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- Best overall: NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best budget: NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best premium: TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
- Best for short cable runs: Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft
- The Netgear GS116 is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch; a Cat6A cable is a network connection cable, so they do different jobs.
- Choose the Netgear GS116 to connect up to 16 wired devices to a network, and choose Cat6A cable for a compatible wired link.
- Cat6A supports up to 10Gbps over a distance of 100 meters under appropriate network conditions.
- A Gigabit Ethernet switch does not turn a 1Gbps port into a 10Gbps connection.
- Match the switch port speed, cable length and equipment requirements before adding a product to your Black Friday 2026 shortlist.
Netgear GS116 vs Cat6A cable is not a like-for-like comparison: the Netgear GS116 is a network switch, while Cat6A is a cable category. A switch gives wired devices network ports; a cable links devices to those ports. For Black Friday 2026, we researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback to make the difference clear and highlight useful options for home networks, offices and entertainment setups.
The best bet depends on the job you need done. Pick a 16-port switch when your router or network needs more wired connections, or choose Cat6A cable for a suitable Ethernet run. The products below include both switches and cables, with their roles and key specifications spelled out so you can compare the right kind of gear.
How We Picked
- We compared product specifications, including port counts, stated Ethernet speeds, cable categories and available cable lengths.
- We prioritized clear use cases, from expanding a home network to connecting a gaming console, computer, television or access point.
- We reviewed owner feedback for practical considerations such as setup, cable handling and the value of having extra ports.
- We included both switches and cables because the main search phrase compares two different parts of a wired network.
- We favored products with straightforward specifications and identified where a switch's port speed limits the maximum link speed.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Ports or cable length | Rated speed | Category or management |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Expanding a wired network | 16 ports | Up to 1Gbps per port | Unmanaged switch |
| TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Quiet 16-port networking | 16 ports | Up to 1Gbps per port | Unmanaged switch |
| NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch | Compact wired setups | 8 ports | Up to 1Gbps per port | Unmanaged switch |
| Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft | Short device connections | 10 ft | Up to 10Gbps | Cat6A cable |
| Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft | Router or desk patch connections | 10 ft | Up to 10Gbps | Cat6A cable |
| UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft | Everyday home connections | 10 ft | Up to 10Gbps | Cat6A cable |
| StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft | Short home-office links | 10 ft | Up to 10Gbps | Cat6A cable |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1 · Top pick
NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best port-expansion pick for homes and small offices that need 16 wired connections. The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports provide a simple way to connect multiple devices without configuring a managed network.
Best for: Adding wired ports to a home or small-office network
- Ports
- 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Port speed
- Up to 1Gbps per port
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Network role
- Ethernet switch
- Provides 16 ports for wired devices.
- Simple plug-and-play style setup.
- Useful for consolidating several wired connections.
- Does not provide PoE power to connected devices.
- Gigabit ports do not provide a 10Gbps wired link.
Is the NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a good fit when you need 16 wired ports and straightforward setup. The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 1Gbps ports suit common home and small-office devices, but it is not the choice for PoE or 10Gbps switching.
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#2
TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best alternative for shoppers who want 16 Gigabit ports for a home or office network. The TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's metal housing and fanless design suit a quiet desktop or workspace installation.
Best for: Quiet 16-port networking
- Ports
- 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Port speed
- Up to 1Gbps per port
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Design
- Fanless metal housing
- Offers 16 ports for multiple wired devices.
- Fanless design avoids a switch fan.
- A straightforward option for a basic wired network.
- Does not provide PoE output.
- The TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's ports are Gigabit rather than 10Gbps.
Is the TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The TP-Link TL-SG116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is worth considering when your setup needs 16 wired Gigabit connections and a fanless design. Check that 1Gbps ports match your router, internet service and devices before choosing it.
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#3
NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch
The NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is the best compact pick for shoppers who need a few extra wired connections. The NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch's 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports support a smaller desktop, media center or home-office network.
Best for: Compact networks needing up to 8 wired ports
- Ports
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- Port speed
- Up to 1Gbps per port
- Management
- Unmanaged
- Network role
- Ethernet switch
- Eight ports fit modest wired setups.
- Simple choice for adding Ethernet connections.
- Gigabit speed suits many home devices.
- Has half as many ports as a 16-port switch.
- Does not provide PoE or 10Gbps ports.
Is the NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The NETGEAR GS108 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a sensible pick for a small setup that needs up to 8 wired connections. Choose a 16-port switch instead if your device count is already close to its port limit.
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#4
Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft
The Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft is the best short-run cable pick for shoppers connecting nearby Ethernet devices. The Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft's Cat6A rating supports up to 10Gbps over a compliant network link, with 10 feet of cable for a desk or media setup.
Best for: Short Ethernet runs between nearby devices
- Cable category
- Cat6A
- Length
- 10 ft
- Rated link speed
- Up to 10Gbps
- Frequency
- Up to 500MHz
- 10-foot length suits desks and media centers.
- Cat6A supports up to 10Gbps under appropriate conditions.
- Snagless design helps protect the connector clip.
- A short length is not suited to distant rooms.
- A Gigabit switch limits the link to its port speed.
Is the Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft is a good choice for a short wired connection between nearby devices. The Cable Matters Cat6A Snagless Ethernet Cable 10 ft's Cat6A rating supports 10Gbps-capable links, but the connected equipment must also support that speed.
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#5
Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft
The Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft is the best simple patch-cable choice for connecting nearby network equipment. The Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft's 10-foot length and Cat6A category suit a desk, router shelf or entertainment center with compatible ports.
Best for: Short patch connections around a router or desk
- Cable category
- Cat6A
- Length
- 10 ft
- Rated link speed
- Up to 10Gbps
- Frequency
- Up to 500MHz
- Practical 10-foot patch-cable length.
- Cat6A supports high-speed Ethernet links.
- Suitable for connecting routers, switches and devices.
- The short length does not suit long room-to-room runs.
- Cable category alone does not raise device port speed.
Is the Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The Monoprice Cat6A Ethernet Patch Cable 10 ft is a useful option for short connections between compatible Ethernet devices. Cat6A supports 10Gbps-capable networking, while the actual connection speed remains limited by the slowest port in the link.
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#6
UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft
The UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft is the best everyday cable pick for shoppers wiring a nearby computer, console or television. The UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft's 10-foot length and Cat6A category suit common home-network connections with matching Ethernet ports.
Best for: Everyday home connections near a router or switch
- Cable category
- Cat6A
- Length
- 10 ft
- Rated link speed
- Up to 10Gbps
- Frequency
- Up to 500MHz
- Convenient length for a nearby device.
- Cat6A supports high-speed Ethernet equipment.
- Works as a wired link between compatible network ports.
- 10 feet is too short for many long routes.
- A 1Gbps switch or device remains a 1Gbps bottleneck.
Is the UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The UGREEN Cat 6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft is a practical choice for a short home-network run. The cable supports a 10Gbps-capable link, but a router, switch or connected device with a 1Gbps port keeps the connection at Gigabit speed.
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#7
StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft
The StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft is the best pick for shoppers who want a short cable from a brand focused on connectivity products. The StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft's Cat6A category supports up to 10Gbps Ethernet over a suitable link.
Best for: Short wired links in a home office
- Cable category
- Cat6A
- Length
- 10 ft
- Rated link speed
- Up to 10Gbps
- Frequency
- Up to 500MHz
- 10-foot length works for nearby equipment.
- Cat6A supports up to 10Gbps under suitable conditions.
- Useful for connecting compatible routers, switches and computers.
- Not long enough for every installation.
- A Cat6A cable does not add network ports.
Is the StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
The StarTech.com Cat6A Ethernet Cable 10 ft is worth considering for a short home-office connection between Ethernet devices. Choose a switch separately if you need more network ports; a cable connects equipment but does not expand port count.
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Is the NETGEAR GS116 a switch or a Cat6A cable?
The NETGEAR GS116 is a 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch; Cat6A is a cable category. A switch adds network ports, while a cable connects devices.
Which should I buy: the NETGEAR GS116 or a Cat6A cable?
Choose the NETGEAR GS116 when you need more Ethernet ports. Choose a Cat6A cable to connect two devices or a device and a switch. Many wired setups need both.
Does Cat6A work with the NETGEAR GS116?
Yes. Cat6A connectors fit the NETGEAR GS116, but its ports support up to 1Gbps. The cable does not increase the switch’s speed.
What should I compare in a Black Friday 2026 network deal?
Compare a switch’s port count, speed and PoE support. For a cable, check its length and construction. Match each component to the devices and connection you need.
Can a Cat6A cable improve a Gigabit network?
Cat6A supports connections up to 10Gbps, but a NETGEAR GS116 port remains limited to 1Gbps. Faster speeds require compatible equipment throughout the connection.
Buying Guide
Count the Ethernet ports you need
Count wired devices and open router ports. The NETGEAR GS116 adds 16 Gigabit ports; the NETGEAR GS108 adds 8. Leave room for future devices.
Match the switch speed to your network
Check the speed supported by your router and devices. The NETGEAR GS116 has 1Gbps ports. A Cat6A cable does not make them faster.
Measure before choosing a cable
Measure the cable route and allow slack for tidy placement. Choose a length that reaches both ports without crossing walkways or stretching.
Check whether PoE is required
Access points, cameras and phones can require power over Ethernet. Confirm PoE needs before choosing a switch; the NETGEAR GS116 does not supply PoE.
Buy for the full connection, not one component
Check that the router, switch, endpoint and cable meet the required speed and connection needs. Cat6A works with the NETGEAR GS116, whose ports top out at 1Gbps.
FAQ
Is the NETGEAR GS116 faster than a Cat6A cable?
The NETGEAR GS116 and Cat6A cable are different network components, so they are not direct speed competitors. The switch has 1Gbps Ethernet ports, while Cat6A supports up to 10Gbps over a suitable link. The complete connection runs at the speed of its slowest component.
Can I use Cat6A cable with a Gigabit switch?
Yes. Cat6A cable is compatible with standard Ethernet ports on a Gigabit switch, including the NETGEAR GS116. The cable can support a higher-rated link, but the switch's 1Gbps port limits the connection to Gigabit speed when that port is part of the link.
Does the NETGEAR GS116 provide PoE?
The NETGEAR GS116 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Unmanaged Switch is a standard non-PoE switch. Shoppers who need Ethernet power for a camera, access point or phone should select a switch that explicitly lists the required PoE standard and power capacity.
How far can Cat6A Ethernet cable run?
Cat6A supports 10Gbps Ethernet over a channel distance of up to 100 meters when the installation and connected equipment meet the relevant requirements. For a specific cable, confirm its specifications and use a suitable route that avoids physical damage and excessive tension.
Should I buy a switch or an Ethernet cable first?
Buy a switch first when the network lacks enough wired ports. Buy an Ethernet cable when the needed ports already exist and a device needs a wired connection. Many setups need both: a switch for extra ports and cables to connect the devices.