Cisco SG110-16HP 16-Port PoE Unmanaged Switch: features, specs and fit

The Cisco SG110-16HP is an unmanaged network switch with 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, eight of which can supply Power over Ethernet (PoE). It is designed for small businesses that want basic, dependable connectivity without configuring anything: plug it in, connect your computers and other equipment, and it works. The full model name is SG110-16HP-NA.

Ports and speed

All 16 ports run at 10/100/1000Mbps and negotiate the best speed with each connected device, so older and newer equipment can share the same switch. Gigabit ports suit computers, printers, network storage and access points in a small office.

What PoE and a 64W total mean

Power over Ethernet sends electrical power along the network cable, so a device such as an IP phone, wireless access point or camera needs only one cable. Eight ports on this switch provide PoE, with 64W of total PoE power. That total is shared among all the powered ports, not per port. Devices vary in how much they draw, from a few watts for a phone to more for some cameras or access points, so add up what you plan to connect. As a rough guide, 64W shared across eight ports averages 8W each, and a few devices that need more could use it up quickly. Check each device's specification.

Plug and play

Cisco says no software needs to be installed and nothing needs to be configured. That makes it easy for anyone setting up a small network without IT staff. The trade-off is the usual one with unmanaged switches: no web interface, VLANs or detailed monitoring.

Automatic features

The listing names three features that work automatically: quality of service (QoS), loop detection and cable diagnostics. QoS gives priority to time-sensitive traffic such as voice. Loop detection helps prevent a cable plugged into the wrong port from disrupting the network. Cable diagnostics can help find a faulty cable.

Energy use

The switch complies with IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet, which lowers power use on idle links, and Cisco says this helps reduce running costs.

Size and warranty

It measures about 14.8 x 12.4 x 3.1 inches (37.6 x 31.5 x 7.9 cm) as listed and weighs about 9.3 lb (4.2 kg). Cisco lists a limited lifetime warranty and one year of technical support.

Who it suits

It suits small offices, shops, clinics and workshops that want to power a few phones, access points or cameras from the switch and connect other equipment, without hiring someone to set it up. It also works in a home office with a modest amount of PoE gear.

What to check before you buy

• PoE count and power: only eight ports have PoE, and the total is 64W; compare with your devices' needs.
• PoE standard: confirm that your devices use a PoE standard the switch supports, as the listing does not specify.
• Management needs: if you need VLANs or remote monitoring, an unmanaged switch will not provide them.
• Size and placement: check you have room for a unit of this size, and follow the manual on ventilation and mounting.
• Cabling: use quality Ethernet cable for PoE runs.
• Power and electrical: follow the manual and local electrical codes when connecting it.

The short version

• A 16-port Gigabit unmanaged switch (SG110-16HP-NA).
• Eight PoE ports share 64W of total PoE power.
• Plug and play, with QoS, loop detection and cable diagnostics.
• IEEE 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet.
• Limited lifetime warranty and one year of technical support.

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