Introduction: Meet the TL-SG116 — a practical 16‑port Gigabit switch
The TL-SG116 16‑Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is a straightforward, no‑frills network expansion device aimed at SOHO (small office/home office) and small business environments. Housed in a fanless steel chassis and offering 16 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ‑45 ports, it delivers quiet, reliable wired connectivity for multiple devices without the complexity of managed switches. With energy‑saving Green Ethernet features, basic traffic optimisation (802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping) and a compact, mountable design, the TL‑SG116 is designed for users who need plug‑and‑play Gigabit ports in a compact, durable package.
Key features at a glance
- 16 Gigabit ports:16 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ‑45 ports with Auto‑Negotiation and Auto‑MDI/MDIX for simple connectivity.
- Unmanaged, plug & play:No configuration required — ideal for environments that need reliable connectivity without ongoing administration.
- Fanless metal housing:Steel body that reduces noise and improves durability; suitable for desktop placement or wall mounting.
- Energy efficiency:Green Ethernet automatically adjusts power consumption according to link status and cable length.
- Traffic optimisation:Supports 802.1p/DSCP QoS for prioritising latency‑sensitive traffic and IGMP Snooping to control multicast traffic.
- Compact power footprint:External 12 V DC, 1.0 A adapter; max power consumption approx. 10 W.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The TL‑SG116 provides the core hardware and performance metrics you expect from a modern Gigabit unmanaged switch. Below are the most relevant specifications and the practical benefits they bring to everyday networking.
- 16 × RJ‑45 ports (10/100/1000 Mbps):Full Gigabit ports let you connect multiple PCs, NAS devices, VoIP phones, access points, or IP cameras with wire‑speed performance when paired with Gigabit endpoints.
- Switching capacity — 32 Gbps:Sufficient to handle multiple simultaneous Gigabit flows across ports without becoming a bottleneck in small environments.
- Forwarding rate — ~23.8 Mpps:Indicates the device can process a high packet rate, useful for many small packets in VoIP and video streams.
- MAC address table — 8K entries:Supports a large number of connected devices and reduces the chance of flooding in busy networks.
- Jumbo frames — up to 10 KB:Helpful for NAS and backup traffic, where larger frames can improve throughput and reduce CPU overhead on hosts.
- 802.1p/DSCP QoS:Lets the switch prioritise latency‑sensitive traffic such as VoIP and video conferencing even without complex configuration — useful in mixed‑use offices.
- IGMP Snooping:Controls multicast traffic to only reach ports that have subscribers, conserving bandwidth when using IPTV or multicast video streams.
- Fanless steel housing:Quiet operation and a robust chassis for office or light industrial use. Fanless design reduces maintenance and eliminates noise.
- Mounting options:Desktop or wall‑mountable with rubber feet included, giving flexible deployment options in closets, under desks or on walls.
- Power:External 12 V DC, 1.0 A adapter included; typical maximum power draw is about 10 W, keeping operating costs low.
- Operating conditions:Designed for typical office climates — 0°C to 40°C and 10%–90% non‑condensing humidity.
Use cases and scenarios where the TL‑SG116 excels
The TL‑SG116 is targeted at users and sites that prioritise simple, reliable wired expansion without the need for managed features. Typical deployments include:
- Expanding the number of wired Ethernet drops to support desktop PCs, printers, NAS, IP phones and access points.
- Quiet environments where a fanless switch reduces distraction.
- Cost‑conscious setups where full management and layer‑3 features are unnecessary.
- IGMP Snooping helps reduce unnecessary multicast traffic for IPTV or streaming appliances.
- Jumbo frame support and 16 Gigabit ports make it practical to attach a small NAS plus multiple media players or surveillance NVRs and IP cameras.
- Wall‑mountable steel housing is handy in small wiring closets or behind reception desks.
- Plug‑and‑play simplicity makes it fast to deploy in satellite offices or temporary meeting spaces.
How the TL‑SG116 compares with similar products
On the market you’ll find several 16‑port unmanaged Gigabit switches from other vendors. The TL‑SG116 competes primarily on a combination of price, build quality (metal housing), energy efficiency and basic traffic features. Consider these points when comparing:
- Build and acoustics:Many lower‑cost switches use plastic housings and small internal fans. The TL‑SG116’s fanless steel chassis is quieter and more durable, which is attractive for visible office installations.
- Feature set:While unmanaged switches are similar by nature, the inclusion of 802.1p/DSCP QoS and IGMP Snooping is a plus for users who need modest traffic control without a managed switch. Some competitors omit these features on entry‑level models.
- Power consumption:With Green Ethernet and a sub‑15 W power profile, the TL‑SG116 tends to have a lower operating cost than older or less optimised models.
- Price point:The TL‑SG116 sits competitively in the typical price range for 16‑port Gigabit unmanaged switches. Suggested retail pricing (for reference) is around $74.99 — many competing metal‑chassis models fall in a similar bracket, while plastic‑chassis variants can be cheaper but offer less durability and noise control.
- Management:If you need VLANs, SNMP or remote monitoring, a managed or smart switch would be required; comparable unmanaged models are functionally similar and the choice often comes down to brand, warranty and build quality.
Customer feedback and typical impressions
There are many user reports and forum posts around switches in this class. While verified customer reviews for a specific unit should be checked on retailer or manufacturer sites, common themes that typically emerge for devices like the TL‑SG116 include:
- Positive:Reliable plug‑and‑play operation, quiet fanless performance, solid metal chassis and good value for the number of Gigabit ports.
- Neutral:Lack of managed features is expected but means no VLANs or advanced monitoring — users who need those features must choose a different product class.
- Negative:Some buyers note the absence of an explicit multi‑year warranty in certain listings or the variability of regional certifications — always check the vendor/retailer warranty and local compliance before purchase.
If you rely on verified user ratings, check online retailers and the manufacturer support page for up‑to‑date customer reviews and firmware or datasheet resources tied to your hardware version.
Practical tips for deployment
- Install the switch in a well‑ventilated spot even though it’s fanless — heat dissipates through the metal housing.
- Use quality Cat5e or Cat6 cabling to ensure consistent Gigabit performance across devices.
- Place latency‑sensitive devices such as VoIP phones or conferencing systems on ports that will benefit from prioritisation — QoS helps but does not replace a properly designed network.
- Verify the hardware version and regional certifications on the TP‑Link support page if you need datasheets or firmware downloads.
Conclusion: Why the TL‑SG116 is a smart choice for wired expansion
The TL‑SG116 16‑Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch is a pragmatic, cost‑effective solution for anyone needing to add multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports without the overhead of managed network equipment. Its fanless metal housing offers durable, quiet operation; the Green Ethernet features reduce energy use; and the inclusion of QoS and IGMP Snooping provides useful traffic management for voice, video and multicast applications. For home offices, small businesses, and deployment scenarios where simplicity, reliability and low noise matter, the TL‑SG116 is a strong candidate.
Before purchasing, confirm warranty and regulatory details with your retailer or the manufacturer, and ensure the switch aligns with any advanced requirements (VLANs, SNMP, link aggregation) you may have — if those are needed, consider a managed alternative. For straightforward, reliable wired capacity in a small footprint and at a competitive price, the TL‑SG116 delivers the essentials effectively.
