TP-Link TL-SG1016PE 16-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch: features and specs

The TP-Link TL-SG1016PE is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch where eight of the ports can also power devices such as IP cameras, wireless access points and VoIP phones. It sits between a basic unmanaged switch and a full enterprise one: it offers VLANs and traffic prioritisation through a web interface, without the complexity of a command-line system. Here is what the specs mean.

Sixteen Gigabit ports, eight with PoE+

All 16 ports are 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 ports. Eight of them support PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at, and also 802.3af), which means they send power along with data over the same Ethernet cable. TP-Link lists up to 30W per PoE+ port and a total PoE allowance of 150W. The other eight ports are standard Gigabit ports for computers, printers, servers or an uplink to a router.

The total allowance is the number to watch. Eight devices drawing 30W each would need 240W, so the power is shared. Many PoE devices, such as cameras and access points, typically use far less than the maximum, so the allowance often goes further than that arithmetic suggests. The product description on the listing quotes a different PoE figure than the feature list, so confirm the exact figure on TP-Link's specification sheet.

PoE protection and auto recovery

If connected devices try to draw 150W or more in total, the switch disables lower-priority ports to prevent overload, according to TP-Link. It also offers PoE auto recovery: the switch detects a PoE-powered device that has dropped off or stopped responding and reboots it by cycling power to that port. That can save a trip to a ceiling-mounted access point or camera.

Easy Smart management

"Easy Smart" is TP-Link's name for a lightweight managed tier. You configure the switch through a web-based interface or a configuration utility, not a command line. TP-Link also describes it as plug and play, meaning it works out of the box with no software or setup, and you only log in if you want to change something.

VLANs, QoS and IGMP snooping

• VLANs split one physical switch into separate logical networks. A common use is keeping cameras or guest devices apart from office computers, which TP-Link says improves security through traffic segmentation.
• QoS (port-based 802.1p/DSCP) lets the switch prioritise some traffic, such as voice or video, over bulk transfers.
• IGMP snooping keeps multicast traffic, which is used by some video streams, from flooding every port.

Build and fit

The case is sturdy metal with shielded ports, and TP-Link describes the switch as rack-mount. It measures 11.6 x 7.1 x 1.7 in and weighs 3.9 lb, so it fits in a 1U slot with the supplied brackets, or on a shelf. Check what mounting hardware is in the box.

Who it suits

It suits a small office, a home lab, or a house with several cameras or access points to power from one place. It is Gigabit only, so it will not suit setups that need 2.5G or 10G ports.

What to check before you buy

• PoE power: add up the maximum wattage of the devices you want to power and compare it with the total allowance.
• PoE standard: confirm your devices use 802.3af or 802.3at; passive or proprietary PoE may not be compatible.
• Port count: eight PoE ports and eight standard ports; check that the mix fits your devices.
• Cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable for the run lengths and power you plan.
• Noise and placement: check the manual about ventilation and whether the switch has a fan.
• Management needs: confirm that Easy Smart features cover what you need.

The short version

• 16 Gigabit ports, eight of them PoE+ (802.3at/af), up to 30W per port.
• A listed 150W total PoE allowance, with overload protection and PoE auto recovery.
• Web-based Easy Smart management with VLANs, QoS and IGMP snooping.
• Metal case, 3.9 lb, rack-mountable.
• Gigabit only; plug and play out of the box.

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