Acquiring my initial switch.
Acquiring my initial switch.
Hey there. I've been exploring server hardware lately, owning a Dell R720xd. Now I'm getting three IBM X3250 M4 servers for some fun projects—no storage server experiments planned yet. But I need a switch and have never used one before. I plan to run a single cable from my Asus router into the garage to connect the servers, then link them together. I'm checking out Ubiquiti products; while I see some use cases from Linus and his team, I'm really drawn to their ecosystem for big expansion and simple management. Since I'm new to switches, I'm wondering if anyone has better ideas before I buy. The model I'm considering is the standard line USW-16-POE.
Consider options for used redbox or original boxes, or the lighter version. The latter is convenient since upgrades often move to better displays or OLEDs, while the former remains useful because it hasn’t been updated for bootloader exploits that let custom programs run. /satire In reality, it really depends on your needs—do you just want to send your router’s WAN straight to the LAN? Is data sharing via LAN services like Microsoft Homegroup or NAS part of your setup? How many devices are connected? How crucial is PoE for your system? Which PoE standard do you prefer?
For connecting servers to a router, a basic switch without management should suffice. A managed switch is usually required when you need advanced options such as QoS, VLANs, or multiple port trunking—like setting up separate VLANs for security cameras so they stay isolated from other traffic. PoE can help power cameras or access points directly, but it may lead to a more costly and noisy device since the switch will have stronger power supplies and possibly run fans faster even without PoE.
There are variations in how PoE standards are defined. POE3 refers to 802.3at, offering up to 30W per port. POE+2 expands on that with higher power capabilities. POE++1 is a newer standard aiming for even greater power delivery. The differences lie mainly in the maximum power output and compatibility across devices.
All options revolve around power levels. PoE, PoE+, and PoE++ provide higher power for demanding applications like SBCs with many power-hungry devices. You should balance it similarly to choosing between older and newer CPUs and GPUs—prioritize immediate performance or future-proofing. For your scenario, a passive switch would suffice without management yet. The USW model and its simplified version fit well, though 1 gigabit per slot is limiting. If you need higher speeds on a budget, Trendnet and Netgear offer 2.5 gigabit options, while Ubiquiti remains strong for PoE at lower costs. Edited February 16, 2023 by SorryClaire
Have you checked the message you shared? It covers the right points about VLANs and power-over-Ethernet. If you don’t need them and you won’t be using PoE, getting an 8-port gigabit switch is still the most cost-effective choice.
I wouldn't label Ubiquiti management as simple at all—it's much more complex and built to push customers toward their products. It might be simpler for large enterprises, but for smaller networks it adds unnecessary difficulty by offering too many choices, many of which you can't use without additional gear.
I focus mainly on the main title since I usually choose downstream PoE injectors myself. There are various types, and not every application requires them. When they do, specific models are preferred. PoE switches have always seemed suited for systems like security cameras where many identical devices share the same power and may not change soon. This can lead to high costs without guaranteed value.