Ubiquiti Flex Mini Question
Ubiquiti Flex Mini Question
The Flex Mini can function as a standalone switch without additional Unifi products or a controller. You can connect it directly to your 2 gig connection via ATT Fiber and later upgrade to 5 gig if desired. This setup should deliver the full speed needed for your gaming rig and workstation.
Consider these options when planning ahead. Start with a multi-gig switch. I’m not clear on what you expect from the Flex Mini, particularly regarding a multi-gig internet upgrade. It lacks PoE output. Unless you only require its managed switch capabilities—then you’ll still need the controller. You can set it up initially and then use it as needed.
The flex mini is a gigabit device that won’t boost your internet speed. Consider a 10gb switch such as the flex-xg or a 2.5 gb switch like the 8 enterprise POE. Is your router linked to a connection faster than gigabit? Share more about your configuration, budget, and goals.
Using the AT&T gateway BGW320-500, one port handles up to 5Gbps and is connected to my office via a wired link. I’m only on the 2GB plan, which limits speeds to around 2000Mbps. I need to transfer data from the wall (which supports 2.3Gbps) to two machines, while others can handle 1Gbps. My budget is under $150 USD, and I haven’t found a reasonably priced alternative yet.
A budget-friendly 2.5 Gb switch is the most affordable choice you can find. You'll also need 2.5 Gb NICs for your computer. Since your router has an SFP+ port, consider using a MikroTik SFP+ switch (like CRS305-1G-4S+) instead. Do you already have a device connected to the 5 Gb port on your BGW320-500? You might be able to operate two devices without a switch by utilizing the 5 Gb and SFP+ ports.
The wiring for the 5 gb port travels through the attic and into my office, connecting to a wall plate. It’s not a standard RJ45 port but a larger connector with a RJ45 on one side. Currently, I’m using a Netgear 1 gig switch that feeds into my gaming rig, work laptop, Mac Studio, and eventually a Raspberry Pi once I set up the necessary VPN services. The SFP+ port is handling the link to the att fiber connection.
For an all-Ubiquiti configuration, consider purchasing the flex-xg for your office. At $300 it’s quite reasonable for a 10-gig switch. It functions exactly like a managed switch right out of the box. You only need the controller if you wish to enable advanced capabilities such as port isolation and VLANs. With access, you could extend more Ethernet connections to your office and consolidate a single network hub. I’ve run an all-Ubiquiti setup and it’s great to control every device through one interface. Their cameras have also impressed me.