Ubiquiti Access Points with Dual Ethernet Ports
Published onby Iron
Ubiquiti access points (APs) have earned a reputation for being some of the most versatile and reliable networking devices on the market. Among their lineup, a select few models feature dual Ethernet ports. But what's the big deal about having two Ethernet ports? Let’s dig into the details and find out how these ports can supercharge your network.
Let's dive in!

Table of Contents
- What Are Dual Ethernet Ports?
- Why Are Dual Ethernet Ports Useful?
- Ubiquiti Access Points with Dual Ethernet Ports
- How To Use the Dual Ethernet Ports?
- Tips for Choosing the Right AP
- Common Questions
- Final Thoughts
What Are Dual Ethernet Ports?
Most access points (APs) have a single Ethernet port. This port is used to provide power (via PoE) and a data link to your network. But dual Ethernet ports? That’s where things get interesting.
With dual ports, you can do things like:
- Link Aggregation (Port Bonding) for higher bandwidth.
- Pass-Through Ethernet to connect other devices directly.
- Daisy-Chaining APs to avoid using multiple switch ports.
- Power Over Ethernet (PoE) Flexibility, where one port powers the AP, and the other powers a downstream device.
The specific features you get depend on the Ubiquiti model you're using.
Why Are Dual Ethernet Ports Useful?
Here’s a simple analogy. Think of a single-lane road (a single Ethernet port) versus a two-lane highway (dual ports). More "lanes" mean better traffic flow. Here’s how dual Ethernet ports give you an edge:
-
Link Aggregation (More Speed)
- Bond both ports to increase available bandwidth.
- Great for high-density environments like offices or event spaces.
- Helps you avoid bottlenecks during heavy traffic.
-
Daisy-Chaining (More Convenience)
- Use one port for input and the other for output.
- No need for additional switches if you want to link devices directly.
- Perfect for IoT devices like security cameras and VoIP phones.
-
Power Over Ethernet (More Power)
- Many Ubiquiti APs support PoE input on one port while delivering PoE out on the other.
- Use it to power other devices like cameras, phones, or another access point.
- Cuts down on power adapters, which means fewer cable runs and simpler deployments.
-
Simplified Network Design
- Fewer switches, fewer power adapters, and simpler layouts.
- Ideal for home labs, small offices, or enterprise networks.
- Great for remote APs that need to provide network access to other devices.
Ubiquiti Access Points with Dual Ethernet Ports
Not all Ubiquiti access points have dual Ethernet ports. But here are some popular models that do:
-
U6-LR (UniFi 6 Long Range)
- Ethernet Ports: 2
- PoE Out: No
- Primary Use: Mid-range Wi-Fi 6 AP with extended coverage.
- Use Case: Link aggregation for faster speeds or daisy-chaining another device.
-
U6-Enterprise (Wi-Fi 6E)
- Ethernet Ports: 2 (2.5 Gbps and 1 Gbps)
- PoE Out: No
- Primary Use: High-density networks requiring Wi-Fi 6E.
- Use Case: Use one port for PoE in and the second for a high-speed network uplink.
-
UAP-AC-M (Mesh)
- Ethernet Ports: 2
- PoE Out: No
- Primary Use: Outdoor mesh networking.
- Use Case: Daisy-chaining other access points or devices in mesh configurations.
-
UAP-FlexHD
- Ethernet Ports: 2
- PoE Out: No
- Primary Use: Sleek design for modern indoor environments.
- Use Case: Link aggregation for better bandwidth or network redundancy.
-
UAP-IW-HD (In-Wall HD)
- Ethernet Ports: 4 (3 x Gigabit RJ45 ports + 1 uplink port)
- PoE Out: Yes (PoE passthrough)
- Primary Use: Wall-mounted AP with Ethernet passthrough.
- Use Case: Use it as an access point and network switch combo for devices like smart TVs or desktop computers.
Each model has its unique approach to dual Ethernet ports, so make sure you check for PoE passthrough, 2.5G support, or uplink flexibility based on your network goals.
How To Use the Dual Ethernet Ports?
Using the dual Ethernet ports on Ubiquiti APs isn’t difficult. Here are a few setup ideas:
1. Link Aggregation (Port Bonding)
- What you need: Switch with LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) support.
- How to set it up:
- Connect both ports to an LACP-compatible switch.
- Enable LACP on the switch to combine the two ports into one logical link.
- Enjoy higher throughput from your AP to the switch.
When to use it: When you have a high-speed AP (like U6-Enterprise) and you need to avoid congestion.
2. Daisy-Chaining (Pass-Through Ethernet)
- What you need: A device (like a VoIP phone, printer, or another AP) to chain.
- How to set it up:
- Use one port for the uplink to your switch.
- Use the second port to connect the downstream device.
- If PoE passthrough is supported, your device will be powered directly.
When to use it: When you want to avoid running extra cables to each device. This method works well for security cameras and wall-mounted access points like the UAP-IW-HD.
3. PoE Passthrough (Powering Other Devices)
- What you need: PoE-capable switch and a compatible AP like the UAP-IW-HD.
- How to set it up:
- Connect the AP to a PoE switch.
- Use the second port to power a VoIP phone, IP camera, or another access point.
When to use it: When you have limited power outlets but need to power devices over Ethernet.
Tips for Choosing the Right AP
If you're looking for dual Ethernet ports, pay attention to these factors:
- PoE Passthrough: If you want to power other devices, check for PoE out.
- Link Aggregation Support: If you want to boost bandwidth, make sure the AP supports LACP.
- Port Speed: Some models have 2.5 Gbps ports, while others are limited to 1 Gbps.
- Flexibility: Do you want to daisy-chain or link aggregate? Each model has a unique approach.
Common Questions
Can I Combine the Ports for Faster Speeds?
Yes, but only if your switch supports LACP. The UniFi Controller does not directly manage link aggregation; it depends on your switch.
Can I Use Both Ports for Network Redundancy?
Yes. You can connect both Ethernet ports to different switches for failover. If one switch fails, traffic can route through the other.
Can I Daisy-Chain More Than One Device?
Yes, but keep in mind that performance could degrade as you chain more devices. It’s best to avoid chaining more than one device.
Can Both Ports Be Used for Uplink?
No. Only one port is used for the uplink. The second port is for pass-through or aggregation.
Final Thoughts
Ubiquiti access points with dual Ethernet ports offer serious advantages for network flexibility. From link aggregation for faster speeds to daisy-chaining and PoE passthrough, these APs deliver more than just Wi-Fi. They reduce your need for additional switches, cut down on power adapters, and streamline your network layout.
If you're building a modern network and need simplicity, dual Ethernet port APs are a game-changer. And if you need a robust way to manage your network, consider using a cloud-hosted UniFi Controller. We offer UniFi hosting solutions that make managing your APs a breeze. Try it today and see how much smoother your network can run. If you would like me to personally walk you through UniHosted, you can schedule a call with me here.
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