Switches
Ubiquiti Switches: Intelligent Network Distribution with EdgeMAX and UniFi for Every Requirement
Switches are indispensable components of modern networks, ensuring fast, efficient, and intelligent data distribution between connected devices. Ubiquiti, known for its innovative and high-performance network solutions, offers a wide range of switches primarily divided into the EdgeMAX (EdgeSwitch) and UniFi (UniFi Switch) product lines. While EdgeSwitches provide maximum configurability and control for technically savvy users and professionals, UniFi Switches are characterized by their seamless integration into the UniFi ecosystem and centralized, user-friendly management. Whether for demanding home networks, small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), or larger installations with complex requirements – Ubiquiti delivers switches with professional features, PoE options, and high-speed uplinks. Discover the variety of Ubiquiti switches at etree and build a network that meets your growing demands and is future-proof.
Ubiquiti aims to make powerful network technology accessible, with the choice of product line often depending on the preferred management philosophy and desired level of system integration.
Why Ubiquiti Switches? The Convincing Advantages in Detail:
- Two Strong and Differentiated Product Lines: With EdgeMAX EdgeSwitch for granular standalone control by experts and UniFi Switch for a seamlessly integrated, centrally managed network ecosystem.
- Excellent Price-Performance Ratio: Ubiquiti switches often offer enterprise-like features and high performance at prices that are also attractive to SMBs and demanding home users.
- Comprehensive Layer 2 and (depending on model) Layer 3 Functions: Support for VLANs, Link Aggregation (LACP), Spanning Tree Protocols (STP/RSTP/MSTP), IGMP Snooping, Quality of Service (QoS), Access Control Lists (ACLs), and on many models, basic to advanced Layer 3 routing capabilities.
- Versatile PoE/PoE+/PoE++ Options: A wide range of switches with Power over Ethernet for powering end devices like WLAN access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones, including models with high PoE budgets and support for the latest PoE standards (802.3af/at/bt).
- High-Speed Uplinks and Aggregation: Many models feature SFP, SFP+ (10G), or even SFP28 (25G) ports for fiber optic or DAC connections, ideal for fast uplinks or switch aggregation.
- Robust Hardware and Reliable Performance: Ubiquiti switches are known for their solid construction and stable operation, with high switching capacities for demanding network loads.
- Intuitive and Powerful Management: EdgeSwitches offer a comprehensive web GUI and a powerful command-line interface (CLI). UniFi Switches are managed via the central UniFi Network Controller, which provides an attractive and user-friendly graphical interface.
- Scalability from Small to Large Networks: The portfolio ranges from small 5-port switches to large 48-port rackmount switches with multi-gigabit capabilities.
- Active Development and Community Support: Regular firmware updates and a large, global community offer support and knowledge sharing.
Ubiquiti Switch Product Worlds in Detail: EdgeSwitch vs. UniFi Switch
Ubiquiti offers two main lines of switches that differ fundamentally in their orientation and management:
EdgeMAX – EdgeSwitch Series: Maximum Flexibility and Control for Network Experts
The EdgeSwitch line is aimed at users who desire detailed, granular control over every aspect of their switch and prefer a standalone management interface.
- Target Audience: Network administrators, Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), power users, and businesses that prefer switch management independent of other systems.
- Management: Primarily via a comprehensive web-based user interface (Web GUI) and a very powerful command-line interface (CLI) that allows for in-depth configurations. Basic monitoring is also possible via the UISP™ platform (Ubiquiti ISP).
- Features: Offers a rich set of Layer 2 switching functions. Many models also have basic Layer 3 capabilities like static routing and inter-VLAN routing. Known for versatile PoE options, including 24V passive PoE on some models (e.g., ES-8-150W, ES-16-150W) as well as 802.3af/at. Models like the EdgeSwitch XG offer 10-Gigabit connectivity.
- Example Models: EdgeSwitch 8 (ES-8-150W), EdgeSwitch 24 Lite (ES-24-Lite), EdgeSwitch 10X/XP, EdgeSwitch 16 XG.
UniFi Switch Series – Seamless Integration into the UniFi Ecosystem
The UniFi Switch line is designed for users and businesses who want to build a unified, centrally managed network ecosystem of routers/gateways, switches, and access points (and optionally cameras, doorbells, etc.).
- Target Audience: Tech-savvy home users (prosumers), small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) up to larger enterprise installations that value simple, graphical, and centralized management.
- Management: Exclusively via the UniFi Network Controller. This software can run on a dedicated UniFi Cloud Key, on a user's own server, or directly integrated into a UniFi Dream Machine (UDM) or UniFi Dream Router (UDR).
- Features: Offers comprehensive Layer 2 functions. Higher-end "Pro" and "Enterprise" models also feature advanced Layer 3 capabilities (inter-VLAN routing, static routing, DHCP server). A wide range of PoE/PoE+/PoE++ (802.3af/at/bt) options is available. SFP, SFP+, and SFP28 uplink ports for high speeds. Many models have a modern design, some even a small touchscreen display for status information.
- Model Range (Examples): From small, flexible switches like the USW-Flex-Mini or USW-Flex, through standard models (USW-Lite-8-PoE, USW-16/24/48-PoE), to high-performance Pro (USW-Pro-24/48-PoE) and Enterprise models (USW-Enterprise-8-PoE, USW-EnterpriseXG-24), as well as aggregation switches (USW-Aggregation).
Key Technologies and Features of Ubiquiti Switches:
Comprehensive VLAN Support (IEEE 802.1Q) and Network Segmentation
Both product lines allow the creation of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) for logical separation of network segments, which enhances security and improves network organization (e.g., separating guest, IoT, and corporate networks).
Link Aggregation (LACP - IEEE 802.3ad)
Bundling multiple physical ports into a single logical connection (LAG) is supported to increase available bandwidth and provide higher redundancy – ideal for connections to servers, NAS systems, or other switches.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP/MSTP)
These protocols prevent the formation of network loops in redundantly designed network topologies by disabling alternative paths until they are needed in case of a failure.
Quality of Service (QoS) for Traffic Prioritization
Allows prioritization of specific data packets (e.g., for VoIP telephony or video conferencing) over less time-critical data traffic to ensure consistently high service quality.
Advanced Security Features
Depending on the model and series, Ubiquiti switches offer features like Port Security (limiting MAC addresses per port), Access Control Lists (ACLs) for filtering traffic, 802.1X port authentication (RADIUS), DHCP Snooping, and Storm Control.
Versatile Power over Ethernet (PoE) Standards
Support for IEEE 802.3af (PoE), 802.3at (PoE+), and on newer/more powerful models, 802.3bt (PoE++), as well as 24V passive PoE on some EdgeSwitch models. This allows powering a wide range of end devices directly via the network cable. PoE budget management is also an important feature.
Layer 3 Functions (model-dependent)
While all managed Ubiquiti switches possess excellent Layer 2 capabilities, many EdgeSwitches and the Pro/Enterprise UniFi Switches also offer Layer 3 functions such as Inter-VLAN Routing (forwarding traffic between different VLANs directly on the switch), static routing, and on some models, even support for dynamic routing protocols (primarily EdgeSwitch).
Which Ubiquiti Switch for Which Use? – Application Examples:
- Demanding Home Networks and SOHO Environments: Segmentation with VLANs, PoE for APs and cameras (e.g., EdgeSwitch Lite models, UniFi Switch Lite PoE, USW-Flex-Mini).
- Small to Medium-sized Business (SMB) Networks: Building segmented departmental networks, powering VoIP phones and video surveillance cameras (e.g., EdgeSwitch PoE models, UniFi Switch PoE / Pro PoE series).
- Building 10-Gigabit Backbones or Connecting High-Performance Servers and NAS Systems: EdgeSwitch XG, UniFi Switch Aggregation, UniFi Switch Enterprise XG, or other models with SFP+/SFP28 ports.
- Centrally Managed Networks in Businesses, Hotels, Schools with many UniFi Access Points and Cameras: The entire UniFi Switch series, managed via the UniFi Network Controller.
- Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) Installations: EdgeSwitch models with their robustness, PoE versatility, and advanced configuration options.
- Networks with High PoE Demand (e.g., for many PoE++ cameras or Wi-Fi 6/7 APs): UniFi Switch Pro PoE or Enterprise PoE models with high total PoE budget and support for 802.3bt.
What to Look for When Buying a Ubiquiti Switch? A Checklist:
- Preferred Management Philosophy: Standalone management with detailed control (EdgeSwitch via Web/CLI) or a centrally managed, integrated system (UniFi Switch via UniFi Network Controller)?
- Port Count and Types: How many RJ45 Gigabit or Multi-Gigabit ports are needed? How many SFP (1G), SFP+ (10G), or SFP28 (25G) uplink ports are required for current and future needs?
- PoE Requirements: Are PoE ports needed? If so, how many? Which PoE standard (802.3af, 802.3at, 802.3bt, or 24V passive on EdgeSwitch)? What is the total PoE budget required for the switch?
- Required Layer Functions: Are comprehensive Layer 2 features sufficient, or are Layer 3 functions like Inter-VLAN routing or static/dynamic routing needed directly on the switch?
- Switching Capacity and Forwarding Rate: Is the non-blocking switching capacity and packet forwarding rate sufficient for the expected maximum data traffic in the network?
- Advanced Security Features: Are features like ACLs, Port Security, RADIUS authentication, or DHCP Snooping required?
- Form Factor, Noise Level, and Environment: Is a desktop device, a rackmount switch (19-inch), or a compact, possibly fanless switch for noise-sensitive environments needed?
- Integration into Existing Systems: If you already use UniFi components, a UniFi Switch is often the best choice for seamless integration. Is a UniFi Controller already available, or does it need to be planned for (e.g., Cloud Key, UDM)?
- Budget: Ubiquiti offers switches in a wide price range, depending on port count, PoE capabilities, and management features.
At etree, you will find a wide selection of Ubiquiti switches from the EdgeMAX and UniFi product lines. Our detailed product descriptions and the extensive information in the Ubiquiti community will help you find the switch that perfectly matches your network requirements.