Netgear GS116LP: A Reliable PoE+ Unmanaged Switch for Small Businesses

In today's digital age, businesses require reliable, high-speed, and cost-effective network solutions. Whether setting up an office, expanding a VoIP system, or deploying a surveillance network, a Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch is essential for simplifying connectivity. The Netgear GS116LP is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch that provides PoE+ support for various devices, making it an excellent choice for small businesses, home offices, and IT professionals.

This blog post will explore the features, advantages, and potential drawbacks of the Netgear GS116LP , helping you determine if it's the right switch for your needs.

 

Key Features of Netgear GS116LP

 

The Netgear GS116LP is designed to deliver uninterrupted power and data transmission over a single Ethernet cable, making network expansion easier. Here are its top features:

 

16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports for High-Speed Performance

 

The switch comes with 16 auto-sensing 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit ports , ensuring seamless data transmission and high-speed connectivity for wired devices. This makes it an excellent solution for businesses requiring fast and stable networking.

 

PoE+ Support with 76W Power Budget

 

The GS116LP supports Power over Ethernet (PoE+) , allowing it to power up to 16 PoE-compatible devices such as:

✔ IP Cameras - Ideal for security surveillance systems

✔ Wireless Access Points - Expands network coverage efficiently

✔ VoIP Phones - Reliable power for business communication

✔ IoT Devices & Smart Office Solutions

With a total PoE budget of 76W , the switch can allocate up to 30W per port , making it perfect for low-to-medium power devices.

 

Plug-and-Play Simplicity

 

The GS116LP is an unmanaged switch requiring zero configuration — plug it in, and it's ready to go . This makes it an excellent choice for businesses and home users who need a hassle-free setup.

 

Silent & Fanless Design

 

Unlike many PoE switches that rely on cooling fans, the Netgear GS116LP features a fanless metal design , making it whisper-quiet . This is particularly useful in noise-sensitive environments such as offices, classrooms, and conference rooms.

 

Durable Metal Housing & Rack-Mountable

 

The sturdy metal casing ensures durability and efficient heat dissipation . Additionally, the switch is desktop- and wall-mountable , providing flexibility in installation.

 

Energy-Efficient & Environmentally Friendly

 

The GS116LP supports Energy Efficient Ethernet (IEEE 802.3az) , which automatically adjusts power consumption based on network traffic, helping reduce electricity costs.

 

Pros & Cons of the Netgear GS116LP

Pros (Advantages)

 

✔ High-Speed Gigabit Ports - Ensures fast data transmission for seamless connectivity.

✔ PoE+ Support (76W Budget) - Powers multiple devices over Ethernet, reducing cable clutter.

✔ Plug-and-Play Setup - No need for complex configuration, making it user-friendly.

✔ Silent Operation - The fanless design makes it ideal for office use.

✔ Durable Build - Metal housing provides long-lasting performance.

✔ Energy Efficient - Reduces power consumption during low-traffic periods.

 

Cons (Limitations)

 

❌ Limited PoE Budget (76W Total) - While great for small setups, it may not be enough for power-hungry devices like high-end PTZ cameras or multiple high-power APs.

❌ No Advanced Management Features - Since it's an unmanaged switch , it lacks VLAN support, QoS settings, or monitoring tools.

❌ No SFP Ports for Fiber Connections - This could be a drawback for businesses requiring fibre uplinks.

 

Who Should Buy the Netgear GS116LP?

 

The GS116LP is a great choice for:

✔ Small Businesses & Startups - Ideal for setting up VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points.

✔ Home Offices & Smart Homes - Perfect for smart home setups requiring PoE devices.

✔ Retail Stores & Cafés - Provides reliable networking for surveillance, POS systems, and guest Wi-Fi.

✔ Schools & Classrooms - Supports digital learning environments with stable connectivity.

 

Final Verdict: Is the GS116LP Worth It?

 

If you're looking for a high-performance, easy-to-use PoE+ switch with silent operation and reliable build quality , the Netgear GS116LP is an excellent choice. While it lacks advanced management features, it delivers plug-and-play convenience, energy efficiency, and stable networking performance for small businesses and home offices.

 

Best For:

 

  • Small and medium-sized businesses

  • Security camera networks

  • Home and smart office setups

Upgrade your business network with the Netgear GS116LP today!

Learn more or purchase here: Netgear GS116LP Product Page