NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Unmanaged PoE+ Switch

86%

Ease of Setup

PoE Port Coverage

PoE Power Budget

Silent Operation

Build Quality

Value for Money

Warranty & Support

Port Density

Energy Efficiency

Mounting Flexibility

Gigabit Performance

Physical Footprint

Regional Availability

Long-Term Reliability

Overview

The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is a straightforward, no-nonsense networking device built for small businesses and home labs that need to power and connect multiple devices without hiring an IT professional to set it up. PoE+, if you're new to it, simply means the switch delivers both data and electrical power over a single Ethernet cable — no separate power adapters needed for cameras, access points, or phones. This PoE+ switch ships ready to go right out of the box; plug in your cables and it works. It's fanless and completely silent, which is a real advantage in shared spaces. NETGEAR's ProSafe pedigree means this sits at a sensible mid-range price for what you get.

Features & Benefits

Every one of the 16 ports on this unmanaged switch is PoE+, which matters more than you might think — you're never stuck routing a specific device to a specific port. Gigabit speeds across the board keep traffic moving without any choke points. The default 76W power budget is adequate for most light deployments, but if you plan to stack high-draw devices like PTZ cameras or dual-band access points, it can get tight. There is an upgrade path to 183W via a separately purchased power module, which is a sensible safety net — just budget for it upfront. The unit measures roughly 11 inches long and weighs under 2 pounds, so mounting it anywhere is painless.

Best For

This PoE+ switch is a natural fit for small business owners who want to run IP security cameras or wireless access points across their space without touching a management interface. Home lab builders will appreciate the zero-configuration approach — it just handles routing without demanding attention. AV integrators and smart-home installers will particularly value the silent fanless operation; placing this in a media room or a client's living space won't introduce any audible hum. It's also a practical choice when rack space is scarce, since it handles desktop and wall mounting just as well. If you're starting small but expect to add more power-hungry devices later, the expandable wattage gives you room to grow.

User Feedback

Owners of the GS116LP consistently highlight two things: how fast it was to get running, and how quiet it stays during operation — both of which matter enormously in real-world environments. The lifetime warranty and next-business-day replacement policy give buyers genuine peace of mind, which users cite as a meaningful differentiator at this price tier. On the critical side, the 76W shared budget draws the most complaints; buyers who load up all 16 ports with power-hungry devices hit the ceiling faster than expected. The optional power module addresses that, but the added cost catches some people off guard. Worth noting: this switch is rated for US and Canada only, so international buyers should confirm compatibility before purchasing.

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Pros

All 16 ports support PoE+, so you never have to plan which port a powered device connects to.
Truly plug-and-play — unbox it, connect cables, and the network is live with zero setup steps.
Fanless operation keeps things completely silent, a genuine advantage in offices or living spaces.
Compact build at under 2 pounds makes installation fast whether on a desk, wall, or in a rack.
Gigabit speeds on every port handle modern networked devices without any throughput bottleneck.
The lifetime limited warranty with next-business-day replacement is unusually strong for this category.
24/7 access to NETGEAR support staff provides real help when something goes wrong.
Energy-efficient design keeps power consumption honest during long-term continuous operation.
The GS116LP holds up well over years of daily use, according to consistent long-term owner feedback.
Mounting hardware for wall and rack installation is included in the box — nothing extra to source.

Cons

The 76W shared power budget across all 16 ports runs short when multiple high-draw devices are connected.
Expanding to 183W requires a separately purchased power module, adding cost not visible at checkout.
No management interface at all — VLANs, QoS, and port monitoring are simply not possible.
Rated for US and Canada use only, which is a hard stop for international buyers.
No built-in diagnostic LEDs or traffic monitoring tools make troubleshooting slow and manual.
Only 16 ports available — growing networks will outgrow this unit with no expansion path on the device itself.
The external power adapter adds cable clutter that an internal power supply would avoid.
No fanless enclosure venting guidance is provided, which can cause concern when installed in enclosed cabinetry.

Ratings

The scores below for the NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Unmanaged PoE+ Switch were generated by our AI engine after analyzing thousands of verified global buyer reviews, with spam, bot-submitted, and incentivized feedback actively filtered out before scoring. Each category reflects the honest distribution of real user sentiment — strengths are credited where earned, and recurring pain points are scored accordingly without being softened.

Ease of Setup

97%

This is the single most praised aspect of this PoE+ switch across all buyer segments. Small business owners with no IT background, home lab builders, and AV installers alike describe unboxing-to-live-network times of under ten minutes. There is no app to download, no browser interface to find, and no configuration decisions to make.

Because it is fully unmanaged, users who eventually need to troubleshoot a misbehaving device have no diagnostic tools available — no port status indicators beyond basic LEDs, and no traffic logs to consult. Setup is effortless, but problem-solving is entirely manual.

PoE Port Coverage

93%

Having all 16 ports deliver PoE+ is a meaningful advantage that buyers notice immediately. Whether placing cameras in corners, mounting access points on ceilings, or powering VoIP handsets on every desk, users never have to plan around non-PoE ports or use splitters.

The per-port maximum of 30W is standard for PoE+, but the 76W shared total budget means you cannot run 16 demanding devices simultaneously at full draw. Users deploying a mix of high-wattage PTZ cameras and dual-radio access points often bump into this ceiling earlier than expected.

PoE Power Budget

62%

38%

For light deployments — basic IP cameras, simple access points, or a handful of VoIP phones — the default 76W budget is sufficient and buyers in those scenarios rarely complain. The fact that an upgrade path to 183W exists at all is appreciated as a forward-thinking design choice.

The 76W ceiling is the most frequently cited frustration in negative reviews, and for good reason. Users who fill all 16 ports with even moderately power-hungry devices find the budget exhausted well before their deployment is complete. The power module fix works, but it costs extra and that surprises buyers who assumed the base unit would handle a full 16-port load comfortably.

Silent Operation

96%

The completely fanless design earns consistent praise from users who place this unmanaged switch in environments where noise matters — home offices, living room AV racks, reception desks, and recording studio utility closets. Reviewers specifically call out the absence of any hum or airflow noise as a daily quality-of-life win.

Fanless cooling relies entirely on passive heat dissipation, which means the unit can become noticeably warm to the touch under sustained heavy load. In enclosed cabinets or tight media consoles without airflow, users report the chassis running quite hot, which raises long-term reliability questions for those specific installations.

Build Quality

88%

The metal chassis feels solid and purposeful for its size — not flimsy in the way some compact switches can feel. Long-term owners frequently mention using the same unit for four or five years of continuous operation without a single hardware failure, which speaks to real-world durability.

The external power adapter, while functional, adds a cable management burden that a built-in power supply would avoid. A small number of users have also noted that the port LEDs on some units are dimmer than expected, making it harder to read link status at a glance in lower-light installations.

Value for Money

84%

Against the feature set — all-port PoE+, Gigabit speeds, fanless design, flexible mounting, and a lifetime warranty — the GS116LP sits at a price point that buyers in the small business and prosumer space generally find fair. The inclusion of both rack and wall mounting hardware in the box adds tangible value without hidden extras.

The value calculation shifts once buyers factor in the separately sold power module needed for heavier deployments. What looks like a well-priced switch at checkout can end up costing noticeably more by the time the optional power supply is added, which some buyers feel should have been better communicated upfront.

Warranty & Support

91%

A lifetime limited hardware warranty with next-business-day replacement is genuinely rare at this price tier and buyers notice it. The 24/7 live chat access to NETGEAR experts provides real reassurance for small business owners who cannot afford extended downtime and do not have in-house IT support to fall back on.

A handful of users report that the next-business-day replacement process requires some navigation through NETGEAR's support channels before being activated, which can be frustrating during an urgent outage. The warranty also covers hardware only — no support for network design or configuration questions, since there is nothing to configure.

Port Density

86%

Sixteen ports in a compact 1U-compatible form factor is a practical sweet spot for small business and home lab use cases. Most buyers deploying cameras, access points, and a few wired workstations find 16 ports comfortably covers their needs with a few spares left over for future additions.

There is no expansion path beyond 16 ports on this unit itself — users who outgrow the port count need to add a second switch or replace the unit entirely. For growing businesses that underestimated their device count at purchase, this becomes a real limitation within a year or two.

Energy Efficiency

89%

IEEE 802.3az compliance means the switch actively reduces power consumption on ports that are connected but carrying low or no traffic, which adds up to meaningful savings in always-on deployments. Buyers running this switch continuously in small offices report it has a light footprint on their electricity draw.

While the energy efficiency certification covers the switch circuitry itself, the included external power adapter operates at a fixed output regardless of actual port load. Users hoping for intelligent whole-system power scaling will find the efficiency gains are more modest than the spec sheet implies.

Mounting Flexibility

92%

Desktop, wall, and rack installation are all genuinely supported, and all the necessary hardware ships in the box — no separate accessory purchases needed. Installers particularly value this for retrofits where the mounting situation is unknown until they arrive on-site.

The unit's 1.1-inch height fits in a rack but occupies a full 1U slot, which in a tightly packed rack could feel like wasted space compared to some higher-density alternatives. Wall mounting in drywall environments also requires careful anchor selection that is not addressed in the included quick-start guide.

Gigabit Performance

94%

Every port runs at true Gigabit speeds with no compromise, and users running high-bitrate IP camera streams alongside regular LAN traffic report no perceptible congestion or slowdown. For unmanaged switching, the throughput performance is consistently described as rock-solid across years of daily use.

Because this is an unmanaged switch with no QoS capability, all traffic is treated equally regardless of priority. In mixed environments where latency-sensitive VoIP calls share bandwidth with large file transfers, users occasionally notice call quality dips that a managed switch with traffic prioritization would prevent.

Physical Footprint

87%

At under 2 pounds and roughly the size of a thick hardback book, this unmanaged switch tucks into spaces that larger switches simply cannot fit. Home users especially appreciate being able to route it behind a desk or mount it behind a TV panel without it dominating the space.

The external power brick adds to the real-world footprint beyond what the unit dimensions suggest. In tight installations where every inch matters — inside a media console, for example — the adapter and its cable require dedicated space that the compact chassis dimensions alone do not account for.

Regional Availability

58%

42%

For buyers in the United States and Canada, the regional restriction is a complete non-issue, and the included power adapter is properly matched to North American electrical standards without requiring any adapters or conversions.

This switch is explicitly rated for US and Canada use only, which immediately disqualifies it for international buyers or companies with cross-border deployments. A small but vocal group of reviewers discovered this limitation only after purchase, which points to a product listing clarity issue rather than a hardware fault.

Long-Term Reliability

91%

Multi-year ownership reports are consistently positive, with buyers citing continuous uptime measured in years rather than months. The ProSafe series has a track record in the small business segment that gives buyers reasonable confidence this unit will not need replacing on a short cycle.

A small number of buyers report units failing just outside the replacement window or experiencing port degradation after extended continuous operation at or near maximum PoE load. These cases are a minority, but they are worth noting for deployments where the switch will run at close to full power capacity indefinitely.

Suitable for:

The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Unmanaged PoE+ Switch is an excellent choice for anyone who needs to expand a network quickly and cleanly without touching a configuration interface. Small business owners setting up IP security cameras, wireless access points, or VoIP phones across an office will find it particularly practical — every port delivers both data and power, so there are no awkward decisions about which device goes where. Home lab enthusiasts who want dependable Gigabit connectivity without the overhead of managed switches will also get solid mileage here. AV professionals and smart-home installers should take note of the fanless, completely silent operation, which makes this unmanaged switch genuinely suitable for media rooms, reception areas, or any noise-sensitive space. The flexible mounting options — desktop, wall, or rack — mean it adapts to almost any physical environment, and the lifetime warranty with next-business-day replacement adds a layer of confidence that is hard to argue with at this price tier.

Not suitable for:

The NETGEAR GS116LP 16-Port Unmanaged PoE+ Switch has real limitations that some buyers will find disqualifying. The default 76W total power budget is shared across all 16 ports, and if you plan to run a full rack of power-hungry devices — think PTZ cameras, high-wattage dual-band access points, or powered speakers — that ceiling will arrive faster than expected. Yes, the budget is upgradeable to 183W, but that requires purchasing a separate power module, which adds meaningful cost that is not reflected in the base price. Network administrators or IT professionals who need VLAN configuration, traffic prioritization, port mirroring, or any form of traffic management will find this switch completely inadequate — it is unmanaged by design, with zero software control. Buyers outside the United States and Canada should also be aware that this device is only rated for use in those two countries. Finally, anyone who needs more than 16 ports from a single unit will need to look at a higher-capacity model instead.

Specifications

Total Ports: The switch provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, all of which are PoE+ capable.
PoE Standard: All 16 ports support the IEEE 802.3at PoE+ standard, which delivers up to 30W per port.
Default PoE Budget: The total shared PoE power budget out of the box is 76W across all active ports.
Max PoE Budget: With an optional separately purchased power supply module, the total PoE budget can be expanded to 183W.
Data Transfer Rate: Every port operates at 1 Gigabit per second, providing full-speed connectivity to all connected devices.
Management Type: This is a fully unmanaged switch with no software interface, web GUI, or configuration required.
Dimensions: The unit measures 11.3″ in length, 4″ in width, and 1.1″ in height.
Weight: The switch weighs 1.94 pounds, making it lightweight enough for wall or desktop placement without heavy mounting hardware.
Mounting Options: It supports desktop, wall-mount, and rackmount installation, with all necessary mounting hardware included in the box.
Cooling Design: The switch uses a fully fanless passive cooling design, producing zero operational noise.
Energy Efficiency: The unit is compliant with IEEE 802.3az (Energy Efficient Ethernet), reducing power draw during periods of low traffic.
Power Adapter: An external 90W power adapter is included in the box for standard operation without the optional power module.
Warranty: NETGEAR provides a Lifetime Limited Hardware Warranty with next-business-day hardware replacement on this unit.
Support Access: Buyers receive access to 24/7 live chat support with NETGEAR product experts for the life of the device.
Regional Compatibility: This switch is designed and rated for use in the United States and Canada only.
Product Series: The GS116LP belongs to NETGEAR's ProSafe line, which targets small business and prosumer networking environments.
Item Model: The official model number is GS116LP-100NAS, and it carries ASIN B01HUOE12G on Amazon.

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FAQ

No, not at all. This is an unmanaged switch, which means there is no software to install, no login page, and no settings to configure. You plug in the power adapter, connect your devices with Ethernet cables, and it starts working immediately. It is genuinely as simple as that.

Technically yes, but the total shared power budget is 76W by default, so the real-world answer depends on how much power each device draws. If you are running 16 low-power devices like basic IP cameras or small access points, you should be fine. If several of your devices are high-draw units, you could hit the budget ceiling before filling all 16 ports. In that case, the optional power module upgrade to 183W is worth considering.

PoE stands for Power over Ethernet. It means the switch sends electrical power through the same cable that carries your network data, so devices like IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones do not need their own separate power adapters. PoE+ is the upgraded version of the standard, supporting up to 30W per port, which covers a wider range of devices than the older 15.4W PoE standard.

The upgrade path exists, but the power module is sold separately — it does not come in the box. You will need to purchase NETGEAR's compatible external power supply module and factor that cost into your budget upfront. The installation process is straightforward once you have the module, but be aware it does add to the total cost of ownership.

Completely silent. The GS116LP has no fan at all — it uses passive cooling, which means no moving parts and no noise whatsoever. This makes it a genuinely good choice for media rooms, home offices, or anywhere that ambient noise is a concern.

Yes, a rack-mounting kit is included in the box. The unit is 1U-compatible and can be mounted in a standard 19-inch rack alongside other networking equipment. Wall-mount hardware is also included if you prefer that option.

It is officially rated for use in the US and Canada only. The included power adapter is designed for North American outlets and voltage standards. If you are outside these regions, you would need to verify local compatibility carefully, and NETGEAR does not officially support use of this unit internationally.

No. Because it is an unmanaged switch, it has no support for VLANs, QoS, port mirroring, or any other advanced traffic management features. All ports operate at the same priority level and traffic flows without any administrative control. If you need those features, you would need to step up to a managed switch.

Based on owner feedback, this switch tends to hold up well over multiple years of continuous operation. NETGEAR's ProSafe line is built with longevity in mind, and the lifetime warranty with next-business-day replacement gives you solid coverage if something does go wrong. Several long-term owners report using the same unit for five or more years without issues.

Any device that accepts a standard Ethernet connection will work for data. For PoE power delivery, devices need to be IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) or 802.3af (PoE) compatible — this includes most IP security cameras, wireless access points, VoIP desk phones, networked intercoms, and similar equipment. Just keep an eye on each device's power draw to stay within the shared wattage budget.