Ubiquiti is famous for its professional performance, cheap price, and visualization. It has become the preferred network solution for studios, homestays, and small businesses. In this article, we are going to introduce two switches from Ubiquiti: Ubiquiti UniFi USW-24 & USW-24-PoE. We will provide you with some compatible optical module options for stable and efficient operation of the switch. If you are struggling between these two switches, we hope this article can serve as an excellent reference for you.
Overview of USW-24 and USW-24-PoE
The USW-24 and USW-24-PoE are 24-port gigabit switches in the Ubiquiti UniFi series. Both of them are fully managed Layer 2 switches with excellent performance and affordable prices. The following are the standard features of these two switches.
Fanless Design: The two switches contain a fanless design. Such a design enables the switch to operate without noise. So you can install it in a place where quietness is needed. It can also allow the switch to dissipate heat naturally and save energy consumption.
Layer 2 Management: The two switches both have Layer 2 management. The L2 function enables the switch to achieve configurable, monitorable, and security-policy network nodes. Layer 2 management enables small switches to provide controllable, visible, and protected networks through functions such as VLAN, quality of service, and 802.1X.
Visual Screen: The USW-24 and USW-24-PoE both contain a 1.3-inch visual touchscreen. This touchscreen can display the port rate and CPU in real time, making it clear and easy to understand.
UniFi centralized management: The USW-24 and USW-24-PoE both use this feature. It means users can uniformly discover, configure, monitor, and maintain UniFi devices across the entire Network through the UniFi Network Controller. They can easily monitor and quickly eliminate faults, significantly reducing deployment and maintenance costs.
The Difference between USW-24 and USW-24-PoE
The only difference between USW-24 and USW-24-PoE is the PoE power supply. The USW-24-PoE has 16 extra automatically sensing 802.3at PoE+ ports. Users can simultaneously transmit data and electricity through the same network cable. So you no longer need to configure separate power adapters for devices such as cameras and IP phones. Such a configuration can simplify wiring and reduce construction costs. At the same time, it makes power supply management more flexible, safer, and more energy-efficient.
Application Scenario of USW-24 and USW-24-PoE
Since the only difference between the USW-24 and USW-24-PoE switches lies in their POE power supply capabilities, you must now be able to decide which one to buy easily. Here, we will provide you with more references based on the applicable scenarios.
If you only need gigabit data and no power supply is required, the USW-24 is enough. Because of its fanless design, you can place it anywhere that requires quietness. For example, you can install it at home or in the studio since the USW-24 is noiseless. Wired desktops in small offices are also applicable.
USW-24-PoE is suitable for any place where USW-24 is applicable. But if you need a PoE power supply, you have to choose USW-24-PoE. For instance, if you need a surveillance camera at home to watch over children or pets, you will need USW-24-PoE to power it. USW-24-PoE saves power, wiring, and maintenance, and is the simplest solution for achieving power supply freedom in small scenarios.
Compatible SFP Module and Cable For Ubiquiti UniFi USW-24 and USW-24-PoE
To ensure the switch works stably and effectively, a compatible SFP module is essential. Here, OPTCORE offers you a series of compatible SFP modules and cables for your reference. We offer short-range and long-range modules and cables to meet various network requirements. OPTCORE modules feature outstanding durability and long-term stability. Our products have undergone strict tests to ensure compatibility. We only aim to provide you with more favorable prices and better quality.
| Part Number | Description |
| 1G SFP Module | |
| UF-MM-1G-C | Ubiquiti Networks UF-MM-1G Compatible 1000BASE-SX Multi-Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-1G-C | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-1G Compatible 1000BASE-LX Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-1G-S-U | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-10G-S Compatible 1000BASE-BX-U Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-1G-S-D | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-10G-S Compatible 1000BASE-BX-D Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| 10G SFP+ Module | |
| UF-MM-10G-C | Ubiquiti Networks UF-MM-10G Compatible 10GBASE-SR Multi-Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-10G-C | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-10G Compatible 10GBASE-LR Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-10G-S-U | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-10G-S Compatible 10GBASE-BX-U Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-SM-10G-S-D | Ubiquiti Networks UF-SM-10G-S Compatible 10GBASE-BX-D Single Mode Fiber SFP Module |
| UF-RJ45-10G | Ubiquiti Networks UF-RJ45-10G Compatible 10GBase-T 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ Copper Module |
| 10G SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cable | |
| UDC-1 | Ubiquiti Networks UDC-1 Compatible 1m 10G SFP+ direct attach passive copper cables |
| UDC-2 | Ubiquiti Networks UDC-2 Compatible 2m 10G SFP+ direct attach passive copper cables |
| UDC-3 | Ubiquiti Networks UDC-3 Compatible 3m 10G SFP+ direct attach passive copper cables |
| Fiber Patch Cables | |
| FC-SM-100-C | Ubiquiti Networks FC-SM-100 Compatible 30m / 100ft Single-Mode LC Fiber Patch Cable |
| FC-SM-200-C | Ubiquiti Networks FC-SM-200 Compatible 60m / 200ft Single-Mode LC Fiber Patch Cable |
| FC-SM-300-C | Ubiquiti Networks FC-SM-300 Compatible 90m / 300ft Single-Mode LC Fiber Patch Cable |
Conclusion
Ubiquiti UniFi USW-24 and USW-24-PoE are both great switches. They are silent and have L2 management. However, for them to reach their full potential, SFP is still indispensable. Ubiquiti offers some favourable optical module options, yet the choices are rather limited. It is precisely for this reason that many users choose to purchase optical modules from third parties. Taking this into account, OPTCORE offers you more compatible optical module options at lower prices.