The Ubiquiti USW-Lite-16-PoE is one of the most popular switches in the UniFi ecosystem, designed for small to medium-sized businesses, home offices, and growing networks that require a compact, reliable, and cost-effective PoE+ solution. This Ubiquiti switch combines enterprise-class performance with a plug-and-play approach, making it an excellent choice for users who want an easy way to power access points, cameras, and VoIP phones while maintaining centralized control through the UniFi Controller or UniFi Network application.
If you’re running a modern network with multiple PoE-powered devices, you need a switch that can deliver stable power and data on every port. The USW-Lite-16-PoE does exactly that – 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 45W or 60W of total PoE budget (depending on PSU), fanless silent operation, and full integration with UniFi Cloud. It’s a perfect choice for IT administrators who need visibility, control, and scalability without the complexity of CLI-based configuration.
Complete Overview of USW-Lite-16-PoE
The USW-Lite-16-PoE (part number USW-Lite-16-PoE) is a fully managed Layer 2 switch that provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, out of which 8 support 802.3at PoE+ with a combined power budget suitable for powering multiple UniFi access points or IP cameras. The device is fanless, so it operates silently, which is critical in environments like offices, shops, or home networks where noise levels matter.
The switch is managed via the UniFi Network Controller, a powerful yet intuitive interface that allows you to configure VLANs, port isolation, guest policies, and monitor real-time traffic. With cloud access, you can manage the switch remotely, push firmware updates, and even monitor power usage on each PoE port. Ubiquiti’s goal with the Lite series is to deliver professional-grade performance at a price point that is attractive for SMBs and installers deploying multiple sites.
Unlike unmanaged PoE switches, the USW-Lite-16-PoE allows you to control which ports deliver PoE, schedule power delivery, and view per-port statistics. This level of visibility is particularly useful in troubleshooting scenarios where you need to know exactly what device is connected to what port and how much bandwidth or power it consumes.
Use Cases and Applications
The USW-Lite-16-PoE is perfect for a variety of environments:
- Small Businesses and Startups: Power UniFi APs, VoIP phones, and security cameras with one device.
- Retail Shops and Cafes: Keep your network neat by using a single switch for data + PoE.
- Home Offices and Smart Homes: Centralize control of your APs and IoT devices.
- Branch Offices: Ideal for remote locations where you need a low-maintenance network device that can be managed centrally.
- IP Surveillance Networks: Power up to 8 PoE cameras without a separate power injector, reducing cabling complexity.
Its combination of PoE and managed switching means you can reduce clutter, simplify installation, and avoid multiple power adapters.
Ports and Power Delivery
The USW-Lite-16-PoE features:
- 16 Gigabit RJ45 Ports – 8 with 802.3at PoE+ support
- Total PoE Budget: 45W (with 60W optional PSU upgrade)
- Fanless Design: Completely silent operation
- Managed Through UniFi Controller: VLAN support, guest isolation, port mirroring
The PoE ports automatically negotiate power with connected devices, supporting both active PoE and auto-sensing to prevent damage. This makes it suitable for powering UniFi U6 Lite, U6 Pro, cameras like G4 Bullet, or VoIP phones without additional injectors.
Ideal Deployment Layout
When deploying the USW-Lite-16-PoE, try to centralize it in a location where all connected devices are within cable reach. Use it as your core switch for a small network or as an edge switch connecting multiple APs on different floors. Enabling VLAN segmentation for guest networks helps improve security and performance.
PoE Budget Planning
Before connecting devices, check the power requirements of each AP or camera. UniFi Controller shows the live PoE usage per port, so you can make sure you are not exceeding the 45W or 60W total budget. If you plan to power many high-draw devices (like U6 Enterprise APs), consider upgrading to a higher-capacity switch such as USW-24-PoE.
Comparison with Similar UniFi Switches
| Feature | USW-Lite-16-PoE | USW-24-PoE | USW-Flex Mini |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ports | 16 (8 PoE+) | 24 (16 PoE+) | 5 (No PoE output) |
| PoE Budget | 45W (60W with PSU upgrade) | 95W | N/A |
| Management | UniFi Controller | UniFi Controller | UniFi Controller |
| Cooling | Fanless | Fanless | Fanless |
| Best For | Small offices, home labs | Larger networks, more APs | Desktop edge connections |
The USW-Lite-16-PoE strikes the right balance between port count, PoE capability, and cost. If you need more PoE budget or more ports, USW-24-PoE might be a better choice. If you just need an unmanaged edge switch, the Flex Mini is cheaper but does not provide PoE output.
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | USW-Lite-16-PoE |
| Part Number | USW-Lite-16-PoE |
| Ports | 16x Gigabit RJ45 (8x PoE+) |
| PoE Standard | 802.3at PoE+ |
| Total PoE Budget | 45W (60W optional with PSU) |
| Switching Capacity | 32 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 23.81 Mpps |
| Management | UniFi Network Controller / UniFi Cloud |
| Mounting | Desktop / Wall-Mount |
| Cooling | Fanless (Silent) |
| Dimensions | 191.7 x 185 x 43.7 mm |
| Weight | ~1.2 kg |
| Power Supply | External PSU (included) |
| Operating Temperature | -15°C to 40°C |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the main difference between USW-Lite-16-PoE and USW-24-PoE?
The USW-24-PoE has 24 ports and a higher PoE budget (95W) compared to the 16-port model with 45W.
2. Can I manage the USW-Lite-16-PoE without a UniFi Controller?
You can use the UniFi Network app for initial setup, but full management requires the controller or a UniFi Cloud Key.
3. How many access points can I power with 45W PoE budget?
Typically up to 4–5 UniFi APs like U6 Lite simultaneously, depending on their power draw.
4. Is this switch Layer 3 capable?
No, it is a Layer 2 managed switch. For L3 routing, you need a USG, UDM, or higher-end USW Pro.
5. Does it have fans?
No, it is completely fanless and silent.
6. Can I mount it on the wall?
Yes, it supports wall mounting with included accessories.
7. Does it support VLANs?
Yes, full VLAN configuration is available via UniFi Controller.
8. Can I power it with UPS?
Yes, it uses a standard external power adapter and can be connected to any UPS.
9. Can I use it outdoors?
No, it is designed for indoor use only.
10. Can I see power consumption per port?
Yes, the UniFi Controller provides per-port statistics including power usage.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti USW-Lite-16-PoE is an ideal solution for users looking for a silent, reliable, and cost-effective PoE switch that is easy to manage. It offers enough ports and power for most small networks, integrates seamlessly with the UniFi ecosystem, and provides the flexibility to expand your network over time. Whether you are powering APs in a small business, setting up IP cameras in a retail shop, or building a robust home lab, this switch is an excellent investment.
Carlos Mendes –
Good switch for small office deployments Quality is reliable Price is attractive for 16 PoE ports Packaging was fine Delivery was slightly late but overall okay Product works as expected Does this model support link aggregation?