Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Ultra

The UniFi Switch Ultra (USW-Ultra) is a compact Layer 2 managed switch designed for flexible edge deployments where space, power options, and mounting versatility are critical. The switch features 8 Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports, including 7 PoE+ output ports for powering connected devices and 1 PoE++ input port that allows the switch itself to be powered over Ethernet. This design enables clean, cable-efficient installations without the need for a local power outlet. The switch supports PoE+ output with up to 30 W per port, making it suitable for powering UniFi access points, IP cameras, VoIP phones, and other PoE-enabled devices. Total PoE availability depends on the power source, ranging from 16 W with PoE+ input to 202 W when powered by a 210 W AC adapter, providing flexibility for different deployment scenarios.

With its compact desktop form factor, the USW-Ultra can be installed on a desk, mounted on a wall, or attached using the integrated magnetic mounting option, making it ideal for offices, retail spaces, classrooms, and temporary installations. The polycarbonate enclosure keeps the device lightweight at just 320 g, while maintaining durability for continuous operation. This highly adaptable design allows the UniFi Switch Ultra to function as a discreet access-layer switch in locations where traditional rack-mounted equipment is impractical. Its ability to accept power via PoE++ or external adapters makes it especially well suited for distributed networks, remote edge locations, and rapid deployments.

Despite its small size, the UniFi Switch Ultra delivers reliable performance for modern Gigabit networks. It offers a switching capacity of 16 Gbps and a total non-blocking throughput of 8 Gbps, allowing all ports to operate simultaneously at full speed without internal bottlenecks. The switch processes traffic at a forwarding rate of up to 12 million packets per second, ensuring smooth handling of real-time applications such as voice, video, and surveillance streams. Support for up to 256 VLANs enables logical network segmentation, improving security and traffic management in multi-device environments. A MAC address table supporting 4,000 entries allows stable operation even as the number of connected endpoints grows.

Advanced Layer 2 features help maintain network stability and control traffic behavior. These include STP and RSTP for loop prevention, loop protection, and port isolation to limit communication between devices when required. Traffic management tools such as egress rate limiting, flow control, storm control, and broadcast and multicast rate limiting help prevent congestion caused by misconfigured or malfunctioning devices. Port mirroring simplifies troubleshooting and traffic analysis, while jumbo frame support improves efficiency for data-intensive workloads. Together, these capabilities make the UniFi Switch Ultra a dependable access-layer switch that delivers enterprise-grade Layer 2 performance in a compact form factor.

The UniFi Switch Ultra is designed around flexible power and simplified management. It can be powered either via PoE++ input or through an external AC/DC adapter (sold separately), using a supported voltage range of 50–57 V DC or PoE. Power consumption remains efficient, with 8–9 W typical usage excluding PoE output, depending on the power source. When paired with higher-capacity adapters, the switch can deliver substantial PoE power to connected devices, with a maximum system consumption of up to 210 W including PoE output when using a 210 W AC adapter. Heat output remains low at just 15 BTU/hr (excluding PoE), allowing passive cooling and silent operation without fans.

Management is handled through the UniFi Network application (version 8.0.28 or later), providing centralized configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates via Ethernet. Administrators can easily manage VLANs, port behavior, traffic limits, and security settings from a single interface alongside other UniFi devices. The switch meets NDAA compliance requirements and carries CE, FCC, IC, and Anatel certifications, confirming suitability for professional and regulated environments. This combination of flexible power input, low energy consumption, and centralized UniFi management makes the USW-Ultra an excellent choice for scalable, modern edge networks.