In the rapidly evolving world of network infrastructure, flexibility and reliability are paramount. Enter the Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Switch, a compact, versatile, and robust managed switch that’s designed to meet both indoor and outdoor networking demands. Whether for home setups, enterprise applications, or outdoor installations, the USW-Flex offers seamless connectivity with its Layer 2 switching capabilities, PoE flexibility, and weatherproof design. This is more than just a switch – it’s an enabler for modern network expansion.
Product Overview : Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Switch (USW-Flex)
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Switch (USW-Flex) is a five-port Layer 2 managed switch offering full Gigabit performance. It stands out with its four 802.3af PoE output ports and one 802.3af/at PoE input port, which not only provide power but also reduce the need for separate cabling infrastructure. Measuring compactly, it’s easy to deploy even in constrained spaces.
One of the defining features of the USW-Flex is its weather-resistant enclosure, allowing safe and effective use in both indoor and outdoor environments. It can withstand challenging conditions, making it ideal for extending networks in outdoor venues, surveillance setups, and areas where flexibility is essential. Its sleek design, coupled with easy management via UniFi Controller, makes it a perfect fit for diverse networking needs.
Power is delivered either through PoE++ input (802.3bt) or via a separate adapter, but the device’s standout feature is the pass-through PoE, letting you power multiple devices such as cameras or access points directly from it.
Why Choose Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex?
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex isn’t just another network switch—it’s a thoughtfully engineered solution that combines versatility, power efficiency, and ease of management in one compact package. Here’s why it’s the preferred choice for IT professionals and businesses:
- Ultimate Flexibility: With its compact size and multiple mounting options (wall, pole, or desktop), the USW Flex fits seamlessly into tight spaces, whether indoors or outdoors.
- Reliable PoE Performance: It’s designed to handle multiple devices with ease. Four 802.3af PoE output ports deliver up to 12W per port, while the single 802.3af/at input port ensures seamless power and data transfer. This means you can power access points, cameras, and VoIP phones—all with just one switch.
- All-Weather Design: Unlike many switches, the USW-Flex boasts a weatherproof enclosure, making it perfect for outdoor installations where exposure to the elements is a concern. It’s built to withstand challenging environments while maintaining top performance.
- Seamless Integration: Managed through Ubiquiti’s UniFi Controller, the USW-Flex integrates perfectly into any UniFi network. Enjoy real-time insights, VLAN configuration, traffic monitoring, and firmware updates—all from one intuitive platform.
- Compact Yet Powerful: Despite its small footprint, the USW Flex delivers full Gigabit speeds and a switching capacity of 10 Gbps, ensuring your network runs smoothly even during peak demands.
- Cost-Effective Networking: By combining PoE input and output in a single device, the Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex reduces the need for additional cabling and power sources. It’s a smart investment for businesses looking to expand without excessive infrastructure costs.
Applications
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex excels in various scenarios:
- Outdoor Surveillance Networks: Perfect for powering multiple PoE cameras with minimal cabling.
- Retail Environments: Ensures clean and efficient networking for POS systems and digital signage.
- Event Venues and Campuses: Delivers connectivity for both temporary and permanent setups.
- Hospitality and Resorts: Powers outdoor access points and guest service devices seamlessly.
Its weatherproof casing and flexible mounting options (pole, wall, desktop) make it a solid choice for extending networks to challenging locations.
Port Details
The USW-Flex features:
- 1x Gigabit PoE In Port (802.3af/at): Powers the device itself.
- 4x Gigabit PoE Out Ports (802.3af): Delivers up to 12W per port, perfect for powering cameras, APs, and VoIP phones.
- Total PoE Budget: Up to 46W (depending on input power).
This configuration makes it highly effective in scenarios requiring multiple powered devices while maintaining a streamlined design.
Advanced Network Management
With its integration into the UniFi Network Controller, the USW-Flex offers centralized management, monitoring, and configuration. Features include:
- Real-time Traffic Monitoring: Track port usage and performance.
- VLAN Configuration: Segment networks for security and efficiency.
- Firmware Management: Keep the switch updated with ease.
- Alerts & Notifications: Stay informed of network status changes.
Two Additional Valuable Use Cases
Perfect for IoT Device Clustering
With the rise of IoT, managing clusters of low-power devices is essential. The USW-Flex supports seamless IoT device aggregation, especially in environments like smart warehouses, where reliable PoE power and data throughput are necessary.
Ideal for Outdoor WiFi Expansion
Need to extend your WiFi coverage to patios, outdoor cafes, or parking areas? The USW-Flex, paired with UniFi APs, lets you power and connect these APs without additional cabling, keeping your deployments neat and efficient.
Comparison with Similar Ubiquiti Products
| Feature | USW-Flex | USW-Lite-8-PoE | USW-Pro-24-PoE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ports | 5 | 8 | 24 |
| PoE Capability | 4x 802.3af | 4x 802.3af | 24x 802.3at/bt |
| Power Budget | Up to 46W | 52W | 400W |
| Use Case | Compact, Indoor/Outdoor | Entry-Level Indoor | High-Density Deployments |
| Weather Resistance | Yes | No | No |
| Management | UniFi | UniFi | UniFi |
| Ideal For | Outdoor/Compact | Small Networks | Enterprise/High PoE |
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex Switch |
| Part Number | USW-Flex |
| Ports | 5 x Gigabit Ethernet |
| PoE Input | 1x 802.3af/at (PoE In) |
| PoE Output | 4x 802.3af (12W per port) |
| Switching Capacity | 10 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 7.44 Mpps |
| Max Power Consumption | 46W |
| Dimensions | 122 x 107 x 28 mm |
| Weight | 230 g |
| Enclosure | Weatherproof |
| Mounting Options | Desktop, Wall, Pole |
| Management | UniFi Controller |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can USW-Flex be used outdoors?
Yes, its weatherproof design supports both indoor and outdoor use.
2. How many devices can USW Flex power?
Up to four PoE-powered devices (e.g., cameras, APs).
3. What is the maximum PoE budget?
Up to 46W, depending on input power.
4. Does the USW Flex support Layer 3?
No, it’s a Layer 2 switch.
5. How do I manage the switch?
Via the UniFi Network Controller.
6. Can the USW Flex be mounted on a pole?
Yes, pole mount is supported.
7. Is the USW Flex suitable for VoIP phones?
Yes, as long as they’re within the PoE power budget.
8. What’s the input power method?
802.3af/at PoE input or optional adapter.
9. How does the USW Flex compare to USW-Lite-8-PoE?
USW-Flex is weatherproof and compact, USW-Lite-8-PoE is indoor-only.
10. Can I use it for home networks?
Absolutely, it’s a great fit for home and small business setups.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW Flex is the perfect switch for modern networks seeking reliability, flexibility, and scalability. Whether you’re powering surveillance cameras, expanding WiFi outdoors, or deploying an IoT cluster, this switch provides a powerful solution that’s easy to manage and built to last. At ITMan, we proudly offer the USW-Flex for those who demand both performance and simplicity in their network infrastructure.
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