Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE Review: A 10Gbase-T Standout for High-Power Networks

The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE represents a compelling option in the crowded 10GbE switch market, particularly for those deploying high-power WiFi 7 access points. With its combination of eight 10Gbase-T ports supporting PoE++ and two dedicated SFP+ uplinks, this switch addresses a specific niche that balances performance, power delivery, and practical deployment considerations.

Hardware Design and Build Quality

The first thing that stands out about the USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE is its distinctive aesthetic. In a market saturated with generic black or white rectangular switches, Ubiquiti has opted for a more refined approach with rounded corners and a premium finish. The front panel features strategically placed air vents at the top, contributing to both the visual appeal and thermal management.

Rather than including a status LCD screen found on higher-end models, Ubiquiti has opted for a simple status LED to reduce costs while maintaining essential functionality. This design choice keeps the focus on the ports themselves, which is where this switch truly shines.

Port Configuration and Power Delivery

The port layout represents thoughtful engineering. Eight 10Gbase-T ports support not only 10GbE speeds but also gracefully handle slower standards including 1GbE, 2.5GbE, and 5GbE. This flexibility proves invaluable when integrating devices with varying speed capabilities into the same network.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the PoE++ support across all eight ports, with a total power budget of 155W. This capacity is particularly relevant for WiFi 7 access points, which often require substantial power for their advanced radios and processing capabilities. The ability to power and provide high-speed connectivity to these demanding devices through a single cable simplifies deployment and reduces cable clutter.

Ubiquiti's "Etherlighting" feature adds a practical touch, allowing each port to display colored status indicators. This visual feedback proves useful for quickly identifying connection states, speed negotiations, and potential issues without needing to access the management interface.

Uplink Architecture

Two dedicated SFP+ ports provide uplink flexibility, and notably, these are not combo ports sharing physical space with the 10Gbase-T ports. This design decision has significant implications: Ubiquiti had to employ a higher port-count switch chip to accommodate the full complement of ports. While this might seem like a minor detail, it demonstrates the company's commitment to providing maximum flexibility without forcing users to sacrifice port types.

The rear of the switch houses a 54V DC power input, a common voltage for PoE switches that simplifies internal power distribution. The inclusion of mounting hardware and a level in the box shows attention to detail for rack-mounted deployments.

Performance Considerations

While the USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE isn't the highest-throughput switch in its class, it delivers solid performance for its intended use case. The switch chip, while not the most advanced available, provides reliable switching capabilities that meet the needs of most small to medium-sized deployments.

In high-end network testing, the switch performed reasonably well, though it's worth noting that throughput limitations become apparent under extreme load conditions. For typical deployments involving WiFi 7 APs, IP cameras, and other PoE++ devices, the performance envelope is more than adequate.

Target Market and Use Cases

This switch particularly appeals to several scenarios:

• WiFi 7 Deployments: The combination of 10GbE speeds and PoE++ power makes it ideal for powering and connecting the latest high-performance access points
• Surveillance Systems: Multiple high-resolution IP cameras can be powered and connected at 10GbE speeds
• Small Business Networks: Growing businesses needing to upgrade from 1GbE while maintaining PoE capabilities
• Home Labs: Enthusiasts building out homelab environments with multiple high-speed, PoE-powered devices

Competitive Positioning

In the competitive landscape of 10GbE switches, the USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE occupies an interesting position. It's not the cheapest option available, nor does it offer the absolute highest performance. However, its combination of features—particularly the PoE++ capability across all 10Gbase-T ports—makes it a compelling choice for specific use cases.

Compared to switches that offer higher raw throughput but lack PoE++ support, the USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE provides a more practical solution for modern network deployments where power delivery is as important as raw speed. The dedicated SFP+ ports also give it an edge over switches that use combo ports, providing genuine uplink flexibility.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE succeeds in its primary mission: providing a reliable, well-designed switch for networks requiring both high-speed connectivity and substantial power delivery. While it may not satisfy users needing maximum throughput or the absolute lowest price point, it excels in the specific niche it targets.

For organizations and individuals deploying WiFi 7 access points or other high-power PoE devices, this switch offers a balanced combination of performance, features, and design that justifies its position in the market. The thoughtful port configuration, reliable performance, and distinctive design make it a standout option in the increasingly crowded 10GbE switch segment.

If you're looking to upgrade your network infrastructure to support the next generation of high-power, high-speed devices, the USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE deserves serious consideration.