Posted:
08/20/2024Are you still trying to find the best way to improve the connection of your network? Find the ideal networking switches to improve the efficiency of your network. Network switches are essential parts of any network architecture because they act as the main hub for data traffic control. They provide effective communication by connecting several devices—such as PCs, printers, and servers—within a local area network (LAN).
This blog will delve into network switches, describing their numerous variations, functions, and crucial features to consider.
Network Switches
As the center for all data flow, network switches are crucial parts of every network architecture. They provide effective communication between several devices by connecting them within a local area network (LAN), including computers, printers, and servers. Switches use MAC addresses to transfer data to the appropriate destination while operating at the OSI model's data connection layer, or layer 2.
Types of Network Switches
• Unmanaged Switches: These are basic plug-and-play devices without any settings. These switches are suitable for home and small networks.
• Managed switches: These provide more management and monitoring of network traffic with capabilities like SNMP, VLANs, and QoS. They operate well in bigger, more intricate networks.
• PoE switches: By utilizing Ethernet connections to supply power to connected devices like wireless access points and IP cameras, PoE switches eliminate the need for separate power supplies.
• Smart switches: An improvement over managed switches, they include further features such as Layer 3 routing and sophisticated security settings.
Top Switch Picks from Ubiquiti
Now, let's delve into some specific network switch models, each designed for different scenarios and network sizes.
ES-10XP Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 8 x RJ-45 Ports PoE 2 x SFP Switch
For home offices or small networks, the ES-10XP is a small switch that fits perfectly. With two SFP slots for fiber connectivity and eight Gigabit Ethernet ports, it provides a good mix of performance and price. Additionally, this Ubiquiti switch supports passive PoE, which enables you to use Ethernet connections to power devices directly, such as VoIP phones and IP cameras. It is Ideal for small to medium-sized networks, specially in Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) deployments.
Technical Specifications:
Ports | 8 x Gigabit RJ45, 2 x SFP |
Throughput | 10 Gbps |
Switching Capacity | 20 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 14.88 Mbps |
PoE | 24V passive PoE on RJ45 ports |
Power Consumption | 8W |
Dimensions | 207 x 31.1 x 90 mm |
Weight | 500g |
ES-16-XG Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 12 x SFP+ PoE+ 4 x RJ-45 10GBE Switch
ES-16-XG 10GBE Switch is designed for high-performance environments, the ES-16-XG is a powerful aggregation switch. Its twelve SFP+ ports and four 10GbE RJ45 ports provide ample connectivity for demanding network applications. Suitable for data centers, enterprise networks, or any environment requiring high-speed data transfer.
Technical Specifications:
Ports | 12 x SFP+, 4 x 10G RJ45 |
Throughput | 160 Gbps |
Switching Capacity | 320 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 238.10 Mbps |
Power Consumption | Max 36W |
Dimensions | 443 x 221 x 43 mm |
Weight | 2.6 KG (without mount brackets) |
Rackmount | Yes, 1U high |
USW-FLEX-MINI Ubiquiti UniFi Flex Mini 4 Ports L2 Managed GbE Switch
Ubiquiti UniFi Flex Mini is a managed Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switch with four Ethernet connections for connecting different devices and is intended for small networks or home offices. Although simple, it provides improved network security with features like storm control and port isolation. Because it may be powered by a USB-C converter or a PoE-enabled port, this switch's versatility in terms of power sources makes it very appealing. It may be installed on a desktop or wall because of its compact size and silent functioning.
Technical Specifications:
Ports | 5 x Gigabit RJ45 (1 port supports PoE input) |
Throughput | 5 Gbps |
Switching Capacity | 5 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 7.44 Mbps |
Power Consumption | Max 2.5V |
Dimensions | 107.16 x 70.15 x 21.17 mm |
Weight | 150 g |
ES-48-LITE Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 48 x RJ-45 2 x SFP 2 x SFP+ Switch
The ES-48-LITE is made to support more extensive networks. It is capable of connecting a large number of devices while preserving network speed thanks to its 48 Gigabit Ethernet connections. Two SFP slots provide flexibility in terms of fiber optic growth.
Technical Specifications:
Ports | 48 x Gigabit RJ45, 2 x SFP+, 2 x SFP |
Throughput | 70 Gbps |
Switching Capacity | 140 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 104.16 Mbps |
Power Consumption | Max 56W |
Dimensions | 443 x 43 x 221 mm |
Weight | 3.6 KG (without rack-mount brackets) |
ES-24-250W Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch 24 x RJ-45 PoE 2 x SFP Switch
A PoE-powered switch for networks that need power over Ethernet is the ES-24-250W. With its 24 PoE-capable Gigabit Ethernet ports, you can power networked devices like wireless access points and IP phones directly. Two SFP ports for fiber connectivity and a 250W power supply to accommodate several PoE devices are also included in the switch.
Technical Specifications:
Ports | 24 x Gigabit RJ45, 2 x SFP |
Throughput | 26 Gbps |
Switching Capacity | 52 Gbps |
Forwarding Rate | 38.69 Mbps |
PoE | Supports PoE+ (802.3af/at) and 24V passive PoE |
Power Consumption | Max 250W (including PoE output) |
Dimensions | 485 x 43.7 x 285.4 mm |
Weight | 4.7 KG |
USW-PRO-MAX-16-POE Ubiquiti UniFi 1/2.5GbE RJ45 PoE++ Ports 10GbE SFP+ Ports Layer 3 Etherlighting Managed Switch
Ubiquiti UniFi's USW-PRO-MAX-16-POE is a high-performance Layer 3 managed switch intended for demanding networking applications. With its 16 PoE++ RJ45 ports supporting 1/2.5GbE speeds, it's perfect for powering VoIP phones, cameras, and access points, among other devices. For high-speed uplinks, it also has two SFP+ ports with 10GbE speeds. For companies that need scalable network administration and smooth interaction with the UniFi ecosystem, this switch is ideal. Its cutting-edge features guarantee improved network performance and effective traffic control.
Number of Network Ports/Expansion Slots | 8 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ 8 x Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ 8 x 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet PoE++ 2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ |
Product Type | Layer 3 Switch |
Expansion Slots Details | SFP+ |
Ethernet Technology | Gigabit Ethernet 10 Gigabit Ethernet 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet |
Network Technology | 10/100/1000Base-T 10GBase-X 2.5GBase-T |
Power Source | AC Adapter |
Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
Weight | 11.3lbs |
About Ubiquiti
Ubiquiti is a multinational technology corporation that serves the business and consumer industries with its cutting-edge networking equipment. Ubiquiti was established in 2005 and provides a wide range of solutions, such as the well-known UniFi line for network administration, EdgeMax for sophisticated routing and switching, and AmpliFi Wi-Fi systems at home. The company is renowned for providing enterprise-level functionality at cost-effective costs, enabling small enterprises and IT enthusiasts to enjoy sophisticated networking. Products from Ubiquiti are also praised for their svelte designs, user-friendliness, and robust community support.
Where to find networking switches?
Boost your network connectivity with the latest switches and other networking accessories in top brands at ETechBuy.com.
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FAQs:
What is the role of SFP ports on a network switch?
SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports on a network switch allow for fiber optic connections, which are used to connect switches over longer distances or to other network devices that require high-speed data transfer. SFP ports support both single-mode and multi-mode fiber connections.
Can these Ubiquiti switches be managed remotely?
Yes, most Ubiquiti switches, including those mentioned in this blog, can be managed remotely using Ubiquiti's UniFi Controller or EdgeOS (depending on the product line). This allows network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot their networks from a centralized interface.
What is the maximum distance for a fiber connection using SFP ports?
The maximum distance for a fiber connection using SFP ports depends on the type of SFP module and the fiber optic cable used. Single-mode fiber connections can reach distances of up to 10 kilometers or more, while multi-mode fiber typically supports distances up to 550 meters.
Can I stack multiple Ubiquiti switches together?
Yes, certain Ubiquiti switches support stacking, which allows you to connect multiple switches to form a single, larger switch with a shared management interface. This is useful for expanding network capacity while maintaining centralized control.