Linksys LGS116 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch: features and specs

The Linksys LGS116 is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch in a metal case. It is meant for homes and small offices with more wired devices than a router can handle, and it can sit on a desk or be mounted on a wall. Like other unmanaged switches, it works the moment it is plugged in.

What a 16-port unmanaged switch does

A switch connects wired devices into one local network. Computers, printers, network drives, TV boxes and access points can all plug in, and the switch passes data between them. "Unmanaged" means it has no settings page to configure. It learns which device is on which port by itself, which keeps setup simple: connect power, connect one port to your router, then add your devices.

Sixteen ports give room for a fully wired office or a home with cabling in several rooms, with spare ports for growth.

Gigabit speed and auto-sensing

Linksys lists wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps on all 16 auto-sensing ports. Each port detects the speed of the connected device and adapts, so Gigabit and older slower devices can share the same switch. Actual speeds depend on the cable, the devices and the network. A switch speeds up local transfers, such as saving large files to a network server, but it does not raise your internet speed beyond what your service provides.

Quality of Service

QoS prioritises some traffic when the network is busy. Linksys says its unmanaged switches minimise transfer times and help stream high-bandwidth files without interference. On this kind of switch, the prioritization happens automatically.

Energy efficiency

The LGS116 meets the 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet standard. Linksys also says it automatically powers down unused ports and uses smart power for short cable runs. In general, these features reduce power use when links are idle.

Metal housing and mounting

A metal housing is typically sturdier than plastic and can help with heat dissipation. The listing describes the switch as suitable for wall mounting or desktop use, and gives dimensions of about 4.7 x 11.0 x 1.0 inches (12 x 28 x 2.5 cm) and a weight of 1.7 lb (about 770 g). Check the manual for how to mount it and how much ventilation it needs.

Who it suits

It suits home offices, workshops and small businesses that have many wired devices in one place. It also suits anyone who has outgrown a smaller switch. A network that needs to power cameras through the cable, or to separate traffic into VLANs, calls for a PoE or managed switch.

What to check before you buy

• Port count: count your wired devices and leave a few ports free.
• Cabling: Cat5e or better is typical for Gigabit speeds.
• Power: it needs its own power connection, so plan for an outlet nearby.
• Mounting: decide between desk and wall, and check what fixings you need.
• Features: an unmanaged switch has no VLAN or monitoring options.
• Model name: the listing shows the model as LGS116-AMZ; confirm it matches what you want.

The short version

• A 16-port Gigabit Ethernet unmanaged switch from Linksys.
• Auto-sensing ports with wired speeds up to 1,000 Mbps.
• Metal housing for desktop or wall mounting.
• QoS prioritization and 802.3az Energy Efficient Ethernet.
• Plug-and-play setup with no configuration.

Bloiq is reader-supported. Some links may earn us a commission; it never affects what we write. How we make money.