Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE – 16-Port L2 Managed PoE Switch
Silent, compact PoE backbone for hi-fi, home cinema and smart homes. The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE is a 16-port Layer 2 managed Gigabit switch with PoE on selected ports, ideal for powering access points and network devices while providing a clean wired backbone for streaming systems and control.
- 16 × Gigabit Ethernet ports for AV, control and general network devices
- PoE/PoE+ on a subset of ports to power access points and key peripherals
- L2 managed switch fully integrated with the UniFi Network controller
- Fanless, compact design – perfect for noise-sensitive listening rooms
Product Overview
The UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE (USW-Lite-16-PoE) is designed as a flexible edge or small-core switch for UniFi networks. With sixteen Gigabit RJ45 ports and PoE on selected ports, it can power UniFi access points and other PoE-capable devices while serving streamers, TVs, media players, controllers and smart home hubs over fast, reliable wired connections.
As part of the UniFi ecosystem, configuration, firmware updates and monitoring are handled centrally through the UniFi Network application, making it easy to build a structured, well-organised network for demanding audio/video systems.
Network Performance
In everyday use, the UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE offers consistent Gigabit performance that keeps audio and video streams smooth and responsive. Compared to relying only on a router’s built-in ports or small unmanaged switches, a dedicated managed switch helps:
- Maintain stable 4K/UHD streaming to TVs, projectors and media players
- Provide clean, low-latency links to network streamers and music servers
- Give control systems, automation hubs and IP-based remotes a reliable wired path
- Separate AV devices from general household traffic using VLANs and port profiles
For systems with multiple network devices around the rack or TV area, the Switch Lite 16 PoE becomes a solid foundation for long-term reliability.
Quiet Operation for Hi-Fi & Home Cinema
With its fanless, convection-cooled design, the UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE operates silently—essential in high-end listening rooms and dedicated theaters where fan noise from IT hardware can be distracting. Its compact footprint lets it sit discreetly in an AV cabinet, on a shelf or in a small rack compartment without drawing attention.
Recommended Use & System Layout
The Switch Lite 16 PoE is particularly well suited to:
- Serving as the main AV switch in a media cabinet, feeding TV, Apple TV, streamer, AV receiver and console
- Providing wired connections to hi-fi streamers, music servers and Roon cores
- Powering UniFi access points and low-power PoE devices in the same zone
- Extending a core router or rack switch into a living room or cinema via a single uplink cable
A typical layout uses one port as an uplink to your router or core switch, with remaining ports feeding local AV devices and PoE ports powering nearby access points or other endpoints.
Ideal Applications
- Hi-fi systems with network players, servers and control hardware
- Home cinema racks combining multiple IP-connected sources and displays
- Smart homes using UniFi Wi-Fi where a zone switch with PoE is needed
- Studios and workspaces that require quiet, reliable wired networking
Technical Specifications
- Product type: Layer 2 managed Gigabit Ethernet switch with PoE
- Ports: 16 × RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000 Mbps)
- PoE capability: 802.3af/at PoE on a subset of RJ45 ports (exact port count and total power budget as per Ubiquiti specification)
- Switching features: VLANs, port profiles, QoS and traffic statistics via UniFi Network
- Management: UniFi Network application (via UniFi gateway, Cloud Key or UniFi OS console)
- Cooling: Fanless, silent operation
- Installation: Desktop, shelf or small rack; ideal for AV furniture and technical cupboards
- Power: External power supply sized to support switching and PoE output (per manufacturer rating)
- Environment: Indoor use for residential and light commercial installations
- Integration: Seamless operation with UniFi gateways, switches and access points in a unified network
Why Choose the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE?
The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Lite 16 PoE is an excellent choice if you want a compact, silent and fully managed switch with enough ports and PoE to handle a serious AV zone. With 16 Gigabit ports, integrated PoE on selected ports and UniFi controller management, it provides the kind of stable, well-structured wired foundation that premium streaming audio, 4K video and smart home systems genuinely benefit from.
