Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter – 5 x Port Gigabit with SFP, Passive PoE, and Centralized Control

In today’s digital-driven environments, having a fast, reliable, and intelligently managed network backbone isn’t optional—it’s essential. Whether you’re running a startup, managing remote branch offices, or optimizing home lab setups, network equipment plays a critical role in maintaining smooth data flow and uptime. For users seeking a compact yet powerful routing solution, the Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter stands out as a top-tier option in both performance and versatility.

Ubiquiti has long been trusted in the IT and networking world for creating robust, scalable solutions without the enterprise-grade price tag. The ER-X-SFP (EdgeRouter X SFP), part of Ubiquiti’s EdgeMAX lineup, combines high-speed Gigabit ports with advanced routing features in a compact, silent, and wall-mountable form factor. This Ubiquiti router is designed to deliver centralized management, flexible deployment, and PoE capabilities—making it an ideal choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

Product Overview: Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter

The Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter (Part Number: ER-X-SFP) is built for performance and precision. It is a cost-effective router that integrates enterprise-level features into a compact chassis suitable for home networks, offices, and even small ISPs. One of its key selling points is its centralized management through the intuitive UNMS (Ubiquiti Network Management System), giving you visibility and control over every edge in your network.

At the heart of the ER-X-SFP lies a dual-core 880 MHz MIPS1004Kc processor, backed by 256MB DDR3 RAM and 256MB NAND flash. This hardware setup allows the router to handle advanced firewall policies, NAT, static/dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP, RIP), DHCP, and VLAN tagging with ease.

The router includes five Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet ports, one of which (eth0) can supply Passive PoE output to power Ubiquiti devices such as airMAX radios. It also includes a dedicated SFP port that provides fiber uplink capability, giving this router an edge in hybrid environments where fiber and copper connections are both in play.

With a fanless design and compact black chassis, the ER-X-SFP can be deployed quietly on desktops or mounted neatly on a wall. The passive cooling ensures silent operation, making it perfect for environments where noise is a concern.

Key Features of the ER-X-SFP

• Centralized management via UNMS controller
• Dual-core 880 MHz processor for advanced routing
• 5 x Gigabit RJ45 ports for fast LAN/WAN deployment
• 1 x SFP port for fiber uplink or WAN redundancy
• Passive PoE output on eth0
• VLAN tagging and inter-VLAN routing support
• Wall-mount or desktop installation
• Passive cooling, silent operation
• Cost-effective without compromising performance

Use Cases: Where the Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter Shines

The ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter is highly versatile and adaptable to many deployment scenarios. It’s ideal for:

• Small to medium-sized businesses needing multiple WAN/LAN segmentation
• Branch offices requiring fiber and copper uplink combinations
• Home labs and advanced home networks
• ISPs looking for affordable CPE (Customer Premises Equipment)
• Network administrators managing VLAN-rich environments
• Wireless deployments, especially when paired with Ubiquiti APs powered by PoE

Its passive PoE support simplifies installations, particularly in remote or outdoor scenarios where power outlets may not be nearby.

Ports & Connectivity

The Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP is outfitted with a flexible and powerful port configuration:

• 5 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports (eth0 to eth4): These are fully configurable for LAN/WAN, and eth0 supports Passive PoE output (24V).
• 1 x SFP port: Ideal for fiber uplinks, allowing high-throughput backbone or WAN connectivity.
• 1 x DC input jack (12V) for powering the unit if not using PoE in.

This combination of ports ensures seamless integration in both copper and fiber networks, offering redundancy and scalability.

Unlocking the Power of Passive PoE

Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet) isn’t standardized like 802.3af/at, but it offers flexibility in powering devices like Ubiquiti APs and CPEs without extra adapters. On the ER-X-SFP, you can enable Passive PoE on eth0 directly from the interface, powering devices up to 24V. This is especially handy when you’re deploying gear in remote areas or simplifying cable runs.

Advanced Routing with CLI and GUI

While the graphical interface of the Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter is sufficient for basic tasks, power users can dig deeper using the CLI (Command Line Interface), which is based on Vyatta. Through CLI, users can configure advanced firewall rules, BGP/OSPF routing, and complex NAT scenarios. This makes it an ideal stepping stone for admins who want to learn more about professional routing environments.

Comparison with Other Ubiquiti EdgeRouters

Technical Specifications

1. What makes the Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter unique?
It’s the only EdgeRouter X model with a dedicated SFP port and Passive PoE output, offering hybrid flexibility.

2. Can the SFP port be used simultaneously with Ethernet ports?
Yes, it can be used for WAN or LAN and functions independently of the RJ45 ports.

3. Does the ER-X-SFP support VLAN tagging?
Yes, it fully supports 802.1Q VLAN tagging and inter-VLAN routing.

4. Is this router fanless?
Yes, it operates silently due to its passive cooling design.

5. Can I power a UniFi AP directly from the ER-X-SFP?
Yes, using eth0’s Passive PoE output.

6. Is it compatible with fiber internet?
Yes, via the SFP port for fiber uplink.

7. What’s the max throughput this router can handle?
With hardware offloading enabled, it can exceed 1Gbps routing performance.

8. Can I configure this router without using the CLI?
Yes, a full-featured Web UI is available, but CLI unlocks advanced features.

9. Does it support dual WAN setup?
Yes, dual WAN failover or load balancing is supported.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti Networks ER-X-SFP EdgeRouter is a compact powerhouse that brings enterprise-level features into homes, small businesses, and edge deployments. Its combination of a strong dual-core CPU, SFP fiber support, passive PoE capabilities, and centralized UNMS management makes it a standout device for anyone seeking flexibility and performance without the high cost.

At ITMan.ae, we proudly offer the ER-X-SFP with full warranty and expert support, helping you build or upgrade your network with confidence. Whether you’re setting up a branch office, optimizing your lab, or running a small WISP network, this EdgeRouter delivers everything you need in a rugged and efficient package.