Upcoming UniFi Switches Preview
Originally Posted: January 31st, 2021
Last Edited: August 3rd, 2021
Upcoming UniFi Switches Preview
In 2020, Ubiquiti started releasing their 2nd generation UniFi switches. The first 2nd generation models were mostly straight-forward replacements for their 1st generation models. They contained 1 Gbps RJ45 and SFP ports, lower fan noise, and lower PoE budgets, while adding a small touchscreen for viewing network stats and info. They also released the 2nd generation Pro models, which added more PoE budget, 60W PoE++ ports, 10 Gbps SFP+ uplinks, and some Layer 3 features. Since then, they’ve also added smaller models and added an Enterprise tier. There are a lot of UniFi switch models.
While the UniFi router lineup has been pretty stable besides the announcement of the UXG-Pro and UDM-Pro-SE, they have announced many new UniFi switches. The UniFi switch lineup is confusing. Before we dig into all the details, it helps to go look at the existing models, and go over the key specs for the new ones. For more details, see my UniFi Comparison Charts.
Key Specs for Early Access Models
UniFi Switch Enterprise 8 PoE - $379
(8) 2.5 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet with PoE+ output
(2) 10 Gbps SFP+
AC power input, 130W PoE budget
UniFi Switch Mission Critical - $999
(4) 1 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet with 802.3bt PoE++ (60W)
(4) 1 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet with 802.3at PoE+ (30W)
(1) 1 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet for uplink
Internal 368Wh battery and DC terminal block for external 48VDC battery
Does not support UniFi SmartPower RPS DC input
UniFi Enterprise XG 24 - $1299
Layer 3 Switch
(24) 10 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet
(2) 25 Gbps SFP28
No PoE output
Support for UniFi SmartPower RPS DC input
UniFi Enterprise Switch 48 PoE - $1599
Layer 3 Switch
(48) 2.5 Gbps RJ45 Ethernet with 802.3at PoE+ (30W)
(4) 10 Gbps SFP+
Support for UniFi SmartPower RPS DC input
The Crowded UniFi Switch Lineup
Even before adding these 4 new models, the current lineup of UniFi switches is crowded. Ubiquiti still sells most of their first generation switches, and currently has 18 different 2nd generation models. Looking at Ubiquiti’s store page for UniFi routers and switches is a confusing experience. That is why I wrote this post, and posts like my UniFi Switch Buyer’s Guide and UniFi Comparison Charts.
I don’t know if it’s a good idea to start phasing out some of those 1st generation models, but something has to give. If all 4 of these models move to general access, they’re going to have over 30 different models of UniFi switches. That reminds me of Apple in the 1990’s, and not in a good way. Having so many models with overlapping features is overwhelming, and Ubiquiti doesn’t make comparing them easy. In my opinion, a reduction in SKUs would help the lineup make more sense.
My First Thoughts On These New Models
Confusion aside, a few of these new models are interesting, like the mission critical model with the built-in battery. An external UPS is probably the better solution for most people, but it’s good to see Ubiquiti trying something unique. When you have over two dozen models, some of them are allowed to serve a narrow use case. The 2.5 Gbps ports on the Enterprise 8 PoE are interesting too, since the Wi-Fi 6 APs we’ve seen so far only have 1 Gbps ports. Switches with 2.5 Gbps ports are not confirmation 2.5 Gbps Ethernet is coming to future UniFi Wi-Fi 6 access points, but that’s the most logical conclusion.
The higher-end switch models are interesting too, especially the Enterprise models with 25 Gbps SFP28 ports. Most switches with lots of SFP+ or SFP28 ports are much more expensive, but you pay for that by being limited to the UniFi controller software. These aren’t going to be a replacement for a typical data center switch until Ubiquiti can prove they have the software and features to match. Ubiquiti’s hardware tends to lead their software, so I’ll be interested to see how the development of that goes. As it exists right now, Ubiquiti’s current Layer 3 switch feature-set is still underwhelming, but they have been slowly making progress. If you’re interested in the L3 switches, I would still suggest waiting for their software and firmware to catch up.
These new models are an interesting insight into the future of the UniFi lineup, and Ubiquiti’s product direction. I wouldn’t recommend deploying early access equipment in production networks, but when they hit general access these could be worth a look. Good luck picking the right one, though.
Full Details From Their Product Pages
UniFi Switch Enterprise 8 PoE
SKU: USW-Enterprise-8-PoE
UniFi Enterprise Switch 8 PoE
Layer 3, PoE switch with (8) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports and (2) 10G SFP+ ports.
The Switch Enterprise 8 PoE (USW Enterprise 8 PoE) is a fully managed, Layer 3* switch with (8) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports and (2) 10G SFP+ ports.The USW Enterprise 8 PoE also features a 1.3" LCM color touchscreen that concisely displays key system and connection insights. This switch can be monitored or configured from anywhere with the powerful, intuitive UniFi Network web application and mobile app.
Features:
(1) 1.3" LCM color touchscreen with AR switch management
(8) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports
(2) 10G SFP+ ports
120W total PoE supply
Wall-mountable (kit included)
Layer 3 switching will become available in a future firmware update
Managed by UniFi Network Controller version: 6.3.51 or higher
UniFi Switch Enterprise XG 24
SKU: USW-EnterpriseXG-24
UniFi Enterprise XG 24.
Layer 3 switch with (24) 10GbE RJ45 ports and (2) 25G SFP28 ports.
The Switch Enterprise XG 24 (USW Enterprise XG 24) is a fully managed, mult-gigabit, Layer 3 switch with (24) 10GbE RJ45 ports and (2) 25G SFP28 ports.The USW Enterprise XG 24 also features a 1.3" LCM color touchscreen that concisely displays key system and connection insights.
Additionally, the USW Enterprise XG 24 offers enhanced power supply failure protection when connected to the SmartPower Redundant Power System (USP RPS sold separately). This switch can be monitored or configured from anywhere with the powerful, intuitive UniFi Network web application and mobile app.
Features:
(1) 1.3" LCM color touchscreen with AR switch management
(24) 10GbE RJ45 ports
(2) 25G SFP28 ports
(1) USP RPS DC input
Layer 3 switching features
Single-row RJ45 port layout for easy patch panel cable management
Managed with the UniFi Network application version: 6.1.67 or higher
UniFi Switch Enterprise 48 PoE
SKU: USW-Enterprise-48-PoE
UniFi Enterprise Switch 48 PoE.
Layer 3, PoE switch with (48) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports and (4) 10G SFP+ ports.
The Switch Enterprise 48 PoE (USW Enterprise 48 PoE) is a fully managed switch with (48) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports, (4) 10G SFP+ ports, and a 720W total PoE supply. Along with its Layer 3 functionality, this switch offers an extensive suite of Layer 2 switching protocols, including port-specific operation modes (switching, mirroring, or aggregate).The USW Enterprise 48 PoE also features a 1.3" LCM color touchscreen that concisely displays key system and connection insights.
Additionally, the USW Enterprise 48 PoE offers enhanced power supply failure protection when connected to the SmartPower Redundant Power System (USP RPS sold separately). This switch can be monitored or configured from anywhere with the powerful, intuitive UniFi Network web application and mobile app.
Features:
(1) 1.3" LCM color touchscreen with AR switch management
(48) 2.5GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports
(4) 10G SFP+ ports
(1) USP RPS DC input
720W total PoE supply
Layer 3 switching features
Managed with the UniFi Network application version: 6.2.26 or higher
UniFi Switch Mission Critical
SKU: USW-Mission-Critical
UniFi Switch Mission Critical.
Infrastructure PoE Switch with Uninterruptible Power Supply for (2) sine-wave, AC outputs and (9) GbE RJ45 ports, including (4) 802.3bt PoE++ ports and (4) 802.3at PoE+ ports.
The USW Mission Critical is a fully managed, Layer 2 switch with (9) GbE RJ45 ports, including (4) 802.3bt PoE++ ports to power your UniFi Access devices and (4) 802.3at PoE+ ports to power your UniFi access points, switches, or cameras.
This switch will power your most vital network devices while sustaining an uninterruptible power supply through connections to either AC power, an internal backup battery, or an external, 48V DC battery (not included).
Additionally, its (2) sine-wave, AC outputs can power 110V, AC devices, including a modem and gateway. The USW Mission Critical also features a 1.3" LCM color touchscreen that concisely displays key system and connection insights. This switch can be monitored or configured from anywhere with the powerful, intuitive UniFi Network web application and mobile app.
Features:
(1) 1.3" LCM color touchscreen with AR switch management
(4) GbE, 802.3at PoE+ RJ45 ports
(4) GbE, 802.3bt PoE++ RJ45 ports
(1) GbE RJ45 port
(2) 110V, AC power outputs for a gateway and modem
(1) DC terminal block for an external, 48V, DC battery (not included)
368W, internal, lithium-ion backup battery
Managed with the UniFi Network application version: 6.2.26 or higher
My attempt to explain the difference between UniFi Gateways and Cloud Gateways in the simplest way possible.