UniFi USW-Pro-8-PoE: The Ultimate Compact Pro Switch with PoE++

Overview: Maximum Power, Minimal Footprint

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-8-PoE (USW-Pro-8-PoE) is a compact, fully managed Layer 3 switch that punches far above its weight. Designed for deployment where space is limited but performance and power are critical, it consolidates an impressive feature set into a small desktop form factor. With a strategic mix of high-power PoE++ and PoE+ ports, coupled with high-speed 10G SFP+ uplinks, this switch is the ideal core for a powerful small office, a sophisticated home lab, or a network closet, capable of driving the most demanding UniFi ecosystem devices.

Full Technical Specifications: USW-Pro-8-PoE

Key Features and Benefits: The “Pro” Advantage in a Compact Design

1. Strategic High-Power PoE Distribution

The switch’s port configuration is intelligently designed to handle a mix of standard and high-wattage devices.

• Two PoE++ Ports (802.3bt): These are the powerhouse ports, delivering up to 60W each. They are essential for powering:

  • UniFi Access HD Pro hubs and smart locks

  • UniFi LED Luminaires

  • High-performance PTZ cameras with heaters and blowers

  • Other industrial 802.3bt equipment

• Six PoE+ Ports (802.3at): Reliably power all standard devices, including:

  • Wi-Fi 6/6E Access Points (U6-Pro, U6-Enterprise)

  • IP cameras

  • VoIP phones

  • IoT devices

2. High-Speed 10G SFP+ Uplinks for Zero Bottlenecks

The inclusion of two 10G SFP+ ports is a game-changer for a switch of this size, preventing it from ever becoming a network bottleneck.

• Future-Proof Uplinks: Connect at 10G to a UniFi Dream Machine Pro/SE, a core switch, or a NAS, ensuring plenty of bandwidth for all connected devices.

• Link Aggregation: Bond both SFP+ ports for a resilient, 20Gbps connection to your network core.

• Flexible Connectivity: Use cost-effective DAC cables for short runs or optical SFP+ modules for long-distance fiber links.

3. Advanced Layer 3 Management

Don’t let its size fool you. As a Layer 3 switch, it handles complex routing tasks, improving overall network efficiency.

• Inter-VLAN Routing: Route traffic between different VLANs (e.g., Main, Guest, IoT) directly at the switch, reducing load and latency on your main security gateway.

• Static Routing: Implement custom network paths for advanced configurations, ideal for complex home labs or small business networks.

4. Compact and Versatile Placement

• Desktop Design: Fits discreetly on a shelf, desk, or in a small cabinet.

• Wall-Mountable: Includes keyhole slots for easy wall mounting to save space.

• Optional Rack Mount: Use the UACC-RMK-Mounting-Kit to install it neatly in a standard 19″ rack alongside other compact UniFi devices.

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.

• Adopt the switch into your existing UniFi system in seconds.

• Monitor real-time power usage, traffic statistics, and port status.

• Configure all settings—from VLANs to PoE scheduling—alongside your other UniFi devices.

Who Is The USW-Pro-8-PoE For?

This switch is the perfect intersection of professional features and a compact footprint.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Prosumers & Elite Home Labs: The ultimate switch for a powerful home network, powering APs, cameras, and an Access system, with a 10G connection to a UDM Pro and NAS.

• Small Offices & Retail Spaces: As the main network switch for a small team, providing power for phones, APs, and POS systems with a high-power, future-proof backbone.

• Network Control Rooms & Kiosks: Where space is limited, but the need for high-power PoE and 10G uplinks is critical.

• Branch Offices & Work-from-Home Setups: For professionals who need enterprise features like Layer 3 routing in a compact, quiet device.

• Supplementary Deployment: Perfect for adding a high-power, managed switching point in a conference room or a specific area away from the main rack.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does this differ from the standard USW-8-PoE (150W)?
A: The Pro version is a significant upgrade. It adds two PoE++ ports, Layer 3 routing capabilities, and two 10G SFP+ uplinks (the standard model has only 1G SFP ports). The standard model is a Layer 2 switch.

Q: Can it power a UniFi Access Hub and multiple cameras?
A: Absolutely. This is its specialty. The two PoE++ ports can power Access Hubs (which require 802.3bt), while the six PoE+ ports can power multiple cameras and an access point simultaneously, all within the 120W total budget.

Q: Is the 120W PoE budget sufficient?
A: For its intended use case, yes. It can comfortably power two high-power PoE++ devices (~50W each) and still have 20W left for a standard access point or camera. The budget is managed intelligently by the switch.

Q: Does it support the UniFi Network Mobile App?
A: Yes, it can be adopted and managed via the UniFi Network Mobile App, as well as the full web-based UniFi Network Application.

Q: What is the noise level like?
A: It is designed to be fanless and completely silent, making it ideal for desktop and office environments where noise is a concern.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti USW-Pro-8-PoE is the definitive compact switch for professionals and prosumers who refuse to compromise. It masterfully combines critical high-power PoE++, advanced Layer 3 routing, and high-speed 10G uplinks into a silent, desktop-friendly form factor. Whether you’re building a sophisticated smart home with access control, a powerful small office network, or simply need a powerful remote switching point, the USW-Pro-8-PoE delivers an unmatched feature set for its size. It is, without a doubt, the most capable 8-port switch in the UniFi ecosystem.