(Image source: Ubiquiti)

Ubiquiti’s new UniFi Device Bridge (UDB) Switch is designed to easily connect multiple remote IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supply them with power via Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+). 

How does the UDB Switch Work?

The UDB switch connects IoT devices with wired connections to a network and supplies them with power via PoE+ by using a Wi-Fi 7 uplink across 3 frequencies. 

For example, an environment with heavy Wi-Fi traffic would use the 6 GHz band. 

For wired devices that are installed in places that can’t be reached with a cable, the UDB switch acts as a Wi-Fi Bridge. The switch also has features that can bring PoE devices onto a network.

Power

The UDB switch itself needs 25 watts of power, but it also supplies 185 watts to connected powered devices. These can be connected to eight RJ45 ports. PoE+ (also known as IEEE 802.3at) with up to 30 watts is available as well. 

It should be noted that Ubiquiti only includes a 60 watt power supply with the switch, which reduces its power budget to just 35 watts. Users who need more than that should order the optional power supply with 210 watts.

Speed

Furthermore, there are noteworthy differences in terms of speed. One of the ports is a 10GbE connection that can also serve as an uplink, while the other 802.3bz ports offer up to 2.5GbE.

Network Connections

For connecting to the main network, the UDB switch also has a Wi-Fi unit. The 6 GHz and 5 GHz bands are used for this, it does not support the lower band. Moreover, it supports the Wi-Fi standards 802.11a/n/ac/ax/be and WPA3. According to the spec sheet, 802.11b/g is not supported.

Diagnostics and Environment

For diagnostics on-site, the Ubiquiti UDB switch comes with a small non-touch status display. 

The network device is also flexible in diverse environments such as warehouses where temperature can fluctuate. The UDB switch can be used in cooler environments down to -30°C and warmer climates up to 40°C. 

If you’re going for the optional additional power supply, then do bear in mind that it’s only suitable for temperatures above freezing. 

Coming Soon

Ubiquiti’s new switch will be available in the UK soon for £286.80 inc. VAT. 

You can shop the range of Ubiquiti Wi-Fi Bridging on their website here.