Ubiquiti UniFi US-8-150W Managed PoE Switch: features and who it suits

The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch US-8-150W is a managed Gigabit Ethernet switch with Power over Ethernet. The "8" in its name refers to its eight ports and "150W" to the total power it can supply to powered devices. It is made for small networks that use other UniFi gear, such as access points and cameras. Here is what the listed features mean and what to confirm first.

What a managed switch does

An unmanaged switch simply passes traffic between devices. A managed switch lets you configure how that traffic moves: separating networks, controlling access and monitoring ports. The UniFi Switch integrates with the UniFi Controller software, so you can manage it together with your other UniFi devices from one place instead of logging in to each unit.

Gigabit ports and Power over Ethernet

The switch is listed as Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), so each copper port can run at up to 1 Gbps, falling back to slower speeds for older devices. Power over Ethernet sends electricity down the network cable, so devices such as wireless access points, IP cameras and VoIP phones need only one cable and no nearby power outlet. The "150W" in the name refers to the total power the switch can supply to such devices. Check Ubiquiti's specification sheet for which ports provide PoE and which PoE standards they support, since not every port or every standard is the same.

Fibre uplinks for expansion

The listing mentions fibre connectivity options for easy expansion. Fibre uplinks typically connect a switch to another switch across longer distances or at higher capacity than copper allows. Look at the specification sheet for the number and type of fibre ports and the modules they accept.

VLANs, 802.1X and other controls

Ubiquiti lists several management features:

• 802.1X authentication: devices must authenticate before gaining network access.
• Dynamic and static VLAN tagging: split one physical network into separate virtual networks, for example for guests, cameras and office devices.
• Port isolation: stops ports communicating directly with each other.
• Storm control: limits runaway broadcast traffic.
• Guest control: manages visitor access.

What is in the box

The listed contents are the switch, a power cord, two rack-mount brackets, eight M4 bracket screws, four #10-32 x 5/8" mounting screws, four cage nuts and a quick start guide. The brackets let you mount it in a standard rack, though it can also sit on a shelf. The listing gives its size as 1.7 x 9.3 x 8.0 inches and its weight as 3.7 lb.

Who it suits

It suits homes and small offices that build a network around UniFi access points and cameras, want centralised management and need several PoE ports. It also suits people learning about VLANs and network segmentation in a small, manageable setting.

What to check before you buy

• PoE needs: add up the power of the devices you plan to connect and compare it to the 150W total.
• PoE standard: confirm the ports match the standard your devices use.
• Controller: you will need UniFi Controller software, running on a computer or a dedicated device, so check the current setup steps with Ubiquiti.
• Fibre: check which fibre modules and cables you would need.
• Port count: eight ports fill up quickly once you add a few cameras and access points.
• Mounting and noise: leave airflow around it, and check the manual for placement.

The short version

• An 8-port managed Gigabit PoE switch with 150W of total power for powered devices.
• Managed through the UniFi Controller alongside other UniFi devices.
• 802.1X, VLAN tagging, port isolation, storm control and guest control.
• Fibre connectivity options for expansion.
• Rack-mount brackets, screws, cage nuts and a power cord are included.

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