New Ubiquiti configuration; POE++ compatibility?
New Ubiquiti configuration; POE++ compatibility?
Then avoid this. Purchasing items you don’t require right now because “I might need it later” is usually a poor choice. Costs drop, new requirements emerge. By the time you actually want those things today, you could obtain better options sooner—either at a lower price or with improved performance. That doesn’t seem logical. Your system should remain functional during file transfers. If that fails, it’s likely the same issue would arise with 2.5Gbps, since speed isn’t the core problem. Can you clarify what’s happening in more detail? It might be useful to investigate and resolve the issue instead of replacing everything. Your budget-friendly SSD shouldn’t struggle under a 2.5Gbps link either. As I mentioned before, one 1Gbps connection is sufficient for streaming high-quality LOTR files to multiple people simultaneously. There’s no necessity for more than 1Gbps on a media device. Media that demand such bandwidth simply don’t exist. Honestly, this whole discussion feels odd to me. It seems you’re seeking reasons to justify spending on costly products. Buying expensive items isn’t always practical. You’re free to purchase what you need, when you need it. Don’t let me interfere. My advice would be: 1) Identify your real requirements and use cases. 2) Acquire only what you truly need, at the right time. 3) Keep in mind that if you wait, a faster switch might become available at a similar cost later. If you’re motivated by the thrill of buying, you’ll likely feel a brief boost in satisfaction, but once the upgrade arrives, you may regret it. That’s what I observe when people ask similar questions. They often talk about future-proofing, only to realize they want an upgrade years later. The goal shouldn’t be maximum speed—it should align with actual needs. You’ll likely move data around, but that’s not typical usage. My belief is you probably don’t need those speeds. As I said earlier, even at 1Gbps, many applications don’t require it. When transferring large files, the slowest part is usually your connection speed, not the device itself. Upgrading to a faster link won’t change that much for most tasks. It might slightly ease the transfer process, but the real benefit is minimal. Also, a modern HDD can handle sequential writes at high speeds, yet still struggles with mixed data transfers at lower rates. I’m currently backing up my image folder to a RAID 6 NAS and achieving about 20MB/s (160Mbps)—not limited by gigabit bandwidth. I’m not constrained by speed, but rather by the number of IOPS involved.
The ability to shift a BD rip across different drives while maintaining smooth performance for other activities highlights how tailored this setup is to your process. This flexibility makes RAID impractical for you since it doesn’t align with your workflow needs.
I wasn't entirely sure about my request... that's okay. I need a 2.5 Gbps connection right now. I already have a basic switch without PoE. I have three computers at home that can use the bandwidth for large file transfers. The decision to add more ports came from balancing the need for 8 or 12 ports versus the pros and cons of POE++. I'm not very familiar with PoE and it's making me a bit anxious because modern APs often draw 21 watts while PoE+ is rated for 30 watts. Choosing a switch with power limits we're nearing could be a mistake. I was also surprised to learn that a Wi-Fi 7 AP can use just one of those ports, which means more ports will become valuable in the future. But if the switch can't even supply enough power, it's not worth it. My main concern is whether a Wi-Fi 7 device could run on a single 2.5 port, and that worries me since I often stream large files—like a 40 GB video. When I use TeamViewer to control my media PC and transfer files, a 1 Gbps connection quickly becomes overwhelmed, making remote sessions useless. I hope the same happens with a 2.5 port setup, but I expect file transfers to take longer. I tested sending a 55 GB file in about four minutes on 2.5 Gbps, which is different from streaming to many people over three hours. I think it would take closer to 20 minutes at 1 Gbps. I assure you, no one will go hungry in my house during this discussion or the purchase. My old router from 2016 stopped supporting 5 GHz and now drops wired connections, plus it can't handle the 25+ wireless devices we have. I don’t want to replace it yet, but I need to eventually. When I bought that device, it offered 100 Mbps, and now my download speeds are in the Gbps range. If I stick with a 1 Gbps network, I risk being severely limited in eight to ten years when I decide to upgrade.
You can achieve this using a 1Gbps link as well, which seems like an unusual situation. Your process also appears quite inefficient if you continue doing it regularly. From what I understand, you tend to justify purchases with a sense of luxury, as if you're investing in premium products. It's interesting how you express enthusiasm for high-end items and then rationalize your choices afterward. Regardless of whether my assessment is correct or not, it's your decision. The funds aren't yours to spend.
In the case of OP, he reached out seeking guidance, so I’ll offer my perspective. My impression is that your motivation leans more toward desire than necessity. Technology’s unpredictability worries me—while we’re nearing PoE+ limits, we really don’t know if we’re hitting them. PoE launched in 2003, PoE+ in 2009, and PoE++ in 2018. The U6 Pro from UniFi adheres to the original standard, offering no advantage over older systems. Even the U6 Enterprise, with its advanced specs, still operates within the 21-year-old PoE framework.
Reflecting on access points from a decade ago, I see similar power usage figures. Yet, in two to three years, a newer standard or new use case could emerge, rendering PoE++ insufficient. Viewing this as a bet on the future is risky. The landscape is volatile—technology shifts and our needs evolve rapidly.
It’s not just about bandwidth; it’s about workflow too. Upgrading for “future-proofing” feels like gambling. My point is that you should focus on smarter solutions rather than spending heavily in pursuit of temporary fixes. It would take a bit over seven minutes, not twenty, to address the core issue.
1) Is the bottleneck significant?
2) Do you believe the situation will improve by 2032 with better products from companies like Ubiquiti?
I’m stepping away now, unsure if my comments align with what you want to hear. My goal is for you to reflect on whether your spending stems from genuine need or a desire for novelty and status. Buying expensive items can be exciting, but often the joy fades quickly, leading to wasted resources. Saving money can feel less rewarding than spending, yet it’s usually the wiser choice.
You're asking about whether buying something because you want it is risky. It's true it involves some uncertainty, but spending a nearly 15-year-old phone today for its full price isn't ideal either. I don’t have many POE+ setups at home, and honestly, the situation is unclear. Should I choose a newer or older tech? I’m not very familiar with networking gear, so I wasn’t sure what was coming next.
The U8 could be a 4090 of APs, and I was hoping industry experts could share their thoughts. My wife and I are considering upgrading to POE for cameras, and I’ve added APs. Our current Wi-Fi cameras are often unreliable—some disconnect after power changes or storms, and notifications take days. Nighttime performance is poor, and accessing older files plus subscriptions can be frustrating. Plus, the traffic they generate on the network is a hassle.
I’ve calculated it all, sketched plans, and have about 18-20 spots to route cables for cameras, APs, and devices. Between APs, cameras, and 24 ports, Ubiquiti offers a standard 24-port POE with only 95W output. Using two or three APs rated around 20W each plus 5-6 cameras at 7-12W would make a 95W switch seem excessive. Their current lineup has a 1Gbps/400W model for $700 and two 2.5Gbps models for $800, but these are 400W, not 24 ports.
There’s no other option with 24 ports on their site right now. They used to have a Gen1 model with 250W, which might be discontinued or out of stock. Now they offer a 1Gbps/400W model for $700 and two 2.5Gbps models for $800. The main difference is the extra 2.5Gbps ports and POE++ support. It seems like paying $100 more for 2.5Gbps isn’t worth it unless you really need it.
The cost of the upgrade is significant compared to the savings. I can live with 1Gbps, but why spend $700 on a device that costs $800? The price tag feels high given how much effort went into planning and preparing. Still, my wife has been urging us for years to improve our Wi-Fi—this isn’t just a whim. It’s important, and I hope others will hear my perspective.