Ubiquiti - UniFi Switch (USW-Lite-16-PoE, 16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports, 8 PoE+ Ports, Wall Mounted)
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AI Verdict
This is a 16-port, 1000 Mbps managed Layer 2 switch with 8 PoE+ ports providing a total of 45W, designed for UniFi ecosystems in smaller deployments.
This switch is a situational fit because its 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports and UniFi management are appealing, but the 45W PoE budget across 8 ports is a significant limitation for many typical PoE deployments. It works well for specific low-power scenarios but falls short if you need to power multiple devices like several high-power access points or cameras.
If you need more PoE power, look for switches with a total PoE budget of 60W or higher, or fewer PoE ports with a higher wattage per port.
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Pros
- Operates without a fan, resulting in silent performance.
- Compact form factor and includes a wall-mount kit for flexible placement.
- Offers comprehensive management and monitoring through the UniFi Network Controller and mobile app.
- Supports Layer 2 switching protocols and application features for network control.
- Users can digitally label ports within the UniFi software, eliminating physical labels.
- Replaced louder, rack-mounted units for some users, improving noise levels.
Cons
- The 45W PoE budget across 8 ports is a frequent point of concern, considered low for powering multiple devices compared to other Ubiquiti models.
- Ubiquiti's 'Lite' designation lacks clear feature distinctions beyond PoE budget, causing user confusion about capabilities like SSH access.
- Comes with a generic black power cord that contrasts with the device's white aesthetic, which some users find visually unappealing.
- Primarily designed for wall mounting, requiring additional solutions like a shelf or specific bracket for rack installation.
- Some users perceive the cost as high given the limited 45W PoE output compared to older Ubiquiti switches with higher power budgets.
Dimension Scores
All 16 ports operate at 1000 Megabits Per Second, providing standard Gigabit speeds for connected devices.
Users report silent operation and no overheating, with some running it for months without issues with VLANs or LAG.
Managed and configured entirely through the UniFi Network Controller and mobile app, offering a graphical user interface for all features.
As a Layer 2 managed switch, it supports standard switching protocols, but specific advanced security features are managed at the UniFi controller level, not inherently on the switch itself.
Best For
- Home networks needing 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports with light PoE requirements for a few access points or cameras.
- Small office deployments already invested in the UniFi ecosystem for centralized management.
- Installations where silent operation is critical, like living rooms or quiet workspaces.
- Wall-mounted network closets or areas where a compact switch is necessary.
Not Recommended For
- Environments requiring a high PoE budget to power numerous cameras, VoIP phones, or high-power access points.
- Users who prefer a traditional rack-mount form factor without needing extra accessories.
- Networks that demand advanced Layer 3 features or extensive command-line interface access.
Watch Out For
- The 45W PoE budget for 8 PoE+ ports is often insufficient for more than a few power-hungry devices; for example, one user noted the US-8-60W provides 60W for only 4 ports, making the 16-port 'Lite' seem underpowered.
- The included power cord is a generic black, which clashes with the white device and other Ubiquiti accessories, ruining the aesthetic for some users.
- It lacks native rack-mounting capabilities, meaning you'll need to place it on a shelf or acquire a third-party rack-mount bracket if you want it in a server rack.
Full Specifications
| UPC | 810010071163 |
| ASIN | B08PMDVS6F |
| Brand | Ubiquiti Networks |
| Color | multicoloured |
| Voltage | 28 Volts |
| Language | German |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| Item Weight | 2.65 pounds |
| Manufacturer | UBIQUITI Networks |
| Case Material | Metal |
| Maximum Power | 45 Watts |
| Interface Type | PoE+ |
| Number of Ports | 16 |
| Item model number | USW-Lite-16-PoE |
| Data Transfer Rate | 1000 Megabits Per Second |
| Product Dimensions | 7.87"L x 5.91"W x 5.91"H |
| Included Components | UniFi Switch Lite USW-Lite-16-POE |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Global Trade Identification Number | 00810010071163 |
What Buyers Say
The most frequent discussion point for this switch revolves around its 45W PoE budget across 8 ports, which many users find restrictive, especially when comparing it to older Ubiquiti models that offered more power for fewer ports. Despite this, its fanless design and integration into the UniFi ecosystem are consistently praised, making it a popular choice for home users or small deployments with modest power-over-Ethernet needs. The ability to manage and monitor the switch via the UniFi controller and mobile app is a significant draw, simplifying network administration. Some users also noted the generic black power cord as a minor aesthetic annoyance.
“Man, I really wanted to love this thing for my cameras, but that 45W PoE budget is a real buzzkill; I had to rethink my whole setup because it just couldn't power everything I needed, even with only 4 APs and a couple cameras.”
Common Praise
- Operates completely silently due to its fanless design.
- Compact size makes it easy to wall-mount and integrate into various spaces.
- Seamlessly integrates with the UniFi controller for centralized management and monitoring.
- Provides 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports for ample wired connections.
- Doesn't generate excessive heat during operation.
- Software-based port labeling is a convenient feature for organization.
Common Complaints
- The 45W total PoE budget for 8 ports is often cited as too low, limiting the number of power-hungry devices it can support.
- Confusion exists around the 'Lite' branding, with users unsure if it implies missing features beyond just PoE power.
- The included black power cord clashes with the white switch, which some users find visually unappealing.
- Lack of native rack-mounting options means extra steps or accessories for rack installations.
- Some users feel it's overpriced for its PoE capabilities compared to older Ubiquiti hardware.
Ownership Tips
- It stays cool to the touch even under load, which is a relief for enclosed spaces.
- Managing VLANs and Link Aggregation Groups (LAG) through the UniFi controller works without a hitch.
- You really need to calculate your total PoE wattage carefully before buying, as 45W goes fast with modern devices.
- The wall-mount kit is genuinely useful for keeping things tidy and out of the way.
- The UniFi app makes checking port status and device power draw super easy from your phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this switch require a UniFi Controller to function?
Yes, it's a fully managed switch designed to be configured and monitored by the UniFi Network Controller, which can be run on a dedicated UniFi Cloud Key, a computer, or a server.
Can I use this switch without PoE devices?
Absolutely. While 8 ports offer PoE+, the other 8 ports are standard Gigabit Ethernet, and all 16 ports function perfectly fine for non-PoE devices.
Is this switch fanless?
Yes, the USW-Lite-16-PoE is a fanless switch, meaning it operates silently, which is a benefit for installations in quiet environments.
What does the 'Lite' in the product name signify?
The 'Lite' designation primarily indicates a reduced PoE power budget (45W total for 8 ports) compared to other UniFi switches, and potentially fewer advanced features like an SSH console.
Can it be mounted in a server rack?
The switch comes with a wall-mount kit, but it is not natively rack-mountable. You would need to place it on a shelf or purchase a third-party rack-mount adapter.
Buying Guide
When looking at network switches, especially those with Power over Ethernet (PoE), you need to think about how many devices you're connecting and how much power they actually draw. Don't just count ports; consider the total power budget available for PoE. A switch might have many PoE ports, but if the total wattage is low, you won't be able to power all your devices simultaneously. Also, consider if you need a 'managed' switch, which gives you more control over your network, or a simpler 'unmanaged' one.
16 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
This tells you how many wired devices you can connect and at what speed. 'Gigabit' means each port can handle up to 1000 Megabits Per Second, which is standard for fast home and small office networks. More ports mean more physical connections for computers, gaming consoles, or other network devices.
8 PoE+ Ports (45W total)
PoE+ means these ports can send both data and power over a single Ethernet cable, which is super handy for devices like Wi-Fi access points, security cameras, or VoIP phones, as they don't need a separate power outlet. The '45W total' is the critical part – it's the maximum combined power all 8 PoE+ devices can draw. If your devices collectively need more than 45W, some won't power on or will operate unreliably.
Managed Layer 2 Switch
A 'managed' switch gives you control over network traffic, allowing you to set up things like VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) to segment your network or monitor port activity. 'Layer 2' refers to how it handles data, primarily focusing on MAC addresses for efficient local network communication. This is more advanced than a basic 'unmanaged' switch, offering greater flexibility and control.
Alternatives
If this switch's 45W PoE budget is too low, search for switches with a higher total PoE wattage (e.g., 60W, 150W) for a similar number of PoE ports, or consider models with fewer PoE ports but a higher wattage per port. If rack mounting is essential, look for switches specifically advertised as 'rack-mountable' to avoid needing extra accessories.
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