Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch: High-Performance Gigabit Switching with Layer 3 Capability
The Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch series, an essential component of the EdgeMAX® platform, redefines professional gigabit switching. Designed for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), businesses, and demanding networks, the EdgeSwitch combines robust carrier-class reliability with an extensive suite of advanced management and PoE features. It delivers intelligently managed switching for growing infrastructures where performance, scalability, and flexible power supply are top priorities.
EdgeSwitches are fully manageable Layer 2/Layer 3 switches specifically designed for use in the aggregation and distribution layers of the network.
Core Features and Switching Performance
EdgeSwitch models (available in 8, 16, 24, or 48 ports) are designed to process traffic with maximum efficiency and without bottlenecks.
- Non-blocking Throughput: EdgeSwitches offer a dedicated forwarding capacity that allows traffic to be processed on all ports simultaneously and at line rate. For example, 24-port models reach up to 26 Gbps and 48-port models reach an impressive 70 Gbps total throughput.
- High-Capacity Uplinks: For connection to routers or backbone networks, all models have dedicated fiber ports. Smaller models use SFP ports (1 Gbps), while 48-port models also feature SFP+ ports (10 Gbps), which are essential for high-speed uplinks.
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Robust Design: Most models are built in the standardized 1U rackmount form factor, allowing for easy integration into existing data centers or distribution cabinets.
PoE Flexibility: Active PoE and Passive PoE in One Device
One of the standout features of the EdgeSwitch is its unique PoE versatility. It simplifies infrastructure by powering a wide range of end devices, from standard IP cameras to specialized Ubiquiti radios.
- Auto-Sensing Active PoE: The switch automatically detects and supports the industry standards IEEE 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+). This is the standard for most modern end devices such as UniFi Access Points and IP phones.
- Configurable 24V Passive PoE: EdgeSwitches offer the ability to manually activate 24V Passive PoE via the configuration interface. This function is essential for operators using Ubiquiti airMAX devices (e.g., Rocket, NanoBeam, PowerBeam CPEs) in their WISP infrastructure.
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High PoE Budget: Models like the ES-24-500W or ES-48-750W offer high total PoE budgets that guarantee reliable power even when ports are fully utilized.
Layer 2 and Layer 3 Management Functions
The EdgeSwitch delivers a comprehensive range of Layer 2 switching functions as well as critical Layer 3 routing capabilities that go beyond simple bridging. Management is done via the powerful EdgeOS with a user-friendly graphical interface (GUI) and a fully functional command line interface (CLI) for network experts.
| Functional Level | Main Protocols and Features | Network Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Layer 2 (Switching) | VLAN (802.1Q), Private VLAN, Voice VLAN, STP/RSTP/MSTP (loop prevention), Link Aggregation (LACP), Port Mirroring. | Logical segmentation, redundancy, increased bandwidth, and efficient troubleshooting. |
| Layer 3 (Routing & Control) | Static Routes, Policy-Based Routing (PBR), DHCP Server/Relay. | Enables inter-VLAN routing for communication between subnets without an external router; improves network efficiency. |
| Security & QoS | ACLs (Access Control Lists), 802.1X (port authentication), DHCP Snooping, TACACS+/RADIUS, Quality of Service (QoS). | Protection against unauthorized access and Layer 2 attacks; prioritization of critical traffic (e.g., VoIP, video). |
Combining high switching performance, unique PoE flexibility, and advanced Layer 3 capabilities, the EdgeSwitch series is the ideal solution for demanding network topologies where configuration depth and control over every single port are paramount. Central monitoring and management of the devices are efficiently handled via the UISP™ system.