 128 Gbps with a non-blocking architecture. It must support mixed physical stacking with Spine-Leaf topologies and Non-Stop Forwarding (NSF) failover. The software will include static routing, RIP, OSPF, VRRP, and PIM without additional licenses. It will have a bay for an optional redundant second modular power supply and management via an out-of-box (OOB) port, RS232 serial console, and Mini-USB port.
