Count the devices and uplink connections, choose the link speeds they need, and decide whether the switch must supply power. Use a managed model when you need features such as VLANs or monitoring. Check the total power budget, power supply and installation requirements before comparing prices.
Count every connection
Include computers, printers, access points, cameras, storage and the link back to the router or another switch. Leave some spare capacity for planned additions. If an eight-port switch uses one port for its uplink, seven ports remain for other connections.
Before changing the switch, list the Ethernet patch leads and lengths needed to connect it. A correct port count with missing cables still leaves desks offline.
Choose management features for an actual requirement
An unmanaged switch can suit a simple network that needs no configuration. Managed switches can add features such as virtual LANs (VLANs), monitoring and port controls, but the exact features vary by model.
VLANs can separate groups of devices logically. Keeping those groups isolated also requires a correctly configured network, including the router or firewall where traffic moves between them. Buying a managed switch alone does not create that separation.
Separate power input from power output
Power over Ethernet (PoE) can power the switch itself, or the switch can provide power to other devices. Those are different capabilities. A product described as PoE-powered does not necessarily provide powered outputs.
- UniFi Lite 8 PoE has eight gigabit ports, four PoE+ outputs and a 52W total output budget.
- UniFi Ultra has seven PoE+ outputs, but the usable budget depends on how it is powered. The linked model is supplied without a power adapter.
Add up the required power for the devices, check each port's supported PoE standard, and keep the combined requirement within the total budget. Check Ubiquiti's PoE guidance and the individual model specification.
Faster links help when there is something faster to connect
For large transfers between a computer and network storage, check both devices, the switch and their link speeds. A 2.5 gigabit switch does not turn a gigabit network adapter into a faster one, nor does it raise the speed of your internet subscription.
The UniFi Flex Mini 2.5G provides five 2.5GbE ports and accepts PoE or USB-C power. It does not supply PoE power to connected devices. Compare it with other models in Ubiquiti switches.
Check where it will live
Consider noise, ventilation, mounting and access to power. Confirm whether the power supply and any mounting hardware you need are included. Decide who will maintain the configuration if you choose a managed model.
For the cables around each desk, use the office cable checklist. It separates network, monitor and printer connections so the cable order matches the equipment you actually have.
Common questions
Does a PoE-powered switch power my cameras?
Only if the model also provides compatible PoE output ports and sufficient total power. PoE input and output are separate capabilities.
Do I need a new switch just because I bought Cat6 cables?
No. Choose a switch upgrade for a requirement such as more ports, higher supported link speed, PoE output or management features. A new cable category alone is not a reason to replace it.
Updated 27 October 2026. Check individual product specifications and current availability before ordering.