Networking

Tests and comparison of unifi switches from Ubiquiti

Posted on by Becky Kuria
Tests and comparison of unifi switches from Ubiquiti
02
Mar

Ubiquiti Networks is a technology company that specializes in wireless data communication and networking solutions. The company’s UniFi line of switches offers an extensive range of features and capabilities that can meet the networking needs of different organizations. This paper aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the UniFi switches from Ubiquiti, covering their features, benefits, and drawbacks.

Overview of UniFi Switches UniFi switches are designed to meet the networking needs of small and medium-sized businesses. They are available in different models, each with varying port densities, speed capabilities, and advanced features. UniFi switches are designed for ease of use and management, with a centralized interface for configuration and monitoring.

Tests and comparison of unifi switches from Ubiquiti

Features of UniFi Switches The UniFi switches offer a range of features and capabilities, including VLANs, Quality of Service (QoS), Link Aggregation, Power over Ethernet (PoE), Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, management and monitoring, fanless design, SFP ports, and cloud integration. VLANs are supported, enabling network segmentation and improved performance. QoS can be used to prioritize traffic based on specific applications or types of traffic. Link Aggregation allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy. PoE can power network devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras. Layer 2 and Layer 3 features such as static routing, DHCP snooping, and IGMP snooping are available on some models. The switches can be managed and monitored through the UniFi Controller software, and some models feature a fanless design for reduced noise. SFP ports are also available, allowing for connectivity to fiber networks, and cloud integration allows for remote management and monitoring.

Benefits of UniFi Switches UniFi switches offer several benefits, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use and management, scalability, and versatility. UniFi switches are cost-effective, making them ideal for small and medium-sized businesses. They are easy to use and manage, with a centralized interface for configuration and monitoring. The switches are also scalable, allowing organizations to add new switches as needed. Finally, the switches are versatile, with a range of models and features that can meet different networking needs.

Drawbacks of UniFi Switches UniFi switches also have some drawbacks, including limited Layer 3 functionality, limited security features, and a lack of technical support. Some models of UniFi switches have limited Layer 3 functionality, which can limit their usefulness in more complex networking environments. Additionally, the switches have limited security features, making them less suitable for organizations with high-security requirements. Finally, the company’s technical support is not always responsive, which can be frustrating for users experiencing technical issues.

Comparison with Competitors UniFi switches have some advantages over their competitors, including cost-effectiveness, ease of use and management, and scalability. Additionally, UniFi switches offer a range of features and capabilities, making them suitable for a wide range of networking needs. However, UniFi switches have some limitations, including limited Layer 3 functionality, limited security features, and a lack of technical support. Competitors such as Cisco and Juniper Networks offer more advanced features and functionality, making them more suitable for larger, more complex networking environments.

The UniFi line of switches from Ubiquiti offers a variety of features and capabilities to meet different networking needs. Some of the key features of UniFi switches include:

  1. VLANs: UniFi switches support virtual LANs (VLANs), which allow network administrators to segment their network and improve security and performance by separating traffic.
  2. QoS: Quality of Service (QoS) is supported by UniFi switches, which enables administrators to prioritize traffic based on specific applications or types of traffic.
  3. Link Aggregation: UniFi switches support link aggregation, which allows multiple physical links to be combined into a single logical link for increased bandwidth and redundancy.
  4. PoE: Power over Ethernet (PoE) is supported by many UniFi switches, allowing them to power network devices such as IP phones, wireless access points, and cameras over the Ethernet cable.
  5. Layer 2 and Layer 3 Features: Some UniFi switches, such as the UniFi Switch Pro models, offer advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features such as static routing, DHCP snooping, and IGMP snooping.
  6. Management and Monitoring: UniFi switches can be managed and monitored through the UniFi Controller software, which provides a centralized interface for configuration and troubleshooting.
  7. Fanless Design: Many UniFi switches feature a fanless design, which reduces noise and eliminates a potential point of failure.
  8. SFP Ports: UniFi switches offer SFP ports for connecting to fiber networks, allowing for longer distances and higher speeds.
  9. Cloud Integration: UniFi switches can be integrated with the UniFi cloud platform, which allows for remote management and monitoring.

Overall, UniFi switches offer a range of features and capabilities to meet different networking needs, from basic small office/home office (SOHO) switches to advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 switches for medium and large businesses.

Ubiquiti’s UniFi line of switches offer a range of features and capabilities to meet various networking needs. Here’s a brief overview of some of the popular UniFi switches and how they compare:

  1. UniFi Switch 8 (US-8): This is a basic 8-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports. It is fanless, compact, and suitable for small offices or home networks. It also supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.
  2. UniFi Switch 16 (US-16): This is a larger 16-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports, suitable for small to medium-sized businesses. It is fanless and supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.
  3. UniFi Switch 24 (US-24): This is a 24-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and two 1 Gbps SFP ports, suitable for medium-sized businesses. It has a fan for cooling and supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.
  4. UniFi Switch 48 (US-48): This is a 48-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and two 1 Gbps SFP+ ports, suitable for larger businesses or data centers. It has a fan for cooling and supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation.
  5. UniFi Switch Pro 24 (USW-Pro-24): This is a 24-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and two 10 Gbps SFP+ ports, suitable for medium-sized businesses or data centers. It has a fan for cooling, supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation, and also features advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features such as static routing, DHCP snooping, and IGMP snooping.
  6. UniFi Switch Pro 48 (USW-Pro-48): This is a 48-port switch with 1 Gbps Ethernet ports and four 10 Gbps SFP+ ports, suitable for larger businesses or data centers. It has a fan for cooling, supports VLANs, QoS, and link aggregation, and also features advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features such as static routing, DHCP snooping, and IGMP snooping.

In terms of testing and comparison, there are a few key metrics to consider, such as throughput, latency, and power consumption. Several online publications and websites have reviewed and tested various UniFi switches, including:

  1. SmallNetBuilder: This website specializes in testing networking equipment and has reviewed several UniFi switches, including the US-8, US-16, and US-24. They measure various metrics such as throughput, latency, and power consumption, and provide detailed analysis and comparisons between models.
  2. TweakTown: This website has also reviewed several UniFi switches, including the US-8, US-16, and US-24. They focus on testing real-world scenarios and provide in-depth analysis of the switches’ performance and features.
  3. Dong Knows Tech: This website has reviewed the USW-Pro-24 and USW-Pro-48 switches and provides detailed analysis of their features and performance.

Overall, it’s important to consider your specific networking needs and budget when selecting a UniFi switch. The various models offer different capabilities and price points, so it’s worth doing some research and comparing reviews before making a purchase.

Conclusion UniFi switches from Ubiquiti Networks offer a range of features and capabilities that can meet the networking needs of small and medium-sized businesses. They are cost-effective, easy to use and manage, scalable, and versatile. However, the switches have some limitations, including limited Layer 3 functionality, limited security features, and a lack of technical support. As such, organizations should carefully evaluate their networking needs before choosing a UniFi switch or a competitor’s product.

Becky Kuria