Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8XP ES-8XP 8-Port Gigabit Passive PoE Switch

The Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8XP (model ES-8XP) is an 8-port managed Gigabit switch that can also supply power to connected devices over the network cable. It is meant for installations where a single switch carries both data and power to equipment such as wireless access points and similar network gear.

What passive PoE is

Power over Ethernet, or PoE, sends electrical power down the same cable that carries data, so a device needs one cable instead of two. There are two broad kinds. The standards-based kind (IEEE 802.3af and 802.3at) negotiates with the device before sending power. Passive PoE does not negotiate: it simply sends a fixed voltage whenever it is turned on.

That difference matters. Ubiquiti says the EdgeSwitch XP delivers passive PoE to Ubiquiti devices and other devices that support passive PoE. Connecting a device that is not designed for the voltage selected could damage it, which is why Ubiquiti makes PoE something you switch on deliberately.

24V or 48V, chosen in software

The 8XP has 150 watts of power available and can power 24V or 48V devices. The output voltage is selected in software, so one switch can serve gear with different requirements. Ubiquiti says that each port can be configured individually to provide PoE, so PoE and non-PoE devices can share the switch. To power a device, you enable PoE for its port in the EdgeSwitch XP configuration interface.

Because all ports are set deliberately, check the voltage your equipment needs before turning a port on, and keep ports that serve non-PoE devices switched off.

Managed Gigabit switching

All eight ports run at 10/100/1000 Mbps. As a managed switch, it offers a configuration interface where you can set up ports and features, rather than just plugging devices in. Ubiquiti calls the interface easy to use. Managed switches generally allow things like VLANs, port settings and monitoring, though you should check the manufacturer's documentation for the exact feature list of this model.

Build and reliability

Ubiquiti describes the design as clean and industrial, built with robust mechanicals for industrial application use, and says it delivers uptime comparable to carrier-class and enterprise equipment. These are the brand's descriptions. The unit measures about 2 x 4 x 8 inches in the listing's dimensions and weighs 3.7 lb.

Who it suits

It suits small installations that mix Ubiquiti devices and other passive-PoE equipment, such as an office, a workshop, a small property or a wireless network setup, where having one power source for several devices keeps wiring tidy.

What to check before you buy

• PoE type of your devices: confirm they use passive PoE and note the voltage (24V or 48V). Devices that follow IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at are a different system.
• Power capacity: add up the draw of all devices you plan to connect and compare it with the 150W total.
• Port count: eight ports will run out quickly if you add many devices.
• Cabling: use suitable Ethernet cable for the distance and the power load.
• Configuration: be comfortable using a managed switch's interface, and read the manual before enabling PoE.
• Mounting and ventilation: check how the unit is meant to be mounted and kept cool.

The short version

• An 8-port Gigabit managed switch with passive PoE.
• 150 watts of power, software-selectable at 24V or 48V.
• PoE can be turned on or off for each port individually.
• Built for industrial use, according to Ubiquiti.
• Confirm your devices use passive PoE at the voltage you select before connecting them.

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