Expanding your network infrastructure doesn’t have to be a mess of tangled power cords, multiple adapters, or racks stuffed with patch panels. Ubiquiti’s Power over Ethernet (PoE) stack is built to simplify all of that. Whether you’re setting up Wi-Fi in a home, scaling a large office, or building a surveillance system, PoE switches from Ubiquiti make life easier and cleaner—literally.

Let’s dive in!

🚨 Before we dive in, please don't self-host your UniFi Controller if you take care of client networks. Sooner or later this will cause issues! It's fine for home users, but definitely not recommended for IT service businesses and MSPs. If you want secure, reliable and a scalable hosting solution check out UniHosted.

What is PoE and why does it matter?
Why UniFi’s PoE stack stands out
What kind of PoE do Ubiquiti switches use?
Real-world benefits: examples from the field
UniFi switches: which one should you use?
Bonus tip: manage everything remotely
Final Thoughts

What is PoE and why does it matter?

PoE allows network cables to carry electrical power. That means you can power your UniFi access points, IP cameras, phones, or any other compatible device through the same Ethernet cable that carries your data.

With traditional setups, every device needs its own power outlet. Not ideal if you’re mounting an AP on the ceiling or a camera on a pole. PoE eliminates that mess. One cable does it all.

Why UniFi’s PoE stack stands out

1. It's plug and play with UniFi gear

Ubiquiti’s PoE switches are purpose-built for the UniFi ecosystem. That means APs, Protect cameras, VoIP phones, and bridges can be connected and powered up instantly. There’s no fussing with compatibility or different power requirements. The switch just detects the device and provides the right power budget.

2. Simplifies cable management

Let’s face it, installing a bunch of devices is always messy at first. But with PoE, you can drastically reduce the number of power bricks, adapters, and extension cords in your setup. All you need is Ethernet. That makes rack management cleaner and the setup a lot more organized, especially when combined with UniFi’s patch panels and neat rack-mount switches.

3. Easier installation in hard-to-reach places

A lot of Wi-Fi gear gets mounted on ceilings or outdoor walls—places where you definitely don’t want to install a power socket. Since PoE delivers power and data over a single Ethernet line, you can mount your gear wherever the cable can reach. No need to hire an electrician or run new power lines.

4. Flexibility to expand without starting over

As your network grows, you just add more PoE devices and connect them to an available port. Ubiquiti’s UniFi switches come in a variety of sizes (8-port, 16-port, 24-port, 48-port), and you can stack them to fit the size of your deployment. So whether you're adding a few APs to the second floor or putting a few G4 cameras in the warehouse, your existing infrastructure can support it.

5. Power monitoring and control from the controller

One of the perks of staying inside the UniFi ecosystem is visibility. From the UniFi Network Controller, you can see how much power each port is using, turn PoE on or off per port, and troubleshoot devices without physically touching anything.

If a camera is acting up, you can remotely reboot it by cycling the port’s power. That’s a huge time-saver.

What kind of PoE do Ubiquiti switches use?

Ubiquiti supports multiple PoE standards. Here's a quick rundown of what you'll see in their stack:

802.3af (PoE) – This is the most common standard, suitable for lightweight devices like APs and VoIP phones.
802.3at (PoE+) – Offers more power, ideal for devices like cameras with IR LEDs or larger access points.
802.3bt (PoE++) – Found in some of Ubiquiti’s high-end switches. Needed for things like the UniFi LED panels or multi-radio APs.
24V passive PoE – Ubiquiti has a legacy standard (non-IEEE) used by some older devices. Newer switches like the USW series no longer support it, but older ones still do.

Always check what PoE type your device needs. The UniFi Controller conveniently shows you the required PoE type for each device.

Real-world benefits: examples from the field

Deploying wireless APs

Imagine wiring up a hotel with UniFi APs in every hallway. Instead of trying to find power outlets near each ceiling mount, you just run Ethernet from a central PoE switch. Plug it in, adopt it in the controller, and you’re live.

Surveillance systems

For G3 or G4 Protect cameras, the value of PoE is massive. You can mount them anywhere that Ethernet can reach. No DVR, no external power. All video is streamed and stored on your UniFi NVR or Cloud Key.

Scaling offices

An IT team can rapidly deploy new phones or access points for new desks without needing electricians. Just plug in and go.

UniFi switches: which one should you use?

Here’s a quick guide to the most used UniFi PoE switches:

USW-Flex – Compact, weather-resistant, and ideal for powering a few cameras or APs in a tight spot.
USW-8-60W – Great for small setups. 8 ports, 4 with PoE.
USW-24-POE or USW-48-POE – Larger networks, full management, plenty of PoE budget.
USW-Pro series – If you need Layer 3 features, SFP ports for fiber uplinks, and more robust power budgets.

Bonus tip: manage everything remotely

With a UniFi Controller (like the Cloud Key Gen2 Plus, Dream Machine, or even a cloud-hosted option like ours at UniHosted), you can monitor and manage your PoE devices remotely. See power usage, update firmware, reboot APs or cameras, and even set port schedules if you want to power things off during non-office hours.

Final Thoughts

If you're expanding a network and using UniFi gear, sticking with Ubiquiti’s PoE stack is a no-brainer. It cuts down on clutter, simplifies deployment, and gives you full control over power and connectivity—all from your UniFi Controller.

If you're running a UniFi network and want to make your life easier, consider managing it all through a cloud controller. That’s where we come in. At [UniHosted] (https://www.unihosted.com/), we host your UniFi Controller in the cloud, fully managed. You get remote access, daily backups, 24/7 uptime, and support that knows what PoE means. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.

Benefits of Using Ubiquiti’s PoE Stack for Network Expansion

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