Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 48-Port 500W (ES-48-500W) – The High-Density PoE Workhorse

Overview: Unmatched Port Density and PoE Power

The Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 48-Port 500W (ES-48-500W) is a fully managed, Layer 2 Gigabit switch engineered for environments demanding high port density and substantial Power over Ethernet in a standalone form factor. Part of Ubiquiti’s robust EdgeMAX line, it delivers advanced features, deep configurability, and a massive 500W PoE budget to power large deployments of IP cameras, wireless access points, and VoIP phones. This switch is the definitive choice for IT professionals, system integrators, and businesses that require hands-on, granular control over a powerful and reliable network foundation without the need for a centralized controller.

Full Technical Specifications: EdgeSwitch 48-Port 500W

Key Features and Benefits

1. Massive PoE+ Power for Large Deployments

The 500W total PoE budget is the core strength of this switch, allowing it to support a very high density of powered devices.

• High-Density Device Support: Capable of powering up to 48 PoE+ devices simultaneously, depending on individual power draw. Ideal for:

  • Large IP Surveillance Systems: Power an entire building’s worth of cameras.

  • Enterprise Wireless Deployments: Support a dense array of Wi-Fi access points across multiple floors.

  • Complete VoIP Phone Systems: Power a full office’s communication infrastructure.

• Auto-Sensing 802.3af/at: Each port automatically detects and delivers the required power level (up to 30W per port), protecting connected devices.

2. Advanced, Standalone Management for Pros

The EdgeSwitch provides network administrators with complete control through multiple management interfaces.

• Command Line Interface (CLI): Features a Cisco-like syntax, offering powerful and granular control for network engineers. Ideal for scripting, automation, and complex configurations.

• Intuitive Web GUI: A user-friendly graphical interface makes advanced features like VLANs and QoS accessible without deep CLI knowledge.

• UNMS Integration: Can be optionally adopted into Ubiquiti’s Network Management System for limited centralized monitoring alongside other EdgeMAX devices like routers and airMAX radios.

3. Comprehensive Layer 2 Feature Set

This is a true enterprise-class managed switch, packed with features for performance, security, and segmentation.

• Advanced VLAN Support: Create 802.1Q VLANs to segment network traffic for security and performance, including specialized Voice VLANs for prioritizing VoIP traffic.

• Link Aggregation (LAG): Combine up to 8 ports to create resilient, high-bandwidth trunks to servers or other switches.

• Robust Quality of Service (QoS): Prioritize critical applications like voice and video to ensure a consistent user experience.

• Access Control Lists (ACLs): Implement fine-grained security policies to filter traffic based on IP, MAC address, protocol, and port.

• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP): Prevent network loops while maintaining redundancy for critical links.

4. Reliability and Build Quality

• Rack-Mount Design: Built for integration into standard 19-inch server racks and network cabinets.

• Quiet Operation: Features a temperature-controlled cooling system designed to operate quietly, making it suitable for office environments.

• Industrial-Grade Components: Utilizes high-quality, reliable components designed for 24/7 operation in business-critical environments.

Who Is The EdgeSwitch 48 500W For?

This switch is built for professionals who need high density, high power, and standalone control.

Ideal Use Cases:

• System Integrators & IT Managed Service Providers (MSPs): For deploying reliable, configurable networks for business clients with large PoE needs.

• Large-Scale Surveillance Installations: As the core switch in a security system for campuses, warehouses, or large retail spaces with dozens of cameras.

• Medium to Large Enterprises: As an access layer switch for office floors with high densities of phones and wireless access points.

• Internet Service Providers (ISPs) & WISPs: For customer aggregation or network infrastructure requiring multiple managed ports.

• Educational Campuses & Government Buildings: Where specific, auditable network policies and high reliability are required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is this switch compatible with the UniFi Controller?
A: No. The EdgeSwitch series is part of the standalone EdgeMAX platform and is managed via its own CLI, Web GUI, or UNMS. It cannot be adopted into a UniFi Controller.

Q: What is the difference between the 500W and 750W model?
A: The primary difference is the total PoE budget. The ES-48-750W has a 750W power supply, allowing you to maximize the 30W PoE+ output on more ports simultaneously. This is crucial if you plan to run many power-hungry devices like high-end PTZ cameras or older access points at full tilt.

Q: Does it support PoE++ (802.3bt)?
A: No. The ES-48-500W only supports the 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) standards, with a maximum of 30W per port. It cannot power devices that require 802.3bt, such as UniFi Access Hubs or some high-brightness LED lights.

Q: Are the SFP ports compatible with 10G SFP+ modules?
A: No. The two SFP ports are standard 1 Gigabit SFP ports. They are not 10 Gigabit SFP+ ports. They are intended for 1G fiber uplinks.

Q: Is the CLI similar to Cisco’s?
A: Yes. The CLI uses a very similar syntax and command structure to Cisco’s IOS, making it familiar and easy to learn for network engineers with Cisco experience.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 48-Port 500W (ES-48-500W) remains a powerhouse for specific, demanding use cases. It delivers an exceptional combination of high port density, a massive PoE budget, and the deep, granular control that IT professionals and system integrators require. While it lacks the centralized management of the UniFi platform, it excels in environments where standalone reliability, advanced configuration, and cost-effective power per port are the top priorities. For powering and managing large-scale, mission-critical networks, the EdgeSwitch 48-500W is a proven and formidable solution.