8 Ports or 16 Ports Network Switches? Compared by Specs
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Choosing between an 8 Ports vs 16 Ports network switch depends on how many devices you need to connect. Both the TP-Link LS1008G and the NETGEAR GS116NA offer unmanaged Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. They share fanless designs for silent operation and plug-and-play simplicity. The main difference lies in port capacity and physical form factor. One provides eight connections in a compact size, while the other offers sixteen ports with flexible mounting options. You must decide which density fits your home network layout.
Key differences
| Aspect | TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch | NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Ports | 8 Ports | 16 Ports |
| Port Speed | 10/100/1000 Mbps | 1.0 Gbps |
| Mounting Type | not listed | Desktop, Wall-Mount |
| Dimensions | 5 x 2.62 x 0.91 inches | 16.9 x 6.57 x 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 3.88 ounces | 2.73 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch if
- You need fewer than eight wired connections for devices like a laptop or printer.
- You want a small switch that fits easily on a desk or in a tight space.
- You prefer a lightweight unit that does not require wall mounting hardware.
Choose NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch if
- You have more than eight devices that require wired Gigabit connections.
- You need the flexibility to mount the switch on a wall or place it on a desktop.
- You want a metal chassis that supports Energy Efficient Ethernet for power savings.
Verdict: Select the TP-Link LS1008G if your network is small and you value a compact footprint. Choose the NETGEAR GS116NA if you need to connect many devices and want wall-mount flexibility. Both switches provide reliable unmanaged Gigabit performance for home use.
Port Count and Physical Size Comparison
Number of Ports
The TP-Link LS1008G provides eight 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 ports. This count suits small offices or home networks with fewer wired devices. The NETGEAR GS116NA offers sixteen 1.0Gbps Ethernet ports. This double capacity supports larger deployments or homes with many connected gadgets. Both models use unmanaged Gigabit technology. You choose the port count based on your current device load and future expansion plans. More ports mean fewer switches needed for larger setups.
Device Capacity
Capacity depends directly on the number of available ports. The TP-Link switch connects up to eight devices simultaneously. This is ideal for connecting a desktop, printer, and console. The NETGEAR switch handles sixteen devices at once. This allows you to connect multiple computers, smart TVs, and storage units without a hub. If you have many wired gadgets, the sixteen-port model offers more headroom. The eight-port model is sufficient for simpler networks with limited wired connections.
Physical Dimensions
Size matters for placement. The TP-Link LS1008G measures 5 inches in length, 2.62 inches in width, and 0.91 inches in height. It is a compact desktop unit. The NETGEAR GS116NA is larger, measuring 16.9 inches in length, 6.57 inches in width, and 2.76 inches in height. The NETGEAR unit requires more desk or shelf space. The TP-Link model is easier to hide behind a monitor or in a tight spot. Consider your available surface area before deciding.
Mounting Options
Installation flexibility varies between the two. The TP-Link LS1008G is designed as a desktop unit. The data does not list specific wall-mounting holes or brackets for this model. The NETGEAR GS116NA explicitly supports both desktop and wall-mount placement. This feature allows you to install the switch under a desk or on a wall to save space. If you need to mount the switch vertically or in a tight area, the NETGEAR model offers this versatility. The TP-Link model is strictly for flat surfaces.
Build Weight
Weight indicates build material and stability. The TP-Link LS1008G weighs 3.88 ounces. This light weight makes it easy to move but less stable on uneven surfaces. The NETGEAR GS116NA weighs 2.73 pounds. The data notes a compact metal design for the NETGEAR unit. The heavier weight suggests a more robust chassis that stays put during use. The lighter TP-Link unit likely uses plastic. Choose the heavier unit if you want a stable, permanent installation. Choose the lighter one for portability.
Which switch fits your network size
Small home with few wired devices
The TP-Link LS1008G provides eight Gigabit ports, which is sufficient for connecting a laptop, console, and printer. Its compact dimensions of 5 by 2.62 inches allow it to fit easily on a desk. The unmanaged design requires no configuration, making it a simple plug-and-play solution for smaller setups.
Large home needing many connections
The NETGEAR GS116NA offers sixteen Gigabit ports, doubling the connection capacity of the eight-port model. This higher port count supports larger deployments with many wired devices. The metal construction and desktop or wall-mount options provide flexible installation choices for homes requiring extensive wired network infrastructure.
User needing flexible mounting options
The NETGEAR GS116NA supports both desktop and wall-mount placement, offering greater installation flexibility. While the TP-Link LS1008G is smaller, it lacks specific mounting features. If you need to secure the switch to a wall or place it in various locations, the NETGEAR model provides the necessary versatility.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch | Simple expansion of wired home networks | Check price of TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch on Amazon |
| 2 | NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch | users needing many ports without management | Check price of NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch on Amazon |
The products compared
TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch
Best for: Simple expansion of wired home networks
- Number of Ports
- 8 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 8
- Port Speed
- 10/100/1000Mbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Mounting Type
- Desktop
- Dimensions
- 5 × 2.62 × 0.91 inches
View on Amazon: TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch Affiliate link
This TP-Link Litewave switch gives you eight 10/100/1000 Mbps ports for wired connections. It is an unmanaged device, so you plug it in and it works without software. The fanless design keeps noise out, and energy-efficient technology lowers power use. It fits small spaces with a slim profile. You get reliable data transfer through IEEE 802.3X flow control. It is ideal for adding ports to a home network.
Pros
- Eight Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Fanless design for quiet operation
- Energy-efficient technology
- Plug and play setup
Cons
- Unmanaged interface lacks monitoring
- Only eight ports available
- No web management access
Good fit if
- You need extra wired ports for devices
- You want a silent network component
- You prefer simple plug-in setup
Skip if
- You require more than eight ports
- You need network traffic monitoring
- You want remote management features
Verdict: TP-Link LS1008G 8-Port Gigabit Switch fits users who need a quiet, simple way to add eight wired connections. It is not for those who need advanced network control or more ports.
NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch
Best for: users needing many ports without management
- Number of Ports
- 16 Ports (what this guide is about)
- Port Count
- 16
- Port Speed
- 1.0Gbps
- Management Type
- Unmanaged
- Mounting Type
- Desktop or Wall Mount
- Dimensions
- 16.9 × 6.57 × 2.76 inches
View on Amazon: NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch Affiliate link
This NETGEAR GS116NA provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. It features a fanless, silent design that reduces power consumption. The compact metal chassis supports both desktop and wall-mount installation. You get plug-and-play setup with no software required. It works with existing Cat5e or Cat6 cables. This unit is intended for use in the U.S. and Canada only.
Pros
- 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Fanless silent operation
- Desktop or wall-mount options
- No configuration needed
Cons
- Unmanaged with no remote access
- U.S. and Canada use only
- Heavier metal build at 2.73 pounds
Good fit if
- You need many ports for a home office
- You prefer silent fanless operation
- You want simple plug-and-play setup
Skip if
- You need remote management features
- You live outside the U.S. or Canada
- You require a rack-mount chassis
Verdict: NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch fits users who need many ports without complex setup. It suits those who value silent operation and flexible mounting in their network space.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | TP-Link Litewave 8-Port Gigabit Switch | NETGEAR 16-Port Gigabit Unmanaged Switch |
|---|---|---|
| Port Count | 8 | 16 |
| Port Speed | 10/100/1000Mbps | 1.0Gbps |
| Management Type | Unmanaged | Unmanaged |
| Mounting Type | Desktop | Desktop or Wall Mount |
| Number of Ports | 8 Ports | 16 Ports |
| Dimensions | 5 × 2.62 × 0.91 inches | 16.9 × 6.57 × 2.76 inches |
| Weight | 3.88 ounces | 2.73 pounds |
| Color | black | Black |
| Model | LS1008G | GS116NA |
| Size | not stated | 16-Port Gigabit, Desktop/Wall Mount (GS116NA) |
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an 8-port switch for a home office?
Yes, the TP-Link LS1008G is designed for simple expansion of wired home networks. It provides eight Gigabit ports, which fits users who need a quiet, simple way to add connections. It is unmanaged, making it easy to set up without advanced network control.
Is a 16-port switch too big for a small room?
The NETGEAR GS116NA measures 16.9 inches in length, making it larger than 8-port models. However, it supports wall mounting, which helps save desk space. It is suitable for users who need many ports without complex setup and value flexible mounting options.
Do both switches support Gigabit speeds?
Yes, both the TP-Link LS1008G and the NETGEAR GS116NA offer Gigabit port speeds. This ensures fast data transfer for connected devices. They share fanless designs for silent operation and plug-and-play simplicity, requiring no configuration for basic connectivity.
Which switch is better for silent operation?
Both switches are fanless, ensuring silent operation. The TP-Link LS1008G weighs 3.88 ounces, while the NETGEAR GS116NA weighs 2.73 pounds. Neither requires active cooling, so you will not hear noise from either device during normal network use.
Can I mount the 16-port switch on a wall?
Yes, the NETGEAR GS116NA supports both desktop and wall mounting. This feature allows you to place it in various locations within your network space. The 8-port TP-Link model is not listed with mounting options, so it is intended for desktop use only.
Are these switches managed or unmanaged?
Both the TP-Link LS1008G and the NETGEAR GS116NA are unmanaged switches. This means they do not offer advanced network control or configuration settings. They are ideal for users who want simple, immediate connectivity without the need for complex setup or management interfaces.
How much space does the 8-port switch take up?
The TP-Link LS1008G measures 5 inches in length, 2.62 inches in width, and 0.91 inches in height. Its compact dimensions allow it to fit easily on a desk or shelf. This small footprint makes it suitable for spaces where size is a priority.