Ubiquiti has recently launched the new USW-Ultra switch, a cost effective, flexible PoE switch with multiple mounting and power options. The USW-Ultra has three different SKUs with the only difference being what power supply it comes with. This also sets the power method in the software to ensure everything works as intended. The USW-Ultra lineup consists of the 42W model at $129 (no PSU included), the 60W model and the 120W model priced at $159 and $229 respectively.
Hardware
The model I picked up was the 60W unit, which came with the switch, the power supply, power cable, a paper template with built in level and a mount. The USW-Flex is very compact and also pretty light, at just 320 g (11.3 oz). On the front there are seven 1GbE Ethernet ports, all of which are capable of delivering up to 802.3at (PoE+) per port.
On the back is a 802.3bt (PoE++) input port, but you can also power it with PoE+ if you wish, but bear in mind you'll get less PoE budget if you do so. Ubiquiti has helpfully supplied this little table which breaks down how much PoE budget you can expect based on how you power the switch.
PoE++ input: 42W
PoE+ input: 16W
60W PoE adapter input: 42W
60W AC adapter input: 52W
210W AC adapter input: 202W
One thing to consider is which model you purchase, as Ubiquiti doesn't currently sell the power supplies separately. Although they are 54V 1.1A for the 60W and 54V 3.9A for the 210W. One neat solution would be the EP-54V-72W, which lets you also have a battery backup if this is important to you and it'll power the USW-Ultra just fine, same as the 60W PSU.
Adopting to HostiFi
The adoption process is a little different to most UniFi devices. Just like the USW-Flex, the USW-Ultra lacks a usable SSH interface so the adoption process can be a little complicated. If you are using HostiFi and a USG or UXG then any devices connected will show up in the controller automatically.
Otherwise, we have developed the new HostiFi Device Discovery Tool to help you adopt any UniFi devices to external controllers, but also for devices like the Flex Mini and Ultra switch where the adoption process is a little less conventional.
Software
When the USW-Ultra first debuted, it lacked the ability to use custom port profiles and even VLAN tagging. However, Ubiquiti has since addressed this in a recent firmware update, 1.1.11 which you can find here.
Other than this, the Switch Ultra is pretty similar to any other UniFi switch.
Video
HostiFi
HostiFi provides hosting for both Ubiquiti and TP-Link software-defined-networking (SDN) applications, with servers for UniFi, UISP and Omada. We also offer professional networking consulting, with HostiFi Pro.
