NETGEAR GS316P 16-Port PoE+ Gigabit Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The NETGEAR GS316P is an unmanaged network switch with 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, all of which can supply Power over Ethernet (PoE+). It connects wired devices to a network and powers things like IP cameras or wireless access points through the same cable. It needs no setup software.

What unmanaged and plug-and-play mean

An unmanaged switch has no settings to configure. You connect devices and it passes traffic between them. NETGEAR describes setup as plug and play, with no software to install. This suits homes, small offices and workshops that don't need VLANs or traffic rules, which typically require a managed switch.

Gigabit ports

All 16 ports run at Gigabit speeds, meaning up to 1,000 Mbps per port. That is enough for most computers, cameras, printers and access points. The ports are a standard Ethernet type, so ordinary network cables work.

PoE+ and the 115W limit

PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) lets a switch send power over the network cable to a compatible device, which removes the need for a separate power adapter at the device. The listing says all 16 ports are PoE+ with a total PoE power of 115W.

The key word is "total". The switch can't give every port its maximum at once. PoE+ allows up to 30W per port at the switch, and 16 ports at that level would need far more than 115W. In practice, 115W is shared across everything connected. Many cameras and access points draw well under 15W, so a good number of them can run together, but a few power-hungry devices will use that power up quickly. Add up the listed power draw of your devices before you plan.

FlexPoE

The description mentions NETGEAR FlexPoE, which lets you increase the available PoE power by changing the external power adapter for a different one. NETGEAR says this lets you give your devices the power they need over time. Check NETGEAR's documentation for which adapters are supported and how much power each gives.

Mounting, noise and efficiency

The switch can sit on a desk or be fixed to a wall. Its listed size is about 11.3 x 4.0 x 1.1 inches (29 x 10 x 3 cm) and it weighs 1.9 lb (about 0.9 kg). NETGEAR describes the operation as silent, which suggests a fanless design and makes it suitable for quiet rooms. It also complies with IEEE 802.3az, the Energy-Efficient Ethernet standard, which lowers power use on idle links. The hardware comes with a three-year limited warranty, as NETGEAR describes it. The model is made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.

Who it suits

It suits people who want to power several PoE devices from one place, such as a few security cameras, a wireless access point and a VoIP phone, without a lot of configuration. It is less suited to networks needing VLANs, monitoring or remote management.

What to check before you buy

• Total power need: add up the PoE draw of every device and compare it with the 115W total.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices use PoE or PoE+ (802.3af or 802.3at).
• Cabling: use good-quality Ethernet cable and keep runs within standard length limits.
• Region: it is listed for use in the U.S. and Canada only.
• Placement: decide on desk or wall mounting and leave room for cables and ventilation.
• Management needs: an unmanaged switch has no configuration options.

The short version

• Unmanaged 16-port Gigabit switch, with PoE+ on all ports.
• 115W total PoE power shared across ports, extendable with FlexPoE.
• Desktop or wall mount, silent operation, IEEE 802.3az energy efficiency.
• Plug and play, with a three-year limited hardware warranty.
• Made for use in the U.S. and Canada only.

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