Linksys LGS116P 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The Linksys LGS116P (listed as the LGS116P-EU) is an unmanaged 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch in a metal case. Eight of its ports supply Power over Ethernet, so cameras, access points and similar devices can be powered through the same cable that carries their data. It is meant for homes, small offices and surveillance setups that need more wired ports without extra configuration.

What "unmanaged" means

An unmanaged switch has no settings screen or software to configure. You plug it in, connect your devices, and it passes traffic between them. That keeps setup simple, but it also means you don't get features such as VLANs, port-level traffic rules or remote monitoring. For a home office or a small camera network, that is often exactly what is wanted. Larger or more segmented networks usually call for a managed model.

Gigabit speed and switching capacity

All 16 ports run at wired speeds of up to 1,000 Mbps. Linksys specifies a switching bandwidth of 32 Gbps, described as non-blocking. In general, that figure is the sum of all ports running at full speed in both directions (16 ports × 1 Gbps × 2), so the switch's internal fabric shouldn't become a bottleneck when many devices talk at once. Moving large files to a network drive, server or printer is the use Linksys highlights.

How the PoE+ ports work

Ports 1 to 8 provide PoE+, which follows the IEEE 802.3at standard and is backward compatible with 802.3af. The listing gives a dedicated PoE power allowance of 80 W across those eight ports. That allowance is shared, so it is the total that matters: a PoE+ port can typically deliver up to 30 W to one device, but eight such devices would exceed 80 W. Many IP cameras and wireless access points draw far less than the maximum, so a handful of them usually fit comfortably. Add up the power draw of each device you plan to connect and compare the total with 80 W.

Ports 9 to 16 are standard Gigabit ports without PoE, which suits computers, a router uplink, a network drive or a printer.

Standards and energy use

The listing names IEEE 802.3, 802.3u, 802.3x, 802.3ab, 802.3az, 802.3af and 802.3at. In practical terms, that covers Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, flow control, Gigabit over copper, Energy-Efficient Ethernet and the two PoE standards. Linksys gives maximum power consumption as 5.18 W without PoE load and 13.41 W in another listed state; check the manual for how those figures are defined.

Build, size and mounting

The switch is a desktop unit in a metal enclosure, measuring about 4.3 × 11.0 × 1.0 inches (roughly 11 × 28 × 2.5 cm) and weighing 1.8 lb (about 0.8 kg). It can sit on a shelf or be wall mounted. Linksys lists an operating range of 0 to 50°C and 10 to 90% non-condensing humidity, so it is meant for indoor use rather than a damp or unheated space.

Who it suits

It fits a home or small office that wants to power a few PoE devices, such as security cameras, a VoIP phone or an access point, and also connect several wired computers. It also suits anyone who prefers a plug-and-play switch with no setup.

What to check before you buy

• PoE power: add up the wattage of every PoE device and confirm the total stays under 80 W.
• Number of PoE devices: only ports 1 to 8 supply power; the other eight do not.
• Device standards: check that your cameras or access points use 802.3af or 802.3at PoE rather than a proprietary scheme.
• Features: if you need VLANs, monitoring or traffic rules, an unmanaged switch won't provide them.
• Cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable for Gigabit speed, and mind the length limits for PoE.
• Regional model: the model number ends in -EU, so confirm the power adapter and plug suit your outlets.
• Placement: allow airflow around the case and follow the manual before mounting.

The short version

• Unmanaged 16-port Gigabit switch in a metal housing.
• Eight PoE+ ports (ports 1 to 8) with an 80 W total PoE power allowance.
• 32 Gbps non-blocking bandwidth and up to 1,000 Mbps per port.
• Desktop or wall mounting; about 1.8 lb.
• No management features, so setup is plug and play.

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