Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE: The Ultimate Multi-Gig PoE++ Switch

Overview: The Next Generation of Pro Switching

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE is the flagship managed switch in the UniFi lineup, representing the absolute peak of performance, power, and connectivity for professional and enterprise networks. It builds upon the foundation of the Pro series by introducing Multi-Gigabit (2.5GbE) Ethernet on a massive scale, a colossal 720W PoE budget, and innovative features like Etherlighting. This switch is engineered for environments where cutting-edge Wi-Fi, high-bandwidth devices, and relentless uptime are non-negotiable.

It is the definitive solution for powering and connecting Wi-Fi 6E/7 access points, high-performance workstations, and a dense array of PoE++ devices without compromise.

Full Technical Specifications: USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE

Key Features and Benefits: Why It’s a “Max” Switch

1. Multi-Gigabit Ethernet for Future-Proofing

This is the switch’s headline feature. With sixteen 2.5GbE ports, it perfectly addresses the bandwidth needs of modern devices.

• Wi-Fi 6E/7 Access Points: Unleash the full potential of high-end UniFi U6-Enterprise and future Wi-Fi 7 APs that can utilize over 1Gbps of uplink bandwidth.

• High-Speed Workstations: Directly connect computers with 2.5GbE NICs for fast file transfers to NAS systems over the 10G SFP+ links.

2. Unprecedented PoE Power and Flexibility

A massive 720W total PoE budget ensures you can power anything, everywhere. The strategic distribution of PoE++ is critical:

• 16x PoE++ Ports (8x 2.5G, 8x GbE): Deliver up to 60W (802.3bt) per port. Ideal for:

  • UniFi Access HD Hubs and Smart Locks

  • UniFi LED Lights

  • High-power PTZ cameras

  • Industrial equipment

• 32x PoE+ Ports (8x 2.5G, 24x GbE): Reliably power all standard PoE devices like U6+ access points, VoIP phones, and standard cameras.

3. Advanced L3 Management and Security

As a true Layer 3 switch, it offloads complex routing tasks from your UniFi Dream Machine or USG, drastically improving network efficiency.

• Inter-VLAN Routing: Route traffic between VLANs at wire speed directly on the switch.

• Policy-Based Routing (PBR): Implement advanced traffic steering based on source, destination, or protocol.

• Enhanced Security: Comprehensive ACLs, MAC filtering, and deep traffic monitoring capabilities.

4. Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Design

• Dual, Hot-Swappable Power Supplies: Guarantees maximum uptime. If one PSU fails, the other instantly takes over.

• Etherlighting: A unique visual feature where each port’s LED can be customized to show status (Speed, PoE, Activity, etc.), making at-a-glance port identification and troubleshooting incredibly easy.

• Robust Cooling: A refined thermal management system ensures quiet yet effective cooling, suitable for office and server room environments.

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 draw, bandwidth, and errors.

• Configure complex networks with an intuitive GUI.

Who Is The USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE For?

This switch is designed for the most demanding networking scenarios where performance and power cannot be compromised.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Enterprises & Large Offices: As a core distribution switch for a floor or entire building with high-density, high-performance Wi-Fi.

• Creative Studios & Post-Production Houses: To handle large file transfers and power multiple 2.5G workstations and Wi-Fi 6E/7 APs.

• Advanced Smart Buildings: Integrating high-power access control, lighting, and surveillance with high-bandwidth uplinks.

• Universities & Labs: For lecture halls and research facilities requiring dense Multi-Gig connectivity.

• Prosumers & Elite Home Labs: For users who demand the absolute best for their smart home and homelab, future-proofing for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the main difference between the USW-Pro-48-PoE and the Pro-Max version?
A: The Pro-Max adds sixteen 2.5GbE Multi-Gig ports, increases the PoE budget from 600W to 720W, and introduces the Etherlighting feature. It’s a significant generational upgrade focused on Multi-Gig readiness.

Q: What is Etherlighting?
A: Etherlighting allows you to customize the LED color and behavior for each port directly from the UniFi Controller. You can set them to display port speed, PoE status, or custom labels, making physical identification instant.

Q: Can I power a Wi-Fi 7 access point with this switch?
A: Absolutely. Future Wi-Fi 7 APs will likely require 2.5GbE+ uplinks and may use more power. The Pro-Max’s 2.5GbE PoE++ ports are perfectly suited for this next generation of wireless technology.

Q: Does it automatically negotiate between 1G and 2.5G speeds?
A: Yes, the 2.5GbE RJ45 ports are multi-gigabit, meaning they auto-negotiate to 10M/100M/1G/2.5G speeds, providing full compatibility with all existing devices.

Q: Is the 720W PoE budget enough for all 48 ports?
A: The budget is a total pool. While you could theoretically max out every port, the switch’s internal logic and per-port limits (PoE++ = 60W max, PoE+ = 30W max) will manage the distribution. 720W is more than enough for a fully loaded switch with a typical mix of devices.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-Max-48-PoE is not just an incremental update; it’s a strategic leap forward. It is the most powerful and forward-thinking switch Ubiquiti has ever produced for the UniFi ecosystem. By combining massive Multi-Gig connectivity, an immense 720W PoE budget, advanced Layer 3 features, and innovative touches like Etherlighting, it establishes a new benchmark for what a professional network switch can be. If you are building a network designed for the next five to ten years, the Pro-Max is the unequivocal choice