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Gigabit switches are the essential equipment that can increase the bandwidth and performance of the network. They not only save money but also result in eliminating lots of technical problems. There are tons of manufacturers involved in selling it in various sizes and models. However, they are mainly differentiated on the basis of devices that can be connected with it.
In this post, we will talk about the best 16 port Gigabit switch that is sold by many companies. The immense choice available in the market can confuse anyone, especially first-time buyers. There will be very useful information provided in this article, so we suggest you reading until the end so you have complete knowledge.
What are the major benefits of having a Gigabit Switch?
There is an immense amount of advantages offered by the Gigabit switch to the network. We have tried to cover some of the major ones below:
Reduces network downtime
One of the major benefits of these switches is the failover redundancy offered by it to the network. It directly assists in taking the network downtime to the minimum. According to recent studies, the downtime and data recovery causes more than US$ 0.15 million at an average to a business. This situation can be avoided by the presence of a gigabit switch.
Boosts Security
The main motive for installing the gigabit switch is making network security better. There are tons of useful features in this unit that allows the user to control the port accesses adequately.
Compatibility
These types of switches are highly compatible with a variety of hardware and software in the network. It ensures that the network doesn’t get affected by downtime at all.
Multiple devices connection
As we all know, the Gigabit switches are available with many different numbers of ports that range from 4 and even surpass 24. Here, we are talking about 16 port switch that allows you to connect a great variety of devices that can reduce complications to a greater level.
Which is the top 5 best 16 Port Gigabit switches to buy?
After knowing what kind of benefits bring by this unit to the network, it is important that you understand that all kinds of units don’t offer the same performance and durability. It is ideal that you shouldn’t fall into the trap of the company’s advertisements and instead invest money like a small person. For making things easier, our team has researched and checked over 15 units to provide you with considerable content. We have created a list of top 5 best 16 port gigabit switches that you can shop even with closed eyes. Your job is to check each unit and shop in the one that suits your needs perfectly.
1. TP-Link 16 Port Switch Gigabit (Editor’s choice)
The model that we trusted most in our research is this 16 Port Gigabit switch from TP-Link brand who doesn’t need any introduction. You can shop this unit at a reliable budget without putting any pressure on the pocket. Each port available in this product provides MDI/MDIX negotiation. For those who don’t know, it means there will be adequate speed, and traffic flow offered for all types of Ethernet cables that include CAT 5e, CAT 5, and even CAT 6.
Non-blocking switching system
The most significant thing to talk about this unit is its non-blocking switching architecture. It can forwards and filters packets comfortably so that highest speed can be achieved for having maximum throughout. This thing can be extremely useful for companies or the home office.
Auto-negotiation Ports
The company has done a pretty brilliant job by installing an auto-negotiation port in this gigabit switch. It allows the unit to perform smart integration between varieties of hardware. On top of that, the MAC address auto-learning and auto-aging are also supported by this product that can turn out to be very useful in many different conditions.
Best optimum performance
There is no doubt that it is the best 16 port gigabit switch that gives a brilliant performance in terms of the file transfer. The performance gets a further boost if the user is using a CAT 6 cable. However, one will easily be able to enjoy the 1 GB speed even after installing CAT 5e cable. Furthermore, the switch stays cool even if you use it for a long time without causing any heat.
Pros
- The complete to set up this unit is hassle-free even for a complete beginner.
- It is a rack-mountable unit that makes things convenient for buyers.
- Equipped with an LED indicator that displays current activity for each port
- Doesn’t demand any configuration from the user end
Cons
- Lack of management function might be an issue for some buyers
- Doesn’t come with PoE port that came in smart switches
2. NETGEAR GS316 Gigabit Ethernet Switch (Best under $50)
This one is specially designed for individuals who are running a small business and looking to connect a range of devices without getting trapped in daisy-chaining switches. There is plenty of connectivity options offered by new as well as legacy devices by this unit. Furthermore, the price is quite reasonable, allowing the product to be yours at an effective price. The product is backed by a three-year limited hardware warranty that gives complete peace of mind.
Versatile mounting options
It is one of the few products that offer versatile mounting options to the buyers. You will get both desktop or wall mount placement ability by having this unit that turns out to be very convenient, especially for individuals working in an office. Also, the mounting part of this unit is crafted to last long without causing any problem.
Excellent Features
This product is action-packed with a huge range of features that one can’t find in an ordinary gigabit switch. Some of the major ones are 8000-entry MAC table, a 192KB memory buffer, and status LEDs. That’s not all; it comes with an MTBF of 365,500 hours and compliancy with 802.3az energy efficiency. Also, the memory buffer is quite large making it a strong contender for this list.
Fully silent operation
If you are one of those people who doesn’t like noise and want to keep it to the minimal level. It has a fanless design that results in zero noise making the unit perfect for sensitive environments. It means no distractions will be created for people working in the office.
Pros
- Equipped with a solid set of high-capacity switches for efficient working.
- Provide full and half-duplex support to the network
- Crafted in an extremely tough metal case
- Available at a very good price
Cons
- Doesn’t come with any sort of management options
- Buffer power need little bit improvement for sure
3. TRENDnet 16-Port Unmanaged Gigabit Switch (Best for desktop)
If you are looking for a gigabit switch for desktop, then this product from the TRENDnet brand. It is an energy-efficient device that comes with 16 ports working without any operation. This magnificent device can save up to 70% energy and reducing noise to a greater level. The company has crafted in compact and sturdy desktop construction that is perfect for working in the office. It has a plug and plays a working operation that doesn’t demand any software installation.
High Data Transfer Rate
This exceptional unit is a perfect option for transforming the network into a satisfying and reliable connection. It is a brilliant device for extending the ability to a greater extent. In addition to that, this device can empower the record exchanging system. Also, the data capacity is quite wonderful and excellent.
Power Down Idle Ports
An incredible thing in this unit is the availability of power down idle ports that can recognize the link status quite naturally for all units. It can result in reducing the force by up to 85% that makes this unit one of the brilliant gigabit switches to buying.
Silent Operation
Apart from being an environment-friendly and minimal power minimization, the next thing that we want to talk about this unit is the minimum noise created by it. There will be no distractions caused in the room with this product. The reason behind that it is the fanless design and non-heating benefit.
Pros
- Pretty energy-efficient device crafted in an appealing design
- Equip with plug and play feature for the worry-free installation process
- Provide dual mounting options for the convenience of users
- A perfect option for desktop installation
- Backed by a lifetime manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t come with MAC filtering option
- Lack of bandwidth controls in the unit
4. Linksys Gigabit Switch SE3016 (Best unmanaged 16 port Gigabit switch)
The product that accommodates the fourth position is this magnificent 16 port gigabit switch from the Linksys brand. It is a top-grade option for boosting the switching capacity in the network. The company has crafted it with rack mounting options for better convenience. There are 16 front-facing Gigabit Ethernet ports added in this unit that let the users connect a variety of devices in the network. The availability of integrated LED lights shows the power off switch and status network.
Innovative Features
There is no lack of useful features in this gigabit switch that even include QOS Traffic Management through which the wired connections can be expanded easily in-network at a wonderful speed. Additionally, the power gets reduced for unused ports and short cable runs that can be very useful for the users.
Auto-sensing ports
This unit is a perfect option for maximizing the data flow rates thanks to the addition of auto-sensing ports. It works brilliantly for a variety of flow rates that include 10, 100, and 1000 Mbps. The performance gets a further boost due to the presence of non-head of line blocking architecture.
Quicker connections
Another thing that we want the users to know is the faster connections. Our team finds them almost 10 times better when compared with the standard Ethernet connections. Each of the 16 ports in this product is equally crafted and can boost the speed of the network.
Pros
- Action-packed with broadcast rate control and congestion detection feature
- Saves power by detecting unused ports in the unit
- Crafted in a very sturdy and durable metallic chassis
- Delivered with a one-year limited warranty and dual mounting options
Cons
- A higher price may be a factor stopping the buyers from shopping it
- Complaints about missing hardware in some packages
5. NETGEAR Unmanaged PoE Switch GS116LP (Best 16 port PoE switch)
If you want to buy a PoE switch and willing to spend a little bit extra money, then the GS116LP model is the best 16 port Gigabit switch to choose from. It comes with easy to mount and quiet switches for making things better for the buyers. There are other useful features like built-in intuitive power selector and flexible mounting options available with this unit. Furthermore, the manufacturer has performed negotiation between the switch and end devices that make the connection to the highest speed adequately.
Brilliant quality audio and video streaming
The main thing that our team acknowledged in this unit is its ability to offer faster speeds and solid performance in terms of audio and video streaming. The complete network gets a boost in speed once you install this high-quality unit in office or home.
Non-blocking Architecture
There is a solid amount of throughput offered by the non-blocking architecture available in this product. You will find this feature in the majority of switches in the market, but the thing that makes it different is its speed without causing any congestion with the devices connected with it.
LED activity indicator
All the ports in this switch have LED activity indicators that can be used for checking the activity status in the network. It ensures that you have the maximum power savings with unused ports. Additionally, the availability of the auto-negotiation feature makes sure devices get connected at the highest speed.
Pros
- Crafted in small and study unit with completely fanless operation
- Equipped with a variety of mounting options
- Provide adequate power to every device demanding energy
- Boost the flexibility in small cabinets and home offices
Cons
- Very costly to shop for home networks
- Incompatible with Cisco phones
Buying Guide: How to choose the 16 port Gigabit switch?
Gigabit switches are the best option for boosting the performance and efficiency of the network. However, it will only happen if you invest money in the right unit. Look out for the following things while choosing the 16 port Gigabit switches:
PoE or non-PoE
For those who don’t know, the PoE is an ability to switch to deliver the power over a present Ethernet cable. It directly results in simplifying the cabling process and reduces network costs.
On the other hand, the non-PoE switch doesn’t have such features. You should choose between them according to the needs of your home or office.
Managed or Unmanaged
A managed switch can be customized according to the needs for boosting the functionality in a network. That’s not all; it let the users adjust their network speed along with monitoring the traffic.
There is only basic connectivity offered by unmanaged switch without any user configuration. If you are looking for a long run, then a managed 16 port Gigabit switch will be a better option.
Budget
Another important thing that you need to keep in mind while shopping for a 16 port gigabit switch is the budget. Our team has tried to add the units in various price ranges to make sure everyone can easily find a model that fits their pocket.
Stackable or Standalone
All the standalone switches are managed and configured individually. There is a need for improvement in the network if more switches required to be connected.
On the other hand, the stackable switches offer flexibility, scalability, and simplicity to the office network. You can choose between them according to the requirement.
Conclusion
Installing a 16 port gigabit switch is one of the most cost-effective steps you can take for dealing with the needs of a network. However, it is important to keep things like quality, price, and other considerations mentioned in the buying guide. Also, you can choose the best 16 port gigabit switch from the list according to the needs of your system. If you still have a query about it, then please write to us in the comment section.
You may also check
- Best 5 Port Gigabit Switch: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- Best 8 Port Gigabit Switch Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- Best 24 Port Gigabit Switch: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- Best 26 Port Gigabit Switch: Reviews & Buying Guide
- Best Gigabit Switch for Home Network: Reviews & Buyer’s Guide
- Best Ethernet Surge Protectors Reviews & Buying Guide
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