UniFi Switch Aggregation (USW-Aggregation) – The Ultimate Network Backbone

Overview: The High-Speed Heart of Your Network

The UniFi Switch Aggregation (USW-Aggregation) is a non-PoE, Layer 3 switch designed from the ground up to be the high-capacity backbone of a modern network. It moves beyond access-layer connectivity to focus purely on speed, acting as a central aggregation point for all your 10G and multi-gigabit devices. With eight 10G SFP+ ports and a groundbreaking 100G QSFP28 uplink, this switch eliminates bottlenecks between your servers, storage, and high-performance access switches, making it the definitive core for prosumers, creative studios, and businesses building a future-proof infrastructure.

Full Technical Specifications: UniFi Switch Aggregation

Key Features and Benefits: The Aggregation Advantage

1. Unmatched 10G Density for the Price

The core of this switch is its eight 10G SFP+ ports, offering an incredible value for high-speed connectivity.

• Aggregate Access Switches: Connect multiple UniFi Pro, Max, or Enterprise switches (each via a 10G SFP+ uplink) to a central point.

• High-Speed Server & NAS Links: Provide direct 10G connections to your servers, workstations, and Network Attached Storage (NAS) devices.

• Future-Proof Backbone: Create a robust foundation that can handle the increasing bandwidth from Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, and multi-gigabit access layers.

2. Groundbreaking 100G Uplink Capability

The single 100G QSFP28 port is the switch’s secret weapon, providing immense headroom for future expansion and high-density scenarios.

• Massive Uplink Potential: Connect to a future 100G-capable core router or another aggregation switch with a single cable, simplifying cabling and maximizing throughput.

• Breakout Flexibility: Can be split (via a breakout cable) into:

  • 4x 25G SFP28 connections

  • 2x 50G QSFP56 connections

  • This allows you to connect to 25G servers or aggregate 25G links from other switches, future-proofing your investment.

3. Advanced Layer 3 Routing Performance

As a Layer 3 switch, the USW-Aggregation is built to handle routing at multi-gigabit speeds, which is crucial for a network core.

• High-Speed Inter-VLAN Routing: Route traffic between your different subnets (e.g., Main, Guest, IoT, Servers) directly at the switch, offloading this demanding task from your security gateway (like a UDM Pro/SE) and drastically reducing inter-VLAN latency.

• Static Routing: Implement efficient, custom paths for network traffic, essential for complex network layouts.

4. Enterprise-Grade Reliability

• Dual, Redundant Power Supplies: Ensures maximum uptime for your critical network backbone. In case of a PSU failure, the secondary unit takes over seamlessly.

• Rack-Mount Design: A standard 1U form factor for clean integration into any server rack.

• Robust Cooling: A high-performance cooling system maintains optimal temperatures under sustained high load.

5. Seamless UniFi Ecosystem Integration

Managed through the intuitive UniFi Network Controller, the Aggregation switch provides a single-pane-of-glass view alongside your other UniFi devices.

• Adopt and configure the switch in seconds within your existing UniFi environment.

• Monitor real-time bandwidth utilization, port status, and error rates on every SFP+ link.

• Manage all your switching, routing, and wireless policies from one centralized interface.

Who Is The Switch Aggregation For?

This switch is designed to be the central nervous system for networks that have outgrown a single 10G link.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Prosumers & Elite Home Labs: As the core switch connecting a UDM Pro/SE, a multi-gig NAS, and several 10G-equipped access switches.

• Creative Studios & Post-Production Houses: To form a high-speed backbone for video editing workstations, rendering farms, and shared storage servers.

• Medium Businesses & Tech Startups: As a cost-effective aggregation layer for a growing office, connecting multiple floors or departments with 10G uplinks.

• Universities & Research Labs: For aggregating traffic from high-density wireless networks and providing fast access to computational resources.

• Any Network with Multiple UniFi Pro/Max/Enterprise Switches: To eliminate the 1G/2.5G bottleneck and create a truly high-speed internal network.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does this switch have any RJ45 ports?
A: No. The USW-Aggregation is a pure fiber/DAX switch, with eight 10G SFP+ ports and one 100G QSFP28 port. For 10GBASE-T (copper/RJ45) connections, you would need to use a 10G SFP+ to RJ45 transceiver.

Q: What is the difference between this and the USW-Pro-Aggregation?
A: The USW-Pro-Aggregation is the newer, more powerful model. It replaces the 100G QSFP28 port with a more versatile 25G/100G QSFP28 port and adds eight 10G SFP+ ports that can also operate at 2.5Gbps, making it compatible with a wider range of devices. The Pro version offers greater flexibility.

Q: Can I use it with my 1G SFP modules?
A: Yes. The 10G SFP+ ports are backward compatible with standard 1G SFP modules, providing connectivity flexibility for older equipment or longer-distance fiber runs.

Q: What is the main purpose of the 100G port?
A: Its primary purpose is as a massive uplink to your main router (when it supports 100G) or to another aggregation switch, creating an incredibly high-bandwidth backbone. Its breakout capability for 25G connections is its most practical near-term use.

Q: Is it difficult to configure the Layer 3 features?
A: For basic Inter-VLAN routing, the UniFi Controller provides a guided setup. For more advanced static routing, it requires a solid understanding of networking concepts, but the interface is consistent with the rest of the UniFi ecosystem.

Conclusion

The UniFi Switch Aggregation (USW-Aggregation) is a specialized tool that solves a critical problem: the need for affordable, high-density 10G aggregation. It is the cornerstone for building a scalable, high-performance network that can grow with your demands. By providing a robust foundation of eight 10G ports and a forward-looking 100G uplink, it ensures that your network’s core will never be the bottleneck. For anyone serious about building a fast, modern, and professional network, the Switch Aggregation isn’t just an option—it’s an essential component.