Ubiquiti UniFi US-16-150W 16-Port PoE Switch: features, specs, who it suits

The Ubiquiti UniFi US-16-150W is a managed Ethernet switch with 16 ports, built to power and connect devices such as access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones over a single cable. It is part of the UniFi range, where switches, access points and gateways are managed together from one controller. The "150W" in the name refers to its maximum power consumption, which includes the power it can supply over Ethernet.

What the 16 ports and PoE do

Ubiquiti lists 16 ports with auto-sensing IEEE 802.3af/at PoE. That means the switch detects whether a connected device needs power and supplies it, so PoE access points or cameras need no separate power adapter near the device. The 150W figure is the maximum power consumption, and the PoE power is shared across all ports. Devices that draw more at once than the switch can supply will not all be powered, so it helps to add up what you plan to connect.

Forwarding capacity and uplinks

The listing gives a switching capacity of 36 Gbps and says the switch can process traffic on all ports at line rate without packet loss. Two SFP ports are provided for uplinks of up to 1 Gbps, typically used for fibre links to another switch or a different part of a building. (The listing also mentions 10 Gbps SFP+ ports on 48-port models; those do not apply to this 16-port switch.)

Per-port settings

Each port can be configured individually: port name, PoE, network and VLAN configuration, and operation mode (switching, mirroring or aggregate). It also lists 802.1X authentication and RADIUS VLAN support. VLANs let you separate traffic, for example keeping cameras or guest devices apart from a main network, and 802.1X controls which devices may join.

Size, noise and cooling

The switch measures 17.44 x 8.70 x 1.69 inches (about 44 x 22 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 6.37 lb (about 2.9 kg). The width matches a standard 19-inch rack, though it can also sit on a shelf. It has up to three fan levels, and Ubiquiti gives a noise level of 27.5 dB. It runs from 100-240VAC at 50-60 Hz and is rated for an operating temperature of 23 to 104°F (-5 to 40°C).

Who it suits

It suits small offices, home labs and larger homes that want a managed network built around UniFi equipment, particularly where several PoE devices are needed. It is less of a match for someone who only needs a few unmanaged ports with no configuration.

What to check before you buy

• PoE power: add up the power draw of every PoE device you plan to connect and compare it with what the switch can supply.
• Controller: this switch is designed to be managed through UniFi software, so check you have or can run a controller.
• Mounting: confirm you have a rack, shelf or suitable wall-mounting arrangement, and whether rack ears are included.
• Uplinks: check which SFP modules or cables you would need for fibre links.
• Fan noise: consider where it will sit, since fan-cooled switches make some sound.
• Port speed: confirm the ports meet the speed your devices need.

The short version

• A managed 16-port UniFi switch with auto-sensing 802.3af/at PoE.
• 150W maximum power consumption and 36 Gbps switching capacity.
• Two SFP ports for uplinks of up to 1 Gbps.
• Per-port VLAN, mirroring, aggregation, 802.1X and RADIUS VLAN options.
• Rack-width design with a three-level fan, rated at 27.5 dB.

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