Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE – L2/L3 Managed PoE Switch
Flexible Power over Ethernet backbone for demanding AV, network and smart home installations. The Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE L2/L3 managed switch combines a robust set of Gigabit Ethernet ports, PoE support and advanced UniFi Network management in a single rack-ready unit. It’s ideal as a central switch for wired audio/video devices, access points, IP cameras, media servers and control processors in medium to large homes and media setups.
- 16 × Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE (802.3af/at) on selected ports
- L2/L3 management for VLANs, routing, traffic control and advanced network segmentation
- SFP/SFP+ uplinks for high-speed connectivity to core routers or distribution switches
- UniFi Network controller integration for centralised configuration and monitoring
Product Overview
The Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE switch is designed for installations where a combination of power, performance and organised management are required. With multiple PoE-capable ports, you can power UniFi access points, control devices, IP peripherals and more from a single network cable, simplifying installation and reducing clutter in racks or equipment cabinets.
Supporting both Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, the switch allows for VLAN segmentation, static routing, QoS and detailed traffic insights via the UniFi Network controller. This makes it ideal for AV systems, multimedia networks and smart home infrastructures where prioritisation, separation and reliability matter.
Network Performance for AV & Streaming
In hi-fi and home cinema setups, a dedicated managed switch like the UniFi 16-Port PoE provides a stable, low-latency wired backbone that keeps audio and video streams smooth and responsive. Compared to simple unmanaged switches or relying on router ports, it helps:
- Maintain consistent bandwidth for streaming 4K video and high-resolution audio
- Provide stable connections to media servers, streamers and NAS drives
- Support smart home controllers, IP remotes and automation devices
- Isolate AV/data traffic using VLANs and traffic profiles
Rack-Friendly Design
The switch is housed in a 1U rackmount chassis, making it easy to install alongside other AV and network gear. Front panel LEDs provide clear status information, and the layout supports tidy cabling with room for PoE-powered devices. Active cooling keeps internal temperatures stable, making it suitable for always-on use in technical spaces or racks.
Recommended Use & System Layout
This switch is particularly well suited to:
- Core distribution switch for wired networks in medium-to-larger homes
- Feeding secondary switches over uplinks to remote rooms, floors or zones
- Powering UniFi access points, cameras and PoE network endpoints
- Consolidating AV gear (streamers, NAS, controllers) on one managed platform
In typical installations, SFP/SFP+ uplinks connect to a UniFi gateway or higher-level switch, while the 16 Gigabit RJ45 ports serve local AV, control and PoE endpoints—creating a robust, scalable network foundation.
Ideal Applications
- Home cinema networks where reliable wired throughput is essential
- Smart homes with multiple access points, IP cameras and automation devices
- Hi-fi systems with network streamers and dedicated media servers
- Small offices or studios needing structured managed switching
Technical Specifications
- Product type: L2/L3 managed Gigabit PoE Ethernet switch
- Ports: 16 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000 Mbps)
- PoE capability: 802.3af/at on designated RJ45 ports; total PoE power budget set by manufacturer
- Uplinks: SFP/SFP+ ports for high-speed backhaul to core network
- Management: UniFi Network controller for configuration, VLANs, routing and monitoring
- Switching features: VLANs, QoS, static routing, port profiles and traffic insights
- Form factor: 1U rackmount metal chassis with status LEDs
- Cooling: Active cooling; recommended installation in well-ventilated technical space
- Power: Internal power supply sized to support PoE budget
- Environment: Indoor use for residential and light commercial installations
- Integration: Works seamlessly with UniFi gateways, access points and other switches
Why Choose the Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE?
If you need a balanced combination of PoE power, advanced management, and scalable performance, the Ubiquiti UniFi 16-Port PoE L2/L3 switch is a superb backbone for wired networks. Its PoE support and UniFi controller integration let you power endpoints and manage traffic with precision—making it a strong choice for hi-fi streaming systems, home cinema installations and structured smart home networks that demand reliability and clarity.
