The TP-Link TL-SG116 is a 16-port unmanaged gigabit switch built for larger home setups and small offices that have outgrown an 8-port unit. At around $80 it is still very affordable on a per-port basis, and it carries the same sturdy, silent, plug-and-play DNA as TP-Link’s smaller SG-series switches. This TP-Link TL-SG116 review covers the specifications, real-world performance and value.
TP-Link 16 Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Desktop/ Wall-Mount, Fanless, Sturdy Metal w/ Shielded Ports, Traffic Optimization, Unmanaged (TL-SG116)
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TP-Link TL-SG116 at a Glance
| Component | Specification |
|---|---|
| Port count | 16 ports |
| Port speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) |
| Switching capacity | 32 Gbps non-blocking |
| Management | Unmanaged (plug-and-play) |
| PoE support | No |
| SFP uplinks | None |
| Form factor | Desktop / wall-mount / 1U rackmount-friendly steel case |
| Cooling | Fanless (silent) |
| Approx price | around $80 |
Throughput & Real-World Speed
The TL-SG116 is a full gigabit switch — every one of its 16 ports runs at 1 Gbps full-duplex, and the switching fabric is non-blocking at 32 Gbps so the unit can serve every port at full gigabit simultaneously without internal bottlenecks. In a busy home or small office this matters: you can have a NAS pulling backups, a workstation copying files, several streaming devices and the family WiFi access point all running flat-out, and the switch keeps up. For gaming specifically, the value is consistent low-latency wired connections rather than raw bandwidth — modern online games rarely exceed a few megabits per second per player. Where the SG116 earns its keep is keeping every wired link rock-solid even when other devices on the network are very active. For the network basics, see our low-latency gaming network guide.
Managed vs Unmanaged Capabilities
The TL-SG116 is fully unmanaged — no web interface, no VLANs, no QoS, no monitoring. You plug it in and it works. For a home or small office that simply needs sixteen wired ports, that is exactly the right answer, and it removes a major source of configuration complexity. If the deployment needs VLAN segmentation (for example to isolate a guest network or an IoT VLAN) you need a managed or Easy Smart switch — TP-Link’s TL-SG1016DE Easy Smart variant is the natural step up. But for the very common case of simply needing more wired ports, the unmanaged TL-SG116 is straightforward and reliable.
PoE Power for IP Cameras / APs
The TL-SG116 does not include PoE. Devices that need power over the Ethernet cable — ceiling APs, IP cameras, VoIP phones — will need either an inline PoE injector each, or a separate PoE switch. For a home setup of computers, consoles, smart TVs and a NAS that is not a problem. But if you are planning a multi-camera install or several wired access points, the cleaner answer is a PoE-capable switch from the start rather than retrofitting injectors onto the SG116. Buyers building a home camera system should weigh this carefully before purchase.
Build Quality, Heat & Noise
TP-Link uses a sturdy steel case for the TL-SG116, which is helpful both for heat dissipation and for the unit’s stability when sitting on a desk or in a network cupboard. The chassis is designed to be desktop, wall-mounted or rack-friendly — at 16 ports it is wide enough to fit into a 1U rack with the right brackets, which is unusual at this price and useful for tidier installations. The switch is completely fanless, so even with all 16 ports busy it is silent, with no fan noise to worry about in a home office or media room. For matching it with the right cable, see our best Ethernet cables for gaming guide.
Best For – Gaming Home / SMB / Pro
The TL-SG116 is well aimed at the larger home or small office that has outgrown an 8-port switch. For the heavy gamer with a multi-PC household, several consoles, a NAS, smart TVs, streaming devices and a couple of access points, sixteen ports is the right size — and the price per port is competitive. For a small office of a dozen desks plus a printer, NAS and access point, it is also a sound choice when no managed features are needed. It is not for environments that need VLAN segmentation or PoE, but unmanaged sixteen-port switches are not built for that role. Buyers who need only eight ports should choose the TL-SG108 instead. For the wider network, see our best gaming routers and best mesh WiFi systems.
Verdict
At around $80 the TP-Link TL-SG116 is an excellent value 16-port unmanaged gigabit switch. It is sturdy, silent, fully gigabit and plug-and-play, with a non-blocking switching fabric that handles every port at full speed simultaneously. It is a sensible upgrade from an 8-port switch for any growing home network, small office or pro-AV deployment that does not need managed features. Buyers who do need VLANs or PoE should look at TP-Link’s Easy Smart or PoE switch lines instead — but for everyone else, the TL-SG116 is the default answer for ‘I need sixteen reliable wired ports’. For the wireless side, see our best WiFi 7 routers guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ports does the TP-Link TL-SG116 have?
It has 16 gigabit Ethernet ports, all running at 10/100/1000 Mbps with a 32 Gbps non-blocking switching fabric.
Is the TL-SG116 rackmountable?
Yes, the metal chassis is the right size to fit a 1U rack space with the appropriate brackets, though it is also designed to sit on a desk or be wall-mounted.
Does the TL-SG116 support PoE?
No. The TL-SG116 does not provide PoE. For powering APs or cameras over Ethernet, you need either a PoE injector or a PoE-capable switch.
Is the TP-Link TL-SG116 fanless?
Yes. It is completely fanless and silent — useful for a home office or media room where fan noise would be intrusive.
More Network Switch Reviews
- TP-Link TL-SG105S-M2 Review: 5-Port 2.5G Switch (2026)
- TP-Link TL-SG108S-M2 Review: 8-Port 2.5G Switch (2026)
- NETGEAR GS305 Review: 5-Port Gigabit Switch (2026)
- NETGEAR GS308 Review: 8-Port Gigabit Switch (2026)
- NETGEAR GS316 Review: 16-Port Gigabit Switch (2026)
- TP-Link TL-SG105E Review: 5-Port Easy Smart Switch (2026)
- D-Link DGS-105 Review: 5-Port Gigabit Switch (2026)
- TP-Link SG2428LP Review: 24-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch (2026)
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