New Ubiquiti configuration; POE++ compatibility?
New Ubiquiti configuration; POE++ compatibility?
POE++ refers to a higher power rating and a relatively recent standard. While it hasn’t sparked much demand among regular users, there’s growing interest in it. The U7 Pro is already rated at 21W, nearing the threshold for POE++. Most of Ubiquiti’s offerings focus on POE or POE+, which aligns with current needs. You’re evaluating the Dream Machine SE and deciding which switch to add. You’re weighing two choices: the Pro Max 24 POE (supporting 8xPOE+, 16xPOE++, 8x2.5Gbps) and the Enterprise model (24xPOE+, 12x2.5Gbps). Both are very costly, so you’re considering whether to invest now or wait. The Enterprise model adds more 2.5Gbps ports but lacks POE++ support. Newer APs like the U7 Pro tend to use the 2.5Gbps ports, which could leave your existing switches underutilized. You’re wondering if it’s worth upgrading for future-proofing against potential limits on newer standards, especially since you’re concerned about upcoming equipment breaking POE+ specs.
Do you have specific devices you want to use that needs poe++? If not, I don't see a point in buying poe++ switch as its only for high power poe devices that are pretty rare in environments like this. You can also add a Poe++ injector later on if needed. I have a UDM SE, but with Switch flex with a couple cameras poe+ wasn't enough, so I got a injector and it works without issues. Probably cheaper to use injectors if you have a couple of poe++ devices too.
You're questioning whether more devices will emerge soon that could be valuable. The Switch Flex concept sounds interesting, and you're considering the individual injectors as a potentially cost-effective option later on.
PoE offers significant advantages. Premium WiFi access points need PoE+, and PoE++ allows running devices like NUCs without separate power supplies—though PoE++ adapters can be costly. It’s clear that adding injectors makes sense, but it removes the benefit of relying solely on the UPS for power. I’d rather have a power splitter for PoE injectors than waste energy from extra PSUs when idle. Having PoE extractors lets me power monitors and lights without extra AC wiring, which would be expensive. I’m counting on PoE++ extractors becoming more affordable so I can run my pfSense box directly from it; previously the PoE+ version struggled with the load after upgrading the router.
I wasn’t aware this was an option. I quickly ordered a POE to LED strip for my enclosure. It should help keep the small insects away from my box. Excellent advice!
In theory my N100 should work with PoE+ though locating a suitable extractor can be challenging. The Edimax model I use claims to support 12V 2A but several reviews indicate it drops below that. I haven’t experienced any issues with my N5105 PC, but the N100 might lose power during startup, probably because of turbo boosting. A plus is its Gigabit Ethernet spec—it actually handles 2.5Gbit fine. I also use it for a MiSTer emulation box; it provides extra ports since my main switch only has 10. I’m just hoping we get some better PoE++ splitters to fix this.
Much attention has been placed on PoE++ technology, but we should consider whether 2.5Gbps ports are necessary or not. Even when thinking about future-proofing, how often will you require more than 1Gbps for one device? Let's set aside discussions about rare high-speed internet connections—what practical uses would that offer? I’m struggling to get even 100Mbps through my local network. The most demanding tasks are downloading from the web and transferring files locally. For downloads, I seldom hit speeds above the paid rate, let alone tenfold increases. Even then, it would likely take a few extra minutes. When it comes to local file transfers, my biggest challenge is streaming the high-resolution video of *The Fellowship of the Rings*—a 40GB file averaging 24.7Mb/s. That would allow 40 people to stream it simultaneously over a single 1Gbps link. You’re spending a lot for something you probably won’t use much, and even if it adds value occasionally, the impact will be minimal. Don’t obsess over large numbers just for the sake of numbers.
Are you sure you always require an extractor? The Raspberry Pi with a POE hat seems to connect straight to Ethernet now. Your concern about the LED strip is valid—it could just be unfinished wire. You were expecting it to end directly to Ethernet for easy connection to your console or switch.
I'm addressing several important points here. This update is intended for future improvements at this stage. I have two young boys who are still exploring technology, but I expect I'll soon need unlimited data from my ISP. The upgrade aims to boost speeds between computers and NAS devices, potentially offering faster internet over the next few years. Previously, I paid $60 for 1 gig speed, which is impressive for downloading large files like software or games. While it’s great for those tasks, it’s not essential anymore. My deal was $40 for 250 megabits or $60 for 1,000 megabits over two years. We have access to quicker connections here, but you’re correct—it doesn’t add much value in most cases. I also rarely moved files between my PCs over the network; I used an external hard drive because the 1 Gbps transfer was too slow and caused network issues during file transfers. Recently, I bought a 2.5 Gbps switch, which makes large file transfers over the network feasible. It performed well enough to fill up the cache on my budget SSD in my media PC. The new switch isn’t something I’ll buy unless there’s a clear need or better offer. This is why I’m asking whether the POE++ was worth the extra 2.5 ports.
The issue with LED strips arises unless they are intelligent and connected via Ethernet or have a pass-through feature, otherwise you're using up an Ethernet port. For my needs, I use extractors on random switch ports that connect to clients in another room, allowing me to light the switch area without direct cabling. Regarding 2.5Gbit speeds, I find them extremely valuable since even today's hard drives can handle such data rates. I frequently transfer data, so my configuration combines different technologies.