NETGEAR GS116UK 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch
NETGEAR GS116UK 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Network Switch, Hub, – Desktop and ProSAFE Lifetime Protectio
Home & Small Business
Unmanaged: Plug and play solution to connect all your network devices without the complications of configuration or management software — yet achieve a reliable and secure network.
Smart Managed Plus: Empowers growing small businesses with basic capabilities to configure, secure, and monitor their network beyond simple connectivity at an affordable cost – an ideal upgrade from unmanaged switches.
Small & Medium Business
Smart Managed Pro: For larger organizations requiring advanced configuration and refined control for secure setup, access, and management of complex business networks. Supports the needs of edge networking and automated management of prioritized voice, video, and data traffic.
Smart Cloud: Provides fully integrated management, visibility, and control from any device, anywhere. Advanced configuration and remote access using the NETGEAR Insight app and cloud portal for unparalleled flexibility.
Enterprise
Fully Managed: An affordable, powerful, and future-proof networking infrastructure designed for enterprise and campus networks, with core and edge networking, and AV-over-IP solutions. Includes integrated security, high availability, delivery optimization, and enhanced manageability.
 |  |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Switch Speed | 10/100M, 1G, Multi-Gig, 10G | 1G, Multi-Gig, 10G | 10/100M, 1G, Multi-Gig, 10G | 1G | 1G, Multi-Gig, 10G |
| Select Models With PoE | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Management Layer | — | L2 | L2/L2+/L3 | L2+/L3 | L3/L4 |
| Web GUI Management | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Network Control (Basic VLAN, QoS, IGMP, Link Aggregation) | 16-Ports and Larger | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Network Security (Storm Control, Auto DoS) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Advanced VLAN & QoS (such as: MAC, Protocol, Voice, Auto-Voice, Auto-Video VLAN) | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Advanced Security | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| L3 Static Routing, IPv6 Support | Select Models | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Remote Monitoring and Management Through Insight App or Cloud Portal | Select Models | ✓ |
| Weight: | 896 g |
| Dimensions: | 10.3 x 28.5 x 2.7 cm; 896 Grams |
| Brand: | NETGEAR |
| Model: | GS116UK |
| Batteries Included: | No |
| Manufacture: | Netgear |
| Dimensions: | 10.3 x 28.5 x 2.7 cm; 896 Grams |
I have to love just how genuinely “plug ‘n play” these things are. I started off with the 104, then outgrew it and got the 108, now needed two more ports, so bought this 116. I have two TVs, Bosch smart home, two printers, a sky box, two repeaters, and various other stuff plugged in and it just sorts it, instantly, seamlessly and painlessly. All good.
Only four ports but that is ample for my needs and has actually increased my download speeds after my old Netgear was passed its sell by date.
I was getting no where near my top speed in the office, around 97mbps from a 250gbps connection. Found out my old hub was rated at 10 -100 mbps max. This was simple to connect up and now getting full speed…what a difference….jobs a good’u
These little blue metal Netgear switches have been around for years and for a good reason – they just work… flawlessly and perfectly. A little more expensive than the plastic equivalent but well worth the extra few pounds. Plug it in and forget about it, lovely!
arrived on time, very good value for money, does what it suppose to do, would highly recommend
You can’t go wrong with a bit of Netgear, and this sit’s nicely under our stairs running the home network.
Used these of varying sizes over years before and never had any problems with them. Just plug in and forget. Nice metal case too.
Used to connect my CAT6 network to my router. Works perfectly. Great piece of kit for the price.
These are cheap and I’ve not had one fail yet.
This is by far the cheapest name brand Dante compliant switch I’ve found. As long as you buy the managed version you can configure the settings to align with the required settings for Dante usage.
Will definitely buy agai
Privacy:
Security:
Availability:
Pros:
Lots of features to manage the network
Sleek Design
Quiet
Accessed through web portal
Fairly new
Cons:
Can be faulty in terms of getting it’s own IP address and must use the NETGEAR Switch Discovery Tool (NSDT)
Specifications
The NETGEAR Network Switch has 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet ports plus software with user friendly interface that offers basic managed capabilities to configure, secure, and monitor the network.
It supports desktop or wall mount placement and is energy efficient design compliant with IEEE802.3az. In addition, it’s silent operation is ideal for noise sensitive environments. The switch supports VLANs, QOS and more.
Management
Switch Information:
The Switch Information tab supplies all the information related to the network configurations implemented on the switch itself such as Switch Name, MAC Address, IP Address, Gateway address and more.
Port Status:
The Port Status reveals the status of each port. For example, Port 1, shows the port status being “Up” or “Down”, if the speed is set to Auto or half duplex mode? Along with the Link Speed and Flow Control represented in metrics.
Loop Detection:
Loop detection can be enabled to detect potential loops within the network.
Maintenance
The Maintenance tab allows us to perform general tasks such as Change Password, Device Reboot, and Firmware Updates. In addition, we’re able to save and restore configuration files which can be created manually.
Monitoring
The Monitoring tab allows us to check each of the Port Statistics such as the Bytes being sent and received.
Furthermore, we’re able to enable Port Mirroring configuration to duplicate the traffic from one port to another. This is useful if we want to analyse the network traffic on a specific port.
Also, there’s a Cable Tester which allows us to test each port cable if the test results return “OK”, “FAULT”, or “No Cable”.
Lastly, there’s a Multicast tab which allows us to enable IGMP Snooping Status, Validate IGMPv3 IP Header, and able to Block Unknown Multicast Address.
VLAN
There’s a VLAN tab which allows us to enable Basic Port-Based VLAN Status. In addition, there’s Basic 802.1Q VLAN Status which can be enabled too.
QoS
QoS when enabled allows us to set either “High”, “Medium”, “Normal” or “Low” Priority on each port. For example, if Port 1 has been set to “High Priority” then, QoS policy would prioritize traffic so that more important traffic can pass through first, in this case it’s Port 1.
Furthermore, we’re able to set the Rate Limit and enable Broadcast Filtering.
Summary
Overall, I believe the NETGEAR 8 Port Gigabit Ethernet Plus Network Switch is worth it. At the cost being around 30.00, and the amount of managed switch features we’re able to enable, is perfect.
The managed switch features allows a user to manage the network from a layer 2 perspective, which increases the security, and flow of traffic throughout the network.
Netgear make good quality sold reliable network kit like this, I have used numerous netgear switches over the years without complaint.
For a non technical user who just wants to split one ethernet feed into 8 or less this will be perfect for what you need, could even go for the “unmanaged” version.
For my fairly complex home office network I specifically wanted a small managed switch that could support LAG – lan aggregation – which basically allows more than one cable to run between the switch and a router/server to provide resilience and improve performance of the connection.
However this 8 port managed switch does not support LAG functionality it is only the larger 16/24/48 port versions that do. This crucial info is hidden in the small print of the product details and I didn’t realise it until I was trying to set it up and couldn’t find the relevant option. Consequently it was returned and I bought one of the larger ones.
Just be aware of this if you need LAG functionality and don’t make the same mistake I did!
EDIT: if you do buy one get it registered for warranty on netgear.com as they have a lifetime next business day replacement warranty service which is efficient and quick and highly valuable if your switch does develop a fault.
I wanted to know what speed each port was running at. Some devices say they are gigabit (1000Mbps) but I wasn’t sure I trusted them. Other devices claimed different speeds or had no speed marked. I also have cabling with a number of patches (a straight through cable from socket to socket instead of going through an ethernet switch) and i wanted to know if the cabling was running at full speed. And since gigabit uses all 4 pairs, it would tell me if there were any faults on the wiring which a standard tester wouldn’t.
This switch tells me that everything is hunky dory. The NAS is connected at full gigabit and the laptop at the other end of the house is connected at full gigabit, so the parts that need to run full speed, are doing so. The patched cabling is part of that circuit so that’s fine. The rest, regardless of what it says, is running at 100Mbps. That’s adequate for what I expected and within tolerance.
Speed is visible from lights – left light for 100Mbps, right light for 10Mbps, both lights for 1000Mbps. Very simple, very straightforward, very easy. And the form factor of this metal framed box is that the cables plug in the same side as the lights so you don’t have to try to match up cable and light. A great little device.
I purchased a second hand one of these 20 years ago it gave excellent service. It started to be sensitive so I replaced with the exact replacement. A high quality device, just plug it in and you will not be disapointed.
Great build quality, easy plug and play set up and simplicity to connect multi devices. Have already purchased another unit for other office as price is hard to beat for this standard
ADDITIONALLY – Before I mention anything else, IF you do purchase the “GS105UK Unmanaged” – You MAY NEED to connect your router to PORT 5. (There’s been conflicting info online regarding this issue for YEARS. Worse still, there’s multiple versions of the GS105 as it’s been in continuous production for years, in different variations, & released in countless nations. Some versions/variants ARE different to others!! (My last Netgear GS105 also inexplicably required the router in port 5 for example). Netgear’s aging installation diagram shows the modem/router connected to a centre port. Many sources say it just doesn’t matter which port, whilst others say the router must be connected to port 5!! (However, IF I don’t use port 5 for my router on my switch & I connect another device there instead, it drops all other connections. Router in port 5, everything works exactly as it should regardless of connecting/disconnecting any other ports). With that out of the way….
As with many, I have an ever increasing number of devices in my home with internet connectivity that include ethernet. Router manufacturers insist on limiting available ethernet ports to 4 or in some cases only 2 & it’s just not enough. If you just need additional ethernet ports without any other hassle, an unmanaged switch is an ideal solution. I’ve been networking PC’s since the latter 1990’s at a home/semi-enthusiast level or setting up for others. I’ve always prefered my static devices such as desktops, gaming consoles, TV, miscellaneous devices, (frequently laptops as well) to be hard wired for security, speed, & reliability, especially with some of my devices constantly file sharing, streaming, etc. My previous unmanaged switch recently died after many years solid service. I settled on another unmanaged switch for my current needs & for most who simply need extra ethernet ports, an unmanaged switch is all that’s required. Given the low cost of these devices now, if I find a managed switch would be more beneficial I’ll purchase one as required. I’m reasonably tech savvy, since installing the switch I’ve used a number of the most common tools freely & readily available for testing my home network for any issues. Thus far this new Netgear switch has performed admirably & I haven’t run into any problems at all, (other than the port 5 nonsense). I’ve recently purchased a new router & swapped out all of my old ethernet cabling as well. I’m very happy with the performance of the switch & the entire network.
The switch is very well made & they now have a full metal enclosure, (my last one was plastic). They are easily wall mountable for keeping the switch & all the additional cabling as tidy as is possible. The ports are all solid & to date I’ve only had one older Cat6 cable where the connector failed to lock in place. All of my newer Cat6a cables lock in securely, (which is just as well as it’s considerably thicker than the 14 year old Cat6 it’s replacing & the Cat6a is not particularly pliable). Otherwise, it’s incredibly simple to use. Power up, connect your ethernet devices & that’s it, no software or configuration necessary. (If you require greater control/options, purchase a managed switch)!! Each port simply has a pair of green lights to visually confirm the status of individual ports.
The product is supplied in retail packaging with a quick start guide, (if memory serves the quick start guide hasn’t changed in years). A power supply is also included, & a couple of small screws & raw plugs for wall/surface mounting. It’s a good idea to register your switch on Netgear’s website for warranty purposes, etc. Compared to a managed switch they are very simple but highly effective, they do their job perfectly well. I would happily recommend the GS105UK & gladly rate this updated metal variant at 5/5.
Put this in a year ago and wall mounted when I upgraded my home and out CAT6 cable all over the place. It all runs into this switch. This thing just does it’s job, day and night flashing away and processing those packets. Reassuringly housed in metal case. Bright LEDs to indicate activity, thoroughly recommend, it’ll go with me if we move house.
I bought this to replace my older (and larger) DLink switch. It does what it says it should do. I think it manages the traffic a bit faster than the DLink one. The smaller footprint made a difference in my crowded closet.
Overall, a great switch for the price.
Excellent switch, fits nicely in my comms cabinet at home, and ensures all of my wired devices are connected to the network. Sits there quietly, and works fine 24/7. Did some research and this one proved best value for money for home use.
Perfect product to do the right job. Being able to rack mount the unit was very important. Unfortunately the couriers lost the first unit so Amazon were brilliant and got a replacement unit send which arrived the next day. You can pay a huge amount for Cisco or pay a fair price and get Netgear which is equally as good. Would recommend this product.
Been a happy user of many 5 & 8 port NetGear switches (there’s 5 or 6 in house). Needed more ports for the home office / server stack and this once again, works just as expected.
I’ve had Netgears previously and they have been quiet and reliable. Bought this one to replace my 10/100 so could make use of the new 152Mb tier from Virgin. It’s a definite improvement speedwise and ever so quiet being fanless.
Exactly what I wanted to replace an 8 port hub that was at capacity. I have simple networking requirements at home – just need to connect a lot of devices. Took approximately 2 minutes to install
Very quiet, nice piece of kit. Easy to install, No configuration necessary …
However, the specification table doesn’t make it obvious that this model doesn’t support VPN.
I did manage to find this out, eventually – but the spec sheet could have made this clearer from the outset.
A very nice unit and seems to work well, something I just wanted to power up plug and play. I have had to power cycle reset the unit once as it seemed to get itself in a loop but otherwise works well at Gigabit speed.
If you only have one mains socket and want more you can plug in a multi-way adaptor. I had this problem with my network cables.
My router has four network sockets but I wanted more. Simply run a lead from one of the router sockets to one of the sockets in this box (it doesn’t matter which one), connect the external power (supplied) and you have 15 extra network sockets. No setting up, no problem.
Switch is high speed so you get the most out of your network connection.
Netgear do good switches – they are dependable and simple to just pugin and go… and they go on working faultlessly in our experience for a very long time, this one replaces an older spec’d desktop unit and as expected works well, come with fitting screws for a rack as well as desktop feet (if needed).
We love this item and would recommend for small office use.
I have very little network knowledge but had to provide internet connection to 14 PC’s in y office for a new broadband connection. Bought this unit and it was pretty much just plug and play. It’s Gigabit also, so I think it’s good value for money.
I have installed several of these and experienced no problems at all regardless of the type of equipment connected.
Good gear at a decent price
I have used Netgear products for years in both work and domestic situations, so when I needed a hub (2 actually) for a completely re-wired home renovation, there was only one place to look.
Fed by a cable broadband connection I am looking forward to a much faster Web connection with all rooms now fully wired for future-proofing at a price I am very happy with.
It’s a plug in and forget it kind of a machine, which is what it should be. Without it our office simply could not function: with it, all is calm. Great machine for a small or medium sized office.
If you’re reading this review then, either (a) you don’t know what an Ethernet switch is but are intrigued, or (b) you know what one is and want to know if the Netgear GS105 is a good example of one. If you fit into the latter category, an Ethernet switch like this is basically a hub that allows several devices (in this case up to four) to connect to one port on your router, handy if you have a 4-port router but five or more connected devices.
On the surface the GS105 seems about as simple as switches come – a small, blue metal box with a power socket on the back and five Ethernet ports on the front. Each port has two green lights above it that helpfully light up to tell you the connection speed of the device at each port – one light for 10 Mbps, the other for 100 Mbps and both for Gigabit speeds.
To use the GS105, you do nothing more than plugging one end of an Ethernet cable into your router (none come with it, unfortunately) and the other end into one of the ports on the front of the GS105. Then plug your connected devices (PC, games console, PVR, etc.) into the other ports on the switch, plug it in and you’re done! It really is as simple as that. You can leave the GS105 sitting on your desk when it’s in use, or you can attach it to a wall using screws and plastic rawlplugs – the manual says that none are supplied but there were two of each with mine.
Once connected, each of your devices will have a connection to the internet, provided your router is itself connected of course, as well as a connection to each other for networking purposes. You’ll need category 6 Ethernet cables to take advantage of full, Gigabit-speed networking; a lesser category may work but it isn’t guaranteed, and with the lit port lights you can see whether or not your cable is giving a full-speed connection or not. But if you don’t have any suitable cables, it’s well worth buying some for gaining the benefits of Gigabit speeds.
In the relatively short time I’ve had it in use, my GS105 has proved completely reliable and extremely useful. I regularly stream movies from my network storage drive to my PS3 and PC, and the increase in speed from 100 to 1000 Mbps has been noticeable. Additionally, saving large files between devices now happens faster that ever before, a boon when I copy files from one place to another, as I often do. Just bear in mind that a network is only a fast as its slowest part, so make sure all of your components, including the router, are Gigabit-capable and set up properly to take advantage of it.
Straight out of the box, onto the shelf and working within two minutes. As usual a very solid piece of kit from Netgear. Much smaller than you realise but, heavier than anticipated so it does not move around with the stiff Cat6 cables. Well done to Netgear for including a lifetime warranty. Can be wall mounted with the small screw kit supplied.