UBIQUITI
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex 5-Port Gigabit PoE Switch – Indoor/Outdoor
- SKU:
- NPUBI-USWFLEX
- UPC:
- 817882027595
- MPN:
- USW-FLEX
- Availability:
- Free Click & Collect in Peterborough. UK delivery also available
Description
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex 5-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch – Indoor & Outdoor Managed Layer 2 Switch
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex is a compact, managed Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for flexible indoor and outdoor network installations. It provides five 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit RJ45 ports, with one port used for PoE-powered input and four ports capable of supplying PoE+ power to compatible network devices.
Designed as part of the Ubiquiti UniFi ecosystem, the USW-Flex is particularly useful for extending Ethernet and Power over Ethernet to access points, IP cameras and other PoE devices in locations where installing a conventional mains-powered network switch would be difficult.
When powered by a suitable PoE++ source or 60W PoE adapter, the USW-Flex provides a total available PoE budget of up to 46W. It can also operate from lower-powered PoE+ or PoE sources, automatically adapting its available output budget to the incoming power source.
Quick answer: The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex is a 5-port managed Gigabit Layer 2 switch with one PoE input and four PoE+ output ports. It provides up to 46W total PoE availability when powered by PoE++, supports indoor and outdoor installation, delivers 10Gbps switching capacity and is managed centrally through the UniFi Network application.
Key Features of the Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex
- 5 × 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 ports
- Managed Layer 2 network switch
- Port 1 supports PoE input
- Ports 2–5 provide PoE+ output
- Up to 25W PoE+ output per supported port
- Up to 46W total PoE availability with PoE++ input
- 20W total PoE availability with PoE+ input
- 8W total PoE availability with standard PoE input
- Supports 802.3af / 802.3at / 802.3bt power input
- Powered directly through Ethernet – no conventional DC input required
- Compatible with optional 60W PoE power adapter
- 10Gbps switching capacity
- 5Gbps non-blocking throughput
- 7Mpps forwarding rate
- Supports up to 1,000 VLANs
- 2,000-entry MAC address table
- Egress rate limiting
- Flow control
- Port isolation
- Port mirroring
- Jumbo Frame support
- UniFi Network management
- Ethernet in-band management
- Indoor and outdoor-ready construction
- Desktop installation
- Wall mounting
- Pole mounting
- Outdoor port cover supplied
- Optional USW-Flex-Utility outdoor enclosure available separately
- Compact 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm design
- Lightweight 230g construction
- Passive, silent operation with no cooling fan
- Wide outdoor operating-temperature capability
- ±16kV air/contact ESD protection
- CE, FCC and IC certified
- NDAA compliant
Five Gigabit Ethernet Ports
The USW-Flex provides five RJ45 Ethernet ports, each supporting:
- 10Mbps Ethernet
- 100Mbps Fast Ethernet
- 1000Mbps / 1Gbps Gigabit Ethernet
This makes the switch suitable for connecting devices such as:
- UniFi wireless access points
- UniFi Protect cameras
- IP security cameras
- Network bridges
- VoIP equipment
- Desktop computers
- Other network switches
- IoT network devices
- Other compatible Ethernet and PoE equipment
All Five Ports Carry Gigabit Data
Although Port 1 is normally used to provide incoming PoE power to the switch, it also carries normal Ethernet data.
Ports 2 through 5 provide Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and can additionally supply PoE power to compatible connected devices when sufficient incoming power is available.
One PoE Input Powers the Entire Switch
A major advantage of the USW-Flex is that it does not require a conventional mains socket beside the switch.
Port 1 receives both Ethernet data and electrical power through a single Ethernet cable.
The switch can accept compatible:
- 802.3af PoE
- 802.3at PoE+
- 802.3bt PoE++
This makes the USW-Flex particularly useful when the switch must be installed:
- High on a wall
- On an outdoor pole
- Near security cameras
- In a loft or ceiling space
- Inside an outdoor network enclosure
- In areas without a conveniently located AC socket
Four PoE+ Output Ports
Ports 2 through 5 can provide PoE+ output to compatible powered devices.
Ubiquiti's current specification lists a maximum PoE output of up to 25W per PoE+ port, subject to the total available PoE budget.
Important: Per-Port Maximum and Total PoE Budget Are Different
A port being capable of delivering up to 25W does not mean all four output ports can each supply 25W simultaneously.
The total power available to all connected PoE devices depends on the power source feeding the USW-Flex.
Up to 46W Total PoE Availability
The maximum available output depends directly on the type of PoE powering the switch.
- PoE++ input: up to 46W total PoE availability
- 60W compatible PoE adapter: up to 46W total PoE availability
- PoE+ input: up to 20W total PoE availability
- PoE input: up to 8W total PoE availability
Why the Incoming PoE Standard Matters
The USW-Flex itself consumes power before it can pass power to attached devices.
A higher-powered PoE source therefore leaves more electrical capacity available for the four downstream PoE ports.
For example, powering the switch using PoE++ is the preferred configuration when several cameras or access points need to be powered from the same USW-Flex.
46W PoE Budget with PoE++
When connected to a compatible 802.3bt PoE++ switch or suitable 60W PoE adapter, Ubiquiti specifies up to 46W of total PoE availability.
This can allow several compatible PoE-powered devices to share one upstream Ethernet connection and power source.
Useful for Multi-Camera Installations
A common deployment is to run one PoE++ Ethernet cable to the USW-Flex and then connect several cameras locally.
This can reduce the need to run an individual long Ethernet cable from the main network switch to every camera location.
20W PoE Budget with PoE+
When powered from an 802.3at PoE+ source, the USW-Flex provides up to 20W total PoE availability.
This may be sufficient for one or several lower-power PoE devices, depending on each device's actual power requirement.
8W PoE Budget with Standard PoE
When powered from a standard 802.3af PoE source, the available output budget falls to approximately 8W.
This can still be useful where the USW-Flex is primarily needed as a network switch or where only a very low-power downstream device must be powered.
How to Calculate Whether Your PoE Devices Will Work
Before connecting several PoE devices, add together their maximum or expected power requirements and compare the result with the available USW-Flex PoE budget.
For example:
- If the Flex has 46W available, the combined downstream requirement should remain within 46W.
- If the Flex has only 20W available, connecting devices that require more than 20W combined may exceed the available budget.
- Individual devices must also remain within the supported per-port PoE output.
Using the maximum device specification rather than only typical consumption provides useful headroom when planning a PoE installation.
Ideal for UniFi Protect Cameras
The USW-Flex is particularly useful for expanding Ethernet and PoE connectivity to compatible UniFi Protect security cameras.
Instead of running multiple long cables back to the main network cabinet, installers can position a Flex closer to a group of cameras and distribute both Gigabit Ethernet and PoE locally.
Check Each Camera's PoE Requirement
Different UniFi cameras have different maximum power requirements.
Before connecting multiple cameras, check:
- The camera's required PoE standard
- Maximum power consumption
- Total power required by all connected cameras
- Incoming PoE power available to the USW-Flex
Ideal for UniFi Access Points
The switch can also power compatible UniFi wireless access points.
A typical application could use one upstream PoE-powered connection to the Flex and then distribute connectivity to an access point plus other PoE devices.
This can be useful in:
- Gardens
- Warehouses
- Workshops
- Outbuildings
- Hotels
- Offices
- Schools
- Retail environments
Indoor and Outdoor-Ready Design
Ubiquiti specifically rates the USW-Flex as outdoor ready.
Its compact enclosure and included mounting hardware allow it to be used in both indoor and suitable outdoor network installations.
Use the Port Cover Outdoors
For outdoor installations, Ubiquiti instructs installers to fit the supplied port cover before connecting the Ethernet cables.
The cover helps protect the connector area when the switch is used outside.
Exposed Outdoor Installations
For installations that are highly exposed to weather, Ubiquiti offers the optional USW-Flex-Utility.
The Flex Utility is a separate weatherproof outdoor enclosure designed specifically for the USW-Flex.
It also includes a 60W PoE adapter capable of allowing the Flex to provide its maximum 46W PoE budget.
Wall, Pole or Desktop Mounting
The compact enclosure provides several installation options.
Ubiquiti specifies the USW-Flex for:
- Desktop installation
- Wall mounting
- Pole mounting
Wall Mount Included
A wall-mount accessory is supplied with the switch, together with suitable mounting screws and wall anchors.
Pole Mount Included
A pole mount and two cable ties are also supplied, allowing the unit to be attached to a suitable pole.
This is particularly useful for outdoor access-point and camera installations.
Compact 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm Design
The USW-Flex measures approximately:
- 122.5mm long
- 107.1mm wide
- 28mm high
Its small size makes it easier to install in locations where a conventional desktop or rackmount switch would be impractical.
Only 230g
The switch weighs approximately 230g, making it lightweight enough for wall and pole installations while remaining suitable for desktop use.
10Gbps Switching Capacity
Ubiquiti specifies a total 10Gbps switching capacity for the five-port USW-Flex.
This represents full-duplex switching capacity across its five Gigabit Ethernet interfaces.
5Gbps Non-Blocking Throughput
Total non-blocking throughput is rated at 5Gbps, allowing the five Gigabit ports to process traffic simultaneously at their rated one-way line speeds.
7Mpps Forwarding Rate
The switch provides a packet forwarding rate of approximately 7 million packets per second.
Managed Layer 2 Switching
The USW-Flex is a managed Layer 2 switch rather than a basic unmanaged Ethernet splitter.
Management through UniFi Network allows administrators to monitor the switch and configure supported networking behaviour as part of a wider UniFi installation.
Support for up to 1,000 VLANs
Ubiquiti's current specification lists support for up to 1,000 VLANs.
VLANs can be used to logically separate network traffic for different purposes, such as:
- Security cameras
- Corporate devices
- Guest networks
- IoT equipment
- Network-management devices
The wider router, gateway and network configuration must also support the required VLAN design.
2,000-Entry MAC Address Table
The USW-Flex provides a 2,000-entry MAC address table for identifying and forwarding Ethernet traffic between connected network devices.
Port Isolation
The current Ubiquiti specification includes Port Isolation.
This can be useful where devices connected to different switch ports should not communicate directly with each other while still retaining access to permitted upstream network resources.
Port Mirroring
Port Mirroring allows compatible traffic to be copied to another port for monitoring or troubleshooting.
This can be useful for:
- Packet capture
- Network troubleshooting
- Traffic analysis
- Security diagnostics
Egress Rate Limiting
The USW-Flex supports egress rate limiting, allowing administrators to control outgoing bandwidth on supported switch ports through UniFi Network.
Flow Control
Flow-control support helps compatible Ethernet devices manage short periods of congestion by coordinating traffic transmission between network interfaces.
Jumbo Frame Support
The USW-Flex supports Jumbo Frames.
Jumbo Frames can reduce protocol overhead in compatible network environments, although all relevant devices in the communication path should use compatible MTU settings.
Managed Through UniFi Network
The USW-Flex is designed to be adopted and managed through the UniFi Network application.
Ubiquiti currently specifies:
UniFi Network version 5.10.3 or later
as the minimum application requirement for the USW-Flex.
Centralised UniFi Management
Once adopted into UniFi Network, compatible UniFi infrastructure can be managed through one central interface.
This can include:
- UniFi switches
- UniFi access points
- UniFi gateways
- VLAN and network configuration
- Connected-client monitoring
- Port configuration
- Firmware management
Ethernet In-Band Management
The management interface is Ethernet in-band, meaning management communication travels through the Ethernet network rather than using a separate dedicated management connection.
Silent Fanless Operation
The compact USW-Flex does not require an active cooling fan.
Fanless operation provides:
- Silent operation
- No fan maintenance
- No mechanical fan wear
- Suitability for offices and quiet indoor installations
Wide Operating Temperature Range
The USW-Flex is designed to operate across temperatures significantly wider than those typical of conventional indoor desktop switches.
Ubiquiti's current specification gives:
- With 46W PoE output: -40°C to 55°C
- With 25W PoE output: -40°C to 65°C
Operating capability can therefore depend on the amount of PoE power being supplied to downstream devices.
Operating Humidity
Supported operating humidity is:
5% to 95% non-condensing
High ESD Protection
Ubiquiti specifies ±16kV air/contact ESD protection.
This provides additional electrical protection for installations where electrostatic discharge may be a concern.
For exposed outdoor Ethernet runs, suitable surge protection and correct network installation practices should still be considered.
Low Switch Power Consumption
The USW-Flex itself consumes a maximum of approximately 5W excluding PoE output according to Ubiquiti's current specification.
Maximum consumption including full PoE output is approximately 51W.
No Separate AC Power Supply Required
The switch is designed to receive power through its Ethernet connection.
This eliminates the need to run a separate mains cable to the switch location when an appropriate PoE source is already available.
PoE Injector or PoE Switch Required
The switch does not generate its own power.
You therefore need a compatible upstream:
- PoE switch
- PoE+ switch
- PoE++ switch
- Compatible PoE adapter
to power the USW-Flex.
60W PoE Adapter Is Sold Separately
The 60W adapter referenced for maximum 46W downstream PoE availability is not included with the standard USW-Flex package.
It can be obtained separately, including as part of Ubiquiti's optional USW-Flex-Utility outdoor enclosure solution.
Useful for CCTV and Security Camera Networks
The combination of four PoE output ports, outdoor-ready construction and compact mounting options makes the USW-Flex particularly suitable for distributed security-camera networks.
A typical installation could use:
- One upstream PoE++ Ethernet cable
- One USW-Flex mounted near the cameras
- Up to four local Gigabit Ethernet connections
- PoE power distributed to compatible cameras
This can simplify cabling where several cameras are positioned in the same outdoor area.
Useful for Outbuildings and Remote Network Locations
The USW-Flex can also be useful for extending network connectivity to:
- Garages
- Garden offices
- Warehouses
- Workshops
- Sheds
- Outdoor Wi-Fi locations
- Remote camera poles
provided suitable Ethernet cabling, grounding, surge protection and environmental installation practices are used.
Useful for Small Business Networks
The USW-Flex is suitable for small business installations that need a few additional managed Gigabit ports without installing a full-size switch.
Possible uses include:
- Retail security systems
- Hospitality Wi-Fi
- Warehouse networking
- Office access points
- School network extensions
- Remote IP cameras
USW-Flex vs USW-Flex-Mini
The USW-Flex and USW-Flex-Mini are different products.
- USW-Flex: 5 × Gigabit ports, four PoE+ outputs, outdoor ready
- USW-Flex-Mini: compact 5-port Gigabit switch without four downstream PoE output ports
The USW-Flex is therefore the more suitable choice when you need to distribute PoE power to cameras, access points or other compatible devices.
USW-Flex vs Newer Flex 2.5G Models
The original USW-Flex is a Gigabit Ethernet switch.
Its ports operate at up to 1Gbps and should not be confused with newer Ubiquiti Flex products offering 2.5GbE or 10GbE connectivity.
If your network requires Multi-Gigabit Ethernet, choose an appropriate newer UniFi Flex 2.5G model instead.
Important: This Is a Gigabit Switch
All five RJ45 Ethernet interfaces operate at up to 1Gbps.
The USW-Flex does not provide:
- 2.5GbE
- 5GbE
- 10GbE RJ45
- SFP
- SFP+
Important: Current PoE+ Specification
Older USW-Flex documentation originally described Ports 2–5 as 802.3af PoE with approximately 15W output per port.
Ubiquiti's current specification now lists the four output interfaces as PoE+ with up to 25W per port.
The total output available across all four ports remains limited by the incoming PoE source:
- 46W with PoE++ / compatible 60W adapter
- 20W with PoE+
- 8W with PoE
Important Outdoor Installation Note
The USW-Flex is rated by Ubiquiti as outdoor ready, but correct installation remains important.
Ubiquiti instructs users to install the supplied port cover when using the switch outdoors.
For more exposed outdoor environments, consider the optional USW-Flex-Utility weatherproof enclosure.
Important PoE Compatibility Note
Before connecting a powered device, check both:
- The PoE standard required by the device
- The amount of PoE power available from the USW-Flex
A compatible PoE standard alone does not guarantee sufficient power if the total power budget has already been consumed by other connected devices.
Important Cable Quality Note
PoE sends electrical power as well as network data through Ethernet cabling.
Use suitable high-quality Ethernet cable appropriate to the installation environment, particularly for long cable runs or outdoor installations.
Poor-quality or excessive-length cable can increase voltage loss and may reduce available power to connected devices.
Important UniFi Management Note
The USW-Flex is designed as part of the UniFi Network ecosystem. UniFi Network is used for adoption, configuration and monitoring of supported switch features.
This makes the USW-Flex most attractive for networks already using, or planning to use, other UniFi infrastructure.
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex Technical Overview
- Brand: Ubiquiti
- Product Family: UniFi
- Model: USW-Flex
- MPN: USW-FLEX
- Memox SKU: NPUBI-USWFLEX
- Product Type: Managed Layer 2 PoE Ethernet Switch
- Ethernet Ports: 5 × 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45
- Maximum Ethernet Speed: 1Gbps per port
- PoE Input: Port 1
- PoE Output: Ports 2–5
- PoE Output Ports: 4 × PoE+
- Maximum PoE Output Per Port: Up to 25W
- Maximum Total PoE Availability: 46W
- PoE++ Input Budget: 46W available
- PoE+ Input Budget: 20W available
- PoE Input Budget: 8W available
- Switching Capacity: 10Gbps
- Non-Blocking Throughput: 5Gbps
- Forwarding Rate: 7Mpps
- Supported VLANs: Up to 1,000
- MAC Address Table: 2,000 entries
- Egress Rate Limiting: Yes
- Flow Control: Yes
- Port Isolation: Yes
- Port Mirroring: Yes
- Jumbo Frames: Yes
- Management: Ethernet / UniFi Network
- Minimum Listed UniFi Network Version: 5.10.3 or later
- Outdoor Ready: Yes
- Mounting: Desktop / Wall / Pole
- Dimensions: 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm
- Weight: 230g
- Enclosure: Polycarbonate
- Maximum Switch Consumption Excluding PoE Output: 5W
- Maximum Consumption Including PoE Output: 51W
- Heat Dissipation: 17.1 BTU/h excluding PoE output
- ESD Protection: ±16kV air/contact
- Operating Temperature at 46W PoE Output: -40°C to 55°C
- Operating Temperature at 25W PoE Output: -40°C to 65°C
- Operating Humidity: 5–95% non-condensing
- NDAA Compliant: Yes
- Certifications: CE / FCC / IC
- UPC-12: 817882027595
- EAN / GTIN-13: 0817882027595
What Is Included?
- 1 × Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex switch
- 1 × wall mount
- 1 × pole mount
- 1 × outdoor port cover
- 2 × mounting screws
- 2 × screw anchors
- 2 × cable / zip ties
A PoE power adapter is not listed as part of the standard USW-Flex package. A suitable PoE-powered network source or compatible PoE adapter is required.
Who Is the Ubiquiti USW-Flex Best For?
- UniFi network installations
- UniFi Protect camera systems
- Outdoor security-camera installations
- UniFi wireless access points
- Warehouses
- Garden offices and outbuildings
- Retail locations
- Schools and campuses
- Hospitality networks
- Remote network-extension points
- Pole-mounted network installations
- Locations where a local mains socket is unavailable
- Installations requiring several PoE devices from one upstream cable
Who Should Consider a Different Switch?
A different switch may be more suitable if you specifically need:
- More than five Ethernet ports
- More than four PoE output ports
- More than 46W total downstream PoE availability
- PoE++ output to downstream devices
- 2.5GbE connectivity
- 10GbE connectivity
- SFP or SFP+ fibre interfaces
- A conventional AC-powered switch
- A fully sealed outdoor enclosure without an additional accessory
Why Choose the Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex?
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex solves a specific networking problem extremely well: providing managed Gigabit Ethernet and PoE distribution in locations where installing a conventional powered switch would be inconvenient.
A single upstream Ethernet cable can provide both network data and power to the switch, while the four downstream ports distribute Gigabit connectivity and PoE+ power to compatible cameras, wireless access points and other devices.
With a suitable PoE++ source, the USW-Flex provides up to 46W total PoE availability, while its current specification allows up to 25W PoE+ output per supported downstream port.
The 10Gbps switching capacity, 5Gbps non-blocking throughput and 7Mpps forwarding performance allow all five Gigabit interfaces to operate efficiently, while Layer 2 management features including VLAN support, port isolation, port mirroring, flow control and rate limiting provide substantially more control than an unmanaged outdoor switch.
Integration with UniFi Network allows the switch to be centrally monitored and configured alongside compatible UniFi gateways, switches and access points.
Its compact 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm enclosure, wall and pole mounting options, supplied outdoor port cover and wide operating-temperature range also make it suitable for installations where standard indoor desktop switches cannot easily be used.
Choose the Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex if you need a compact 5-port managed Gigabit switch that can itself be powered by PoE, distribute PoE+ to up to four compatible devices and operate as part of an indoor or outdoor UniFi network.
Specification
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex 5-Port Gigabit PoE+ Switch Specifications
The Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex is a compact managed Layer 2 Gigabit Ethernet switch designed for indoor and outdoor UniFi network deployments. It provides five 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 ports, with Port 1 accepting PoE input and Ports 2–5 providing PoE+ output to compatible network devices. When powered from a suitable PoE++ source or compatible 60W PoE adapter, the USW-Flex can provide up to 46W of total downstream PoE availability.
General Information
| Brand | Ubiquiti |
| Product Family | UniFi |
| Model | USW-Flex |
| Manufacturer Part Number / MPN | USW-FLEX |
| Memox SKU | NPUBI-USWFLEX |
| Product Type | Managed Layer 2 Gigabit PoE Ethernet Switch |
| Form Factor | Compact Desktop / Wall / Pole Mount |
| Indoor Use | Yes |
| Outdoor Ready | Yes – correct outdoor installation required |
Ethernet Ports
| Total RJ45 Ports | 5 |
| Port Type | 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 |
| Maximum Ethernet Speed | 1Gbps Per Port |
| PoE Input Port | Port 1 |
| PoE Output Ports | Ports 2–5 |
| PoE Output Port Count | 4 |
| 2.5GbE Support | No |
| 5GbE Support | No |
| 10GbE Support | No |
| SFP / SFP+ Ports | None |
PoE Input
| PoE Input Port | Port 1 |
| Supported PoE Input | PoE / PoE+ / PoE++ |
| IEEE PoE Input Standards | 802.3af / 802.3at / 802.3bt |
| Current Supported Voltage Range | 50–57V PoE |
| PoE++ Input | Supported |
| PoE+ Input | Supported |
| Standard PoE Input | Supported |
| Separate DC Power Input | No |
| Power Supplied Through Ethernet | Yes |
PoE Output
| PoE Output Ports | 4 × RJ45 – Ports 2–5 |
| Current PoE Output Standard | PoE+ |
| Maximum PoE Output Per Port | Up to 25W |
| Maximum Total PoE Availability | Up to 46W |
| PoE++ Output | No |
PoE Budget by Input Power Source
| Powered by PoE++ | Up to 46W total downstream PoE availability |
| Powered by Compatible 60W PoE Adapter | Up to 46W total downstream PoE availability |
| Powered by PoE+ | Up to 20W total downstream PoE availability |
| Powered by Standard PoE | Up to 8W total downstream PoE availability |
Power Consumption
| Maximum Switch Power Consumption Excluding PoE Output | 5W |
| Maximum Power Consumption Including PoE Output | 51W |
| Heat Dissipation Excluding PoE Output | 17.1 BTU/h |
| External AC Power Adapter Included | No |
Switching Performance
| Switching Capacity | 10Gbps |
| Total Non-Blocking Throughput | 5Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 7Mpps |
| Maximum Port Speed | 1Gbps |
Layer 2 Features
| Managed Layer | Layer 2 |
| Supported VLANs | Up to 1,000 |
| MAC Address Table | 2,000 Entries |
| Egress Rate Limiting | Yes |
| Flow Control | Yes |
| Port Isolation | Yes |
| Port Mirroring | Yes |
| Jumbo Frames | Yes |
Management
| Management Interface | Ethernet In-Band |
| Management Platform | UniFi Network |
| Minimum Listed UniFi Network Version | 5.10.3 or Later |
| Centralised UniFi Management | Yes |
| Remote Monitoring | Supported through compatible UniFi deployment |
| Port Configuration | Yes through UniFi Network |
| VLAN Configuration | Yes through UniFi Network |
Physical Specifications
| Length | 122.5mm |
| Width | 107.1mm |
| Height | 28mm |
| Overall Dimensions | 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm |
| Weight | 230g |
| Cooling | Passive / Fanless |
| Internal Fan | No |
Mounting Options
| Desktop Installation | Yes |
| Wall Mounting | Yes |
| Pole Mounting | Yes |
| Wall Mount Included | Yes |
| Pole Mount Included | Yes |
| Outdoor Port Cover Included | Yes |
| Optional Weatherproof Utility Enclosure | USW-Flex-Utility – sold separately |
Outdoor Operation
| Outdoor Ready | Yes |
| Outdoor Port Cover | Included and required for correct outdoor installation |
| Weatherproof Utility Enclosure | Optional USW-Flex-Utility available separately |
| Outdoor Ethernet Cable Recommendation | Use suitable shielded outdoor-rated Ethernet cabling |
Environmental Specifications
| Operating Temperature at 46W PoE Output | -40°C to 55°C |
| Operating Temperature at 25W PoE Output | -40°C to 65°C |
| Operating Humidity | 5% to 95% Non-Condensing |
Electrical Protection
| ESD Protection – Air | ±16kV |
| ESD Protection – Contact | ±16kV |
| Outdoor Surge Protection | Additional suitable Ethernet surge protection may be required depending on installation |
Port 1 Functions
| Ethernet Data | 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps |
| PoE Input | Yes |
| PoE Output | No |
| Function | Upstream data connection and power input for the switch |
Ports 2–5 Functions
| Ethernet Data | 10 / 100 / 1000Mbps |
| PoE+ Output | Yes |
| Maximum Current PoE Output Per Port | Up to 25W |
| Total Combined Output | Limited by the available 46W / 20W / 8W total PoE budget |
Typical Device Compatibility
| UniFi Access Points | Compatible models subject to PoE power requirement |
| UniFi Protect Cameras | Compatible models subject to PoE power requirement |
| Third-Party IP Cameras | Compatible IEEE PoE devices subject to power requirement |
| VoIP Devices | Compatible models subject to PoE requirements |
| Non-PoE Ethernet Devices | Yes |
LED Indicators
| System Status LED | Yes |
| Link / Speed / Activity Indicators | Yes – Ports 1–5 |
| PoE Status Indicators | Yes – downstream PoE ports |
Certifications and Compliance
| CE | Yes |
| FCC | Yes |
| IC | Yes |
| NDAA Compliant | Yes |
Package Contents
| UniFi Switch Flex | 1 |
| Wall Mount | 1 |
| Pole Mount | 1 |
| Outdoor Port Cover | 1 |
| Mounting Screws | 2 |
| Screw Anchors | 2 |
| Zip Ties | 2 |
| PoE Power Adapter | Not Included |
| USW-Flex-Utility Enclosure | Not Included – sold separately |
Product Identification
| Manufacturer | Ubiquiti |
| Product Family | UniFi |
| Model | USW-Flex |
| MPN | USW-FLEX |
| Memox SKU | NPUBI-USWFLEX |
| UPC-12 | 817882027595 |
| EAN / GTIN-13 | 0817882027595 |
Warranty
| Memox Listed Warranty | 1 Year |
| Manufacturer Warranty Terms | May vary according to country, purchase channel and authorised reseller terms |
Important Current PoE Specification Note
Ubiquiti's current USW-Flex technical specification lists Ports 2–5 as PoE+ outputs with a maximum of up to 25W per port.
Older Ubiquiti USW-Flex documentation originally specified these ports as 802.3af PoE with up to approximately 15.4W per port. Some older retailer and distributor databases still display this legacy figure.
For current product information, this specification tab uses Ubiquiti's latest published PoE+ / 25W-per-port specification.
Important Total PoE Budget Note
The maximum 25W per downstream port is a per-port capability and does not mean that four devices can each draw 25W simultaneously.
The combined PoE output available across Ports 2–5 is limited by how the switch is powered:
- PoE++ / suitable 60W adapter: up to 46W total
- PoE+: up to 20W total
- PoE: up to 8W total
Always add together the maximum power requirements of all connected PoE devices before installation.
Important PoE++ Note
The USW-Flex can receive PoE++ power through Port 1, but the downstream Ports 2–5 provide PoE+ rather than PoE++ output.
If a connected device specifically requires PoE++ power, it should not be assumed that the USW-Flex can power it.
Important Power Adapter Note
A 60W PoE adapter is not supplied with the standard USW-Flex package.
The switch requires a suitable upstream PoE, PoE+ or PoE++ source, or a compatible separately purchased PoE adapter.
Important Voltage Specification Note
Ubiquiti's current technical specification lists a supported input range of 50–57V PoE.
Some older USW-Flex documentation and distributor records list a wider voltage range. The current Ubiquiti technical specification should be used for new product data.
Important Power Consumption Note
Ubiquiti's current technical specification lists a maximum switch consumption of 5W excluding downstream PoE output and up to 51W including PoE output.
Older USW-Flex installation documentation listed a higher switch-only figure. This specification uses Ubiquiti's current published 5W figure.
Important Outdoor Installation Note
The USW-Flex is listed by Ubiquiti as outdoor ready. For outdoor installations, Ubiquiti instructs users to install the supplied port cover before connecting Ethernet cables.
For more exposed locations, Ubiquiti offers the optional USW-Flex-Utility weatherproof enclosure, sold separately.
Important Outdoor Cabling Note
For outdoor Ethernet installations, use appropriately rated and properly installed Ethernet cabling. Ubiquiti recommends shielded Category 5 or better cabling for suitable outdoor deployments.
Outdoor and building-to-building Ethernet runs may also require suitable grounding and surge-protection equipment.
Important Operating Temperature Note
The maximum operating temperature varies according to the amount of downstream PoE power being supplied.
- At up to 46W PoE output: -40°C to 55°C
- At up to 25W PoE output: -40°C to 65°C
Do not assume that the higher 65°C limit applies when the switch is operating at its maximum 46W downstream PoE budget.
Important Gigabit Ethernet Note
The USW-Flex is a Gigabit Ethernet switch. All five Ethernet interfaces operate at up to 1Gbps.
It does not provide 2.5GbE, 5GbE, 10GbE, SFP or SFP+ connectivity.
Important UniFi Management Note
The USW-Flex is designed to be adopted, configured and monitored through UniFi Network.
It should not be confused with a simple unmanaged five-port Ethernet switch.
Important Port 1 Note
Port 1 serves as the incoming PoE power connection but also carries normal Ethernet data. It is therefore both the upstream network connection and the power input for the switch.
Important Outdoor Enclosure Note
The standard USW-Flex and the USW-Flex-Utility are separate products.
The USW-Flex package includes a port cover, wall mount and pole mount. The larger Flex Utility weatherproof enclosure and its 60W power adapter must be purchased separately.
Model Identification Note
These specifications apply specifically to the Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex, manufacturer part number USW-FLEX, Memox SKU NPUBI-USWFLEX, UPC 817882027595 and EAN / GTIN-13 0817882027595.
Do not mix these specifications with the USW-Flex-Mini, Flex 2.5G models or other similarly named Ubiquiti switches.
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FAQ: Frequenlty Asked Questions
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex 5-Port Gigabit PoE Switch FAQ
The Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex (USW-FLEX) is a compact, managed Layer 2 Gigabit PoE switch designed for indoor and outdoor network installations. It provides five Gigabit Ethernet ports, with one PoE-powered input/uplink and four PoE+ output ports for compatible UniFi cameras, wireless access points and other IEEE 802.3af/at PoE devices.
Below are answers to the most common questions buyers ask about the UniFi USW-Flex, including PoE, PoE+ and PoE++ power budgets, 46W output, cameras and access points, outdoor installation, Flex Utility compatibility, VLANs, adoption, Gigabit performance, wall/pole mounting and the differences between the USW-Flex and other UniFi Flex switches.
1. What is the Ubiquiti UniFi USW-Flex?
The USW-Flex is a compact managed Layer 2 network switch with five Gigabit RJ45 ports. One port is used for the network uplink and PoE input, while the other four ports can provide PoE+ power and Gigabit data to compatible network devices.
2. What is the exact model sold on this Memox product page?
This product is the Ubiquiti UniFi Switch Flex USW-FLEX. The Memox SKU is NPUBI-USWFLEX, the MPN is USW-FLEX and the UPC is 817882027595. It should not be confused with the smaller USW-Flex-Mini or newer multi-gigabit Flex models.
3. What are the main specifications of the USW-Flex?
Key specifications include 5 × 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit RJ45 ports, 4 × PoE+ output ports, 1 × PoE input/PoE++ input port, up to 25W PoE output per port, up to 46W total PoE availability, 10Gbps switching capacity, 5Gbps non-blocking throughput, 7Mpps forwarding rate, support for up to 1,000 VLANs and outdoor-ready construction.
4. Are all five USW-Flex Ethernet ports Gigabit?
Yes. All five Ethernet interfaces support 10/100/1000Mbps Gigabit Ethernet. This includes the PoE input/uplink port as well as the four PoE output ports.
5. Does the USW-Flex support 2.5GbE or 10Gb Ethernet?
No. The original USW-Flex is a Gigabit Ethernet switch with a maximum of 1Gbps per port. If you need 2.5GbE or 10Gb connectivity, choose one of Ubiquiti's newer multi-gigabit Flex models instead.
6. What is the switching capacity of the USW-Flex?
Ubiquiti specifies a 10Gbps switching capacity, 5Gbps total non-blocking throughput and approximately 7 million packets per second forwarding performance.
7. What is Port 1 used for on the USW-Flex?
Port 1 is normally used as the network uplink and PoE power input. It carries Ethernet data while simultaneously receiving the electrical power needed to operate the switch and, depending on the upstream PoE source, its four downstream PoE ports.
8. Does Port 1 carry both data and power at the same time?
Yes. A single suitable Ethernet cable can carry both Gigabit network data and PoE power into the USW-Flex. This is one of its main advantages for remote or outdoor installations where a mains socket is unavailable.
9. How many PoE devices can the USW-Flex power?
The switch has four PoE-capable output ports, Ports 2–5. Up to four compatible PoE devices can therefore be connected, provided their combined maximum power requirement remains within the available PoE budget.
10. Do the four output ports support PoE+?
Yes. Ubiquiti's current specification identifies Ports 2–5 as PoE+ output ports, with up to 25W available from an individual port when the switch has sufficient input power and total PoE budget.
11. Why do some older USW-Flex specifications say only 802.3af PoE and 15.4W?
Older launch documentation described the downstream ports as 802.3af PoE with approximately 15.4W per port. Ubiquiti later enabled enhanced PoE+ functionality through firmware, and the current official specification now lists four PoE+ outputs with up to 25W per port. This is why older retailer pages and PDFs may show different figures.
12. What is the maximum PoE output from one USW-Flex port?
Ubiquiti's current specification lists up to 25W PoE+ output per downstream port. The total power available across Ports 2–5 is still limited by the switch's overall PoE budget.
13. What is the maximum total PoE budget of the USW-Flex?
The maximum total downstream PoE budget is 46W. To obtain the full 46W, the USW-Flex must receive sufficient power from an appropriate PoE++ source or compatible 60W PoE adapter.
14. How much PoE output is available if the USW-Flex is powered by normal 802.3af PoE?
When powered from a standard 802.3af PoE source, Ubiquiti specifies approximately 8W of total downstream PoE availability. This is suitable only for relatively low-power connected devices.
15. How much PoE output is available when powered by 802.3at PoE+?
When the USW-Flex receives 802.3at PoE+, its total downstream PoE budget is approximately 20W. This can be sufficient for one or more low-power cameras or access points, provided their combined maximum demand stays below the available budget.
16. How much PoE output is available when powered by 802.3bt PoE++?
With a suitable 802.3bt PoE++ power source, the USW-Flex can provide up to 46W total PoE output across Ports 2–5.
17. Can a 60W PoE injector give the USW-Flex its full 46W budget?
Yes. Ubiquiti specifies a 60W PoE adapter as one of the methods for achieving the maximum 46W downstream PoE budget. The adapter itself is sold separately unless specifically included as part of another bundle such as the Flex Utility.
18. Does the standard USW-Flex include a 60W PoE injector?
No 60W injector is included as part of the standard USW-FLEX switch specification. If you require the maximum 46W PoE budget and do not already have a suitable PoE++ switch, purchase a compatible 60W PoE source separately.
19. Can I power the USW-Flex from a third-party PoE++ injector?
Potentially, provided the injector correctly implements the required PoE standard, voltage and power negotiation. For the most predictable 46W operation, use a compatible Ubiquiti-recommended PoE++ source or 60W adapter. Some users report third-party PoE++ sources being detected at a lower power class, reducing the available downstream budget.
20. Why does my USW-Flex only show a 20W budget even though I connected a high-power injector?
The switch may be negotiating the input as PoE+ rather than PoE++. Check the upstream switch/injector specification, Ethernet cabling, UniFi firmware and reported power source in UniFi Network. A correctly detected PoE+ source gives approximately 20W, while PoE++ can provide the full 46W budget.
21. Can the USW-Flex power four UniFi cameras?
Potentially yes. Add together the maximum power consumption of all four camera models and compare the result with the USW-Flex's available 8W, 20W or 46W budget. Four low-power cameras may fit comfortably within a 46W budget, while four higher-power devices may not.
22. Can I power a UniFi access point and camera from one Ethernet cable using the USW-Flex?
Yes. This is a popular USW-Flex use case. One PoE-powered Ethernet run can feed the Flex, which then provides separate network and PoE connections to a compatible wireless access point and security camera. Their combined maximum consumption must remain inside the available PoE budget.
23. Should I use maximum or typical power consumption when calculating my PoE budget?
Use the manufacturer's maximum specified power consumption for each connected device rather than relying only on its typical idle consumption. Cameras can draw additional power when infrared LEDs, heaters or other features activate, while access points can consume more power under load.
24. Can I connect another PoE-powered switch to an output port?
Potentially yes if the downstream switch accepts the PoE standard and wattage available from the USW-Flex. However, each additional PoE-powered switch consumes part of the available power budget, leaving less for devices connected farther downstream. Carefully calculate the maximum consumption at every stage.
25. Can the USW-Flex power non-Ubiquiti PoE cameras or access points?
Yes, provided the connected device uses a compatible standards-based IEEE 802.3af or 802.3at PoE input and its power requirement remains within the available per-port and total budget. Always verify the third-party device specification before connecting it.
26. Does the USW-Flex output 24V passive PoE?
The current USW-Flex output specification is based on standard PoE/PoE+. Do not assume that a legacy device requiring 24V passive PoE can be powered directly. Check the device's required input standard and use an appropriate converter or injector where necessary.
27. Is the Ubiquiti USW-Flex suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. Ubiquiti currently identifies the USW-Flex as Outdoor Ready. Its compact design and broad operating-temperature range make it particularly useful for outdoor cameras, access points, garden networks, gates, garages and remote buildings.
28. Do I need the UniFi Flex Utility enclosure for outdoor installation?
Not necessarily, because the USW-Flex itself is officially listed as outdoor ready. However, the optional USW-Flex-Utility provides a dedicated outdoor enclosure, cleaner cable management and its own high-power adapter. It can therefore be particularly useful for exposed installations or where mains power is available near the Flex.
29. What is the UniFi Flex Utility?
The USW-Flex-Utility is an optional accessory designed specifically for the USW-Flex. It provides an outdoor enclosure plus a 54V high-power adapter, allowing a clean pole/wall installation and sufficient input power for the Flex's maximum downstream PoE budget.
30. Is the Flex Utility included with the USW-Flex?
No. The USW-Flex-Utility is a separate accessory and is not part of the standard USW-FLEX switch package.
31. Can I mount the USW-Flex on a wall or pole?
Yes. Ubiquiti lists the available form factors as desktop, wall and pole mounting. This makes it particularly convenient for camera poles, outdoor wireless installations and locations where a conventional network cabinet is unnecessary.
32. What are the dimensions of the USW-Flex?
The switch measures approximately 122.5 × 107.1 × 28mm, making it considerably smaller than a traditional desktop or rackmount PoE switch.
33. How much does the USW-Flex weigh?
Ubiquiti specifies a weight of approximately 230g, making it light enough for compact wall and pole installations.
34. What temperatures can the USW-Flex operate in?
With the full 46W PoE output, Ubiquiti lists an operating range of approximately -40°C to 55°C. At lower PoE output levels, the published upper operating temperature can reach approximately 65°C.
35. Can the USW-Flex operate in high humidity?
Ubiquiti specifies an operating humidity range of 5% to 95% non-condensing. Correct outdoor mounting and weather protection remain important because condensation should be avoided.
36. How much power does the USW-Flex itself consume?
The switch consumes up to approximately 5W excluding downstream PoE output. Ubiquiti lists up to approximately 51W total maximum consumption when the switch is supplying its maximum downstream PoE load.
37. Is the USW-Flex suitable for a garage, garden or gate installation?
Yes. Its PoE-powered design is particularly useful where you have only one Ethernet cable but need several network connections. Typical installations include garages, gates, sheds, camera locations and outdoor access-point installations. Use outdoor-rated Ethernet cable and appropriate surge/weather protection where required.
38. How is the USW-Flex managed?
The USW-Flex is managed through the UniFi Network application. UniFi Network provides centralised monitoring and configuration of the switch, connected devices, network/VLAN assignments and individual Ethernet ports.
39. What version of UniFi Network does the USW-Flex require?
Ubiquiti's current specification lists UniFi Network version 5.10.3 or later as the application requirement. In practice, using a current supported UniFi Network version and current switch firmware is recommended.
40. Do I need a UniFi Dream Machine or UniFi router to use the USW-Flex?
No. The switch can be integrated into networks using other routers and firewalls as long as you have a suitable UniFi Network application available for adoption and management. A full UniFi gateway is useful for an all-UniFi environment but is not required simply for Ethernet switching.
41. Can the USW-Flex be used with pfSense, OPNsense or another third-party router?
Yes. The USW-Flex can provide Layer 2 managed switching while a compatible third-party router or firewall handles routing, DHCP and firewall rules. VLAN configuration needs to be coordinated between the switch and upstream router where multiple networks are used.
42. Does the USW-Flex support VLANs?
Yes. Ubiquiti's current technical specification lists support for up to 1,000 VLANs. Individual switch ports can be configured for the appropriate UniFi network/VLAN according to your network design.
43. Can I put cameras and access points on different VLANs?
Yes. For example, camera ports can be assigned to a dedicated CCTV VLAN while an access point uplink carries the networks required by its wireless SSIDs. Correct VLAN tagging, native network and upstream router/firewall configuration are essential for the design to work properly.
44. Can the USW-Flex route traffic between VLANs?
No. The USW-Flex is a Layer 2 switch. Inter-VLAN routing and firewall policy should be handled by your UniFi gateway, router or firewall.
45. Does the USW-Flex support port isolation?
Yes. Port isolation is included among Ubiquiti's current Layer 2 features and can be useful when you want to restrict direct Layer 2 communication between selected connected devices.
46. Does the USW-Flex support port mirroring?
Yes. Ubiquiti lists port mirroring among its supported Layer 2 functions. This can be useful when troubleshooting or capturing traffic with an appropriate network-analysis system.
47. Does the USW-Flex support jumbo frames?
Yes. Jumbo frame support is included in Ubiquiti's current Layer 2 feature list. Every device along the communication path should use compatible MTU settings if jumbo frames are enabled.
48. How many MAC addresses can the USW-Flex learn?
Ubiquiti specifies a 2,000-entry MAC address table, which is more than sufficient for the types of compact edge-network installations for which the switch is designed.
49. Why won't my USW-Flex adopt into UniFi Network?
Check that the switch is receiving sufficient PoE power and has a working network connection to the management network. Confirm that the UniFi Network application can communicate with the switch, that VLAN/firewall rules are not blocking adoption and that both application and switch firmware are reasonably current. A factory reset can also help when the switch still contains configuration from a previous controller.
50. Can I factory-reset the USW-Flex?
Yes. The switch has a factory reset button. Resetting removes the existing configuration, after which it can be adopted and configured again through UniFi Network.
51. Can one outdoor Ethernet cable supply several cameras or an AP through the USW-Flex?
Yes, and this is one of the strongest reasons to choose the USW-Flex. A single PoE-powered uplink can provide the data and electrical power for the switch, which can then distribute network connectivity and PoE to up to four compatible downstream devices. The available PoE budget must be calculated carefully.
52. What Ethernet cable should I use with the USW-Flex?
Good-quality Cat5e or better Ethernet cable is suitable for Gigabit networking when correctly installed. For outdoor installations, use suitably rated outdoor cable and weather-resistant connections rather than ordinary indoor patch cable.
53. How long can the Ethernet cable to the USW-Flex be?
Standard copper Gigabit Ethernet is normally designed for channel lengths up to approximately 100 metres with compliant cabling. PoE performance on long cable runs also depends on conductor quality, resistance, connectors and the power requirement of connected devices.
54. Should I use Ethernet surge protection with an outdoor USW-Flex?
Outdoor Ethernet installations can be exposed to electrical surges and electrostatic events. The USW-Flex itself has specified ESD protection, but appropriate Ethernet surge protection, grounding and installation practices are still advisable where cables run outdoors, between structures or in exposed locations.
55. USW-Flex vs USW-Flex-Mini – what is the difference?
The USW-Flex is designed for more demanding indoor/outdoor installations and can provide PoE+ output to four devices when supplied with sufficient upstream PoE power. The Flex Mini is a smaller indoor five-port Gigabit switch designed mainly for inexpensive network expansion and does not provide four downstream PoE-powered ports.
56. USW-Flex vs newer UniFi Flex 2.5G switches – which should I choose?
Choose the original USW-Flex when Gigabit Ethernet is sufficient and you want a compact outdoor-ready PoE-powered switch with four PoE+ outputs. Choose a newer Flex 2.5G model when your computers, access points, NAS devices or uplinks need speeds above 1Gbps. The newer multi-gigabit models have different port layouts and power requirements.
57. What warranty does the USW-Flex have?
The current Memox product page lists a 1-year warranty. Ubiquiti's limited warranty terms also distinguish between direct Webstore purchases and products purchased through authorised distribution/reseller channels. Your statutory UK consumer rights are separate from the manufacturer's limited warranty.
58. Who is the Ubiquiti USW-Flex best for?
The USW-Flex is particularly suitable for UniFi camera installations, outdoor access points, garages, gates, gardens, small offices and remote network locations where only one Ethernet cable is available but several Gigabit and PoE connections are required. Its greatest advantage is the ability to receive network data and power through one uplink and distribute both to up to four downstream devices.
59. Who should NOT choose the Ubiquiti USW-Flex?
Choose another switch if you need 2.5GbE or 10GbE, more than five Ethernet ports, more than 46W total downstream PoE, PoE++ output to high-power devices, Layer 3 routing, or a conventional AC-powered desktop/rack switch. The USW-Flex is designed primarily as a compact Gigabit PoE edge switch rather than a high-capacity core network switch.