Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE: The Compact Multi-Gig Powerhouse

Overview: The Ultimate Compact Pro Switch

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE is the pinnacle of compact, professional-grade switching. It consolidates the most advanced features from Ubiquiti’s flagship Max series—including Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, high-power PoE++, and Layer 3 routing—into a dense 24-port, 1U form factor. Designed for environments where space is premium but performance is critical, this switch delivers future-proof connectivity for the most demanding applications, from Wi-Fi 6E/7 access points and high-power access control to creative studios and advanced home labs.

It’s the definitive answer for professionals who need top-tier performance without the physical footprint of a 48-port switch.

Full Technical Specifications: USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE

Key Features and Benefits: Why Choose the Pro-Max 24?

1. Multi-Gigabit Readiness for Next-Gen Wi-Fi

This switch’s eight 2.5GbE RJ45 ports are its standout feature, specifically designed to eliminate network bottlenecks.

• Unleash Wi-Fi 6E/7: Fully support high-end access points like the UniFi U6-Enterprise and future Wi-Fi 7 models that can utilize over 1Gbps of backhaul bandwidth.

• High-Speed Workstations: Provide direct Multi-Gig connectivity to modern computers for fast access to NAS and servers over the 10G SFP+ uplinks.

2. Strategic High-Power PoE++ Distribution

With a robust 400W PoE budget, the switch intelligently allocates high power where it’s needed most. The port configuration is uniquely powerful:

• Sixteen PoE++ Ports (8x 2.5G, 8x GbE): These 16 ports deliver up to 60W (802.3bt) each, making them perfect for:

  • UniFi Access HD Pro and smart locks

  • UniBI LED Luminaires

  • High-wattage PTZ cameras with heaters and blowers

  • Industrial and digital signage equipment

• Eight PoE+ Ports (GbE): Reliably power all standard devices like U6+ access points, VoIP phones, and standard cameras.

3. Advanced Layer 3 Routing & Security

As a true Layer 3 switch, it offloads complex routing tasks from your security gateway, drastically improving network efficiency and enabling advanced configurations.

• Inter-VLAN Routing: Route traffic between VLANs at wire speed directly on the switch, reducing latency and load on your UDM Pro/SE.

• Policy-Based Routing (PBR): Implement sophisticated traffic steering policies based on source, destination, or protocol for optimized network performance.

• Comprehensive Security: Features like Access Control Lists (ACLs), MAC filtering, and deep traffic monitoring protect your network.

4. Enterprise Reliability and Etherlighting

• Dual, Hot-Swappable Power Supplies: Guarantees maximum uptime. If one PSU fails, the secondary takes over instantly, and both can be connected to separate UPS units.

• Etherlighting: This innovative feature allows you to customize the LED color and behavior for each port directly from the UniFi Controller. Instantly identify port status (Speed, PoE, Activity) for effortless troubleshooting and management.

• Refined Thermal Design: Efficient and quiet cooling makes it suitable for any environment, from quiet offices to equipment closets.

5. Seamless UniFi Ecosystem Integration

Managed through the intuitive UniFi Network Controller, this switch offers a single-pane-of-glass view for your entire network.

• Zero-touch adoption into an existing UniFi system.

• Real-time monitoring of per-port power, bandwidth, and errors.

• Configure complex networks with an intuitive, unified interface.

Who Is The USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE For?

This switch is designed for professionals who need maximum power and future-proofing in a compact form factor.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Medium-Sized Businesses & Offices: As a core switch for a floor or department with high-density, high-performance Wi-Fi and security needs.

• Creative Agencies & Post-Production Suites: To handle large file transfers and power multiple 2.5G workstations and next-gen Wi-Fi APs.

• Advanced Smart Homes & Home Labs: For prosumers who demand the best for their connected home, with extensive cameras, access control, and high-speed networking.

• Retail & Hospitality: Managing POS systems, access points, cameras, and digital signage with a robust and scalable backbone.

• Branch Offices & Server Rooms: Where rack space is limited, but feature requirements are high.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does this differ from the USW-Pro-24-PoE?
A: The Pro-Max version replaces 8 of the standard GbE ports with 2.5GbE Multi-Gig ports, all of which are PoE++. It also adds the innovative Etherlighting feature and enhanced Layer 3 capabilities like Policy-Based Routing, making it a significant generational upgrade.

Q: Can I power a Wi-Fi 7 access point with this switch?
A: Absolutely. Future Wi-Fi 7 APs will require 2.5GbE+ uplinks and may draw more power. The Pro-Max’s 2.5GbE PoE++ ports are specifically designed to meet these demands.

Q: What is the real advantage of Etherlighting?
A: Etherlighting transforms physical switch management. You can color-code ports by function (e.g., red for cameras, blue for APs, green for uplinks) or set them to show PoE status, making cable tracing and troubleshooting instantaneous.

Q: Is the 400W budget sufficient for all the PoE++ ports?
A: The 400W is a shared pool. You cannot max out all 16 PoE++ ports at 60W simultaneously (which would require 960W). The switch intelligently manages power allocation, providing it on-demand. 400W is ample for a typical mixed deployment of high-power and standard devices.

Q: Are the SFP+ ports compatible with 1G SFP modules?
A: Yes, the 10G SFP+ ports are backward compatible with standard 1G SFP modules, providing flexibility for various uplink scenarios.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE is more than just an evolution; it’s the ultimate expression of what a compact professional switch can be. By masterfully combining critical Multi-Gig connectivity, a strategically powerful PoE configuration, advanced Layer 3 features, and the game-changing Etherlighting system, it sets a new standard for the 24-port category. For any growing business or advanced user who needs to build a powerful, resilient, and future-proof network foundation, the USW-Pro-Max-24-PoE is the undisputed choice.