Ubiquiti UniFi USW-24-POE 24-Port PoE Switch: features, specs and who it suits

The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-24-POE is a 24-port Ethernet switch that can supply power to connected devices over the network cable. It is part of Ubiquiti's UniFi range and is built for small offices, home labs and similar setups where access points, cameras and phones need both data and power. It can be rackmounted or placed on a desk.

Ports and fibre uplinks

The listing describes 24 RJ45 ports and two SFP ports. The RJ45 ports take ordinary Ethernet cables for computers, access points and cameras. SFP ports accept small modules or direct-attach cables, and are used for gigabit fibre connections, for example a link to another switch in a different room or building where copper would be impractical. The listing's wording also references the 16-port USW-16-POE sibling, which has 16 RJ45 ports with 2 SFP ports.

Auto-sensing PoE

Ubiquiti lists auto-sensing IEEE 802.3af/at PoE. The switch detects whether a connected device is PoE-capable and supplies power only if it is, so non-PoE devices connect normally. 802.3af is the standard PoE level, and 802.3at (PoE+) supports devices that draw more power. The total PoE power is limited, so the listing's wattage details and the manual are worth checking if many power-hungry devices will be attached.

Fanless and silent

The switch uses fanless thermal cooling, which Ubiquiti describes as silent. That suits a living space, a home office or a quiet room, where a fan-cooled switch might be noticeable. Without fans, ventilation matters, so leave airflow around it as the manual advises.

Size and mounting

It measures about 17.4 x 7.9 x 1.7 inches (44 x 20 x 4.3 cm) and weighs 6.6 lb (3 kg). The 17.4-inch width matches a standard 19-inch rack. Ubiquiti says it can be rackmounted in a SOHO rack cabinet or placed on a desktop.

Managed through UniFi

Switches in this range are typically set up and monitored through UniFi's network software, alongside UniFi access points and gateways. This makes it possible to manage VLANs and per-port settings centrally. The listing here is brief, so check Ubiquiti's documentation for the full feature set.

Who it suits

It suits a small business, a larger home or a home lab with many wired devices, and especially someone already using UniFi gear. It is less obvious for a user who only needs a handful of ports.

What to check before you buy

• PoE power: total up the power of all PoE devices and compare it with what the switch can supply.
• Management software: confirm you can run the UniFi controller or software it needs.
• Mounting: check whether you have a rack or shelf, and whether the mounting parts are included.
• Fibre: if you want to use the SFP ports, check which modules or cables you need.
• Port speed: confirm your devices match the port speeds listed by Ubiquiti.
• Airflow: leave clearance for passive cooling.

The short version

• A 24-port RJ45 managed UniFi switch with two SFP ports.
• Auto-sensing 802.3af/at PoE.
• Fanless, silent thermal cooling.
• Fits a 19-inch rack or sits on a desktop.
• About 17.4 x 7.9 x 1.7 inches and 6.6 lb.

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