USW-Flex Utility - external PoE switch from Ubiquiti Inc.

Today we present another new release from Ubiquiti - UniFi® USW Switch Flex. This is a Layer 2 managed Gigabit switch with auto-sensing 802.3af PoE support. The device is equipped with 5-port RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet: 1 PoE input and 4 PoE output connectors for other devices. Combined with the USW-Flex Utility enclosure, they make a very innovative and weatherproof kit.

UniFi® USW-Switch Flex is equipped with one PoE input port for power and four PoE output ports that provide up to 15W of power to the UniFi access point or other PoE devices. USW-Flex supports a maximum of 46W of PoE output power.

The UniFi® USW-Switch Flex features a weatherproof enclosure and offers versatile mounting options - it can be installed horizontally or vertically, making it ideal for desktop installation, through a magnetic wall mount, or on a mast.

The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex is designed for indoor or outdoor use - the manufacturer assures that the switch can operate in temperatures ranging from -40 to +55 degrees C. The switch has an IP55 protection standard, and you can still additionally equip it with an accessory external casing!.

USW Switch Flex supports various products that use 802.3af PoE interface, namely:

• UniFi Video Camera G3 Flex
• UniFi Video Camera G4 Pro
• UniFi AC Mesh AP

To provide a maximum power of 46W on the PoE outputs, the USW-Flex must be powered by switches: USW-Industrial, US-XG-6POE, USW-Pro-24-PoE or USW-Pro-48-PoE, which provide 60W 802.3 bt PoE++.

UniFi® USW-Switch Flex is compatible with the UniFi Network Controller, which runs in the cloud and can manage multiple UniFi sites within a centralized interface. Each site is logically separated and has its own network monitoring, configuration, maps, statistics and administrator accounts.

It's worth to mention the dedicated accessory that is the USW-Flex Utility, which is a weatherproof enclosure that we showed above in the product presentation section - you can consider it additional armor for the switch. The enclosure includes an Ethernet cable and also a 60W PoE power supply providing a maximum PoE budget of 46W per output!

Ubiquiti is introducing a very interesting product line. The UniFi® USW-Switch Flex combined with an accessory enclosure USW-Flex Utility is an all-weather proof duo. Dedicated housing is an additional "armor" for the switch, which itself is waterproof - which the Ip55 standard tells us.

Because we're not testing the switch in today's article the following advantages and disadvantages will apply only to the USW-Flex Utility accessory case:.

Disadvantages:

• No mention of any sealing or strength standards in the manufacturer's documentation

• Plastic housing can be quite brittle in sub-zero outdoor temperatures

• Lots of nooks and crannies inside the case where moisture or dirt can accumulate

• Fitting of the elements, although it is not the worst, could be better

Benefits:

• Versatile mounting options

• Tidy interior - additional mounting brackets for cables

• Tailor-made case

• Very good 60W PoE power supply included

• LAN cable for device connection included