The Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE is a powerhouse switch designed for businesses, IT administrators, and network enthusiasts who need enterprise-grade switching in a compact form factor. It is an 8-port Gigabit Layer 3 managed switch with 802.3at PoE+ support and dual 10G SFP+ uplink ports, making it ideal for powering and connecting access points, VoIP phones, security cameras, and other PoE devices.
Unlike traditional unmanaged switches, the USW-PRO-8-POE integrates seamlessly with the UniFi Network Controller, offering a single-pane-of-glass management experience. From VLAN configuration and traffic monitoring to firmware upgrades and alert notifications, every aspect of this Ubiquiti switch can be controlled from a sleek, cloud-enabled interface.
Comprehensive Overview of Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE
The USW-PRO-8-POE combines enterprise-class performance with a small desktop-friendly size. It delivers a total PoE power budget of 120W across eight Gigabit RJ45 ports, which is more than enough for most small to mid-sized UniFi deployments. Its silent, fanless design ensures it runs quietly even in office or home environments.
One of the highlights of this model is its Layer 3 capabilities, allowing for inter-VLAN routing, static routes, and DHCP services. This is a big step up from basic Layer 2 switches, as it can handle routing tasks without needing a dedicated router in certain scenarios. The two 10G SFP+ uplinks provide blazing fast connectivity to core switches or network storage devices, future-proofing your infrastructure for multi-gig traffic.
Additionally, the switch features a bright 1.3″ LCM touchscreen display on the front panel that shows key metrics such as port status, throughput, and error counts in real time. This makes troubleshooting faster and more convenient compared to blindly guessing which port might be misbehaving.
Applications of Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE
The Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE is perfect for:
- Small Business Networks: Powering UniFi APs, VoIP phones, and security cameras without extra PoE injectors.
- Branch Offices: Providing routing and PoE switching in a single, compact device.
- Home Labs & Smart Homes: Supporting IoT devices, servers, and access points with professional-grade features.
- Video Surveillance Systems: Supplying PoE power to multiple cameras while maintaining high bandwidth backhaul over SFP+.
- Network Expansion Projects: Offering a cost-effective way to add PoE+ ports and 10G uplinks without replacing existing core switches.
Port and Power Details
The Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE comes with 8x Gigabit Ethernet ports with auto-sensing PoE+/PoE support, capable of delivering up to 30W per port, perfect for powering UniFi WiFi 6/6E access points like the U6-Enterprise or U7 series.
For uplinks, it provides 2x 10G SFP+ ports that allow high-speed fiber or DAC connections to your aggregation switch or core router. The switch delivers a total switching capacity of 20 Gbps and a forwarding rate of 14.88 Mpps, ensuring non-blocking performance even under heavy traffic loads.
Simplify Network Power with PoE+
One of the biggest advantages of the Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE is its ability to consolidate power and data over a single cable. Instead of running separate power lines for your access points and cameras, you can power them directly from this switch. This reduces clutter, saves money on power adapters, and makes your rack or wall-mount installation much cleaner.
Use SFP+ Uplinks for Future Scalability
If you plan to expand your network in the future, use the 10G SFP+ uplinks right away. Connect your USW-PRO-8-POE to a UniFi aggregation switch or NAS with fiber or DAC cables. This ensures you won’t hit a bandwidth bottleneck as you add more PoE devices or high-traffic servers to your network.
Comparison with Similar UniFi Switches
| Feature | USW-PRO-8-POE | USW-Lite-8-PoE | USW-Enterprise-8-PoE | USW-Flex-Mini |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PoE Budget | 120W (802.3at PoE+) | 52W (802.3af) | 240W (802.3at PoE+) | None |
| Uplink Ports | 2x 10G SFP+ | None | 2x 10G SFP+ | None |
| Layer 3 Capabilities | Yes | No | Yes (Advanced L3) | No |
| Touchscreen LCM | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Switching Capacity | 20 Gbps | 16 Gbps | 40 Gbps | 10 Gbps |
| Best Use Case | SMB, branch offices | Small setups | Enterprise environments | Edge connectivity |
The USW-PRO-8-POE hits the sweet spot between affordability and advanced functionality. It’s a clear upgrade from the Lite series and an entry-level version of the Enterprise series, making it ideal for ITMan customers who need a reliable mid-tier PoE switch.
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model Number | Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE |
| Total Ports | 8x Gigabit RJ45 (PoE+/PoE), 2x 10G SFP+ |
| PoE Standard | 802.3af/at PoE+ |
| PoE Budget | 120W |
| Switching Capacity | 20 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 14.88 Mpps |
| Layer | Managed Layer 3 |
| Power Method | Internal PSU |
| Max Power Consumption | 130W |
| Mounting | Rack-mount or desktop |
| Operating Temperature | -5°C to 40°C |
| Management | UniFi Network Controller, UniFi Cloud |
| Display | 1.3” Touchscreen LCM |
| Dimensions | 204 x 204 x 43 mm |
| Weight | 1.2 kg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum PoE power per port on the Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE?
Each port can supply up to 30W using the 802.3at PoE+ standard.
2. Can the USW-PRO-8-POE do Layer 3 routing?
Yes, it supports static routes and inter-VLAN routing, reducing dependency on a separate router for basic L3 tasks.
3. Does this switch require a fan for cooling?
No, it is fanless and completely silent, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments.
4. Can I manage the USW-PRO-8-POE remotely?
Yes, using the UniFi Network Controller or UniFi Cloud portal, you can monitor and configure the switch from anywhere.
5. Is it compatible with third-party SFP+ modules?
Yes, most third-party SFP+ modules work, but Ubiquiti recommends using UniFi branded modules for guaranteed compatibility.
6. How many UniFi access points can it power?
With a 120W PoE budget, you can power up to 8 UniFi APs (depending on their individual power draw).
7. Can it be wall-mounted?
Yes, it comes with mounting options for desktop, wall, or rack installation.
8. Does it support redundant power?
Yes, it has an RPS (Redundant Power System) port for backup power using the UniFi SmartPower RPS.
9. Can I use it for a home lab?
Absolutely, it’s perfect for labs that need PoE+ for APs, cameras, and high-speed uplinks.
10. What makes it different from the USW-Lite-8-PoE?
The PRO model adds Layer 3 routing, a touchscreen display, more PoE budget, and 10G SFP+ uplinks, making it much more future-proof.
Conclusion
The Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE is the perfect choice for businesses and power users looking for an advanced, compact, and quiet PoE switch with 10G uplinks. With its Layer 3 capabilities, 120W PoE budget, and UniFi Cloud integration, it simplifies network deployment while offering enterprise-grade reliability.
At ITMan, we proudly offer the Ubiquiti USW-PRO-8-POE to help you build scalable, future-proof networks. Whether you’re upgrading your office infrastructure, expanding a surveillance network, or powering a set of Wi-Fi 6 access points, this switch delivers the performance you need.
Michael Chen –
High quality switching hardware with reliable PoE output Pricing is premium but justified Packaging protected the unit well Delivery was handled professionally Overall installation was straightforward and management UI is intuitive Any tips for firmware updates?
Priya Sharma –
Excellent PoE performance Stable management features and secure build The price matched expectations for a pro class switch Packaging was neat and all accessories were included Delivery was smooth and on time Overall very satisfied with the purchase and support Would purchase again