UniFi Pro Max Switches & Etherlighting Patch Cables!

Introducing the Pro Max 24 PoE and UniFi Etherlighting Patch Cables from Ubiquiti! We'll discuss what makes this switch unique, how they are different from the existing pro line, and even take a close look at their new cables that are meant for this switch. Is it useful or just a gimmick?

UniFi Pro Max Switch:

Disclosures:
- I was sent a UniFi Pro Max PoE and cables for evaluation
- I was not paid

(Affiliate links may be included in this description. I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.)

00:00 - Introducing UniFi Pro Max Switches
00:45 - Pro vs. Pro Max
01:32 - Etherlighting RGB Lights
03:23 - UniFi Etherlighting Patch Cables
04:54 - Are the Pro Max Switches worth it?
05:35 - Are the cables worth it?
06:02 - Pro Max Switch Improvements
07:30 - Port Manager Evolution

Thank you for watching!

[MattHendersn]

You missed an important distinction; the Max Pro switches support Hi power POE, 802.3bt Type 4 which allows up to 100W per port. The rest of Unifi's switches with 802.3bt only support Type 3 power devices, which is limited to 60W per port

[lifefromscratch]

I think making the status LEDs RGB and having a software layer control them so all this stuff is possible is the obvious step forward that all switches should move to. Using them for decoration, meh, but I like the ability to jump in and make them display differently depending on what you need at the time.

[MactelecomNetworks]

Great video. The suggestions you made about what they can do with the RGB was spot on

[SniperZoz]

Price point is same as Enterprise 24 PoE - which has 12 2.5GbE ports - something to consider if RBG and POE++ are not high on one's prio. list.

[vogtm]

Side note: Patch cables with integrated LED to locate the other end exists since many years already. It quiet useful in the data center to find out where the cable goes. But until now, it was needed to plug an external power injector that the other end lights up, maybe Ubiquiti has a better idea to achieve this..

[jason-budney]

Great job with the overview of the new Unifi switches Tim! I just bought a UDM Pro while on sale. I hope they come out with a 16 port version with eight 2.5 & eight 1 gbe ports with these new switches. I do like the one row of ports, and the RGB is a cool idea.

[Trains-With-Shane]

I think the implementation is a little half baked in regards to the software. It is almost like their design people don't talk to actual end-users for input when designing this stuff. If it had the added features that you talked about such as being able to turn off the lights, turn them into status and link lights, show VLAN colors without having to have a cable plugged in, etc. Would make it more attractive to me. As far as the added 2.5gb and POE++. I think that's definitely worth the extra $100 if I were looking to spend $800 on a homelab switch.

[Wolfeydubstep]

Yeah a fiber line through the cable would definitely be a good touch, along with the ability to just light up a few specific ports. It'd allow you to trace cables easier in the congested racks of an enterprise.

I like it. It's simple, and while not entirely too useful now, I think it's a step in the right direction, theres just a few kinks they need to work out.

[markstanchin]

I think the new switches are pretty cool I myself have been looking for ways to colorcode my network and cables just for easy identification not sure if there’s a standard, but what do you and most others follow as far as color coding VLANs, uplinks, 10 gig, cameras, Poe, ect type ports and patch cables?

[ajhieb]

I love my ER-12 and my Unifi APs but I was never particularly impressed with the rest of their unifi lineup. But I LOVE the concept of EtherLighting (especially for color coding VLANs)

[FuriouslyFurious]

If I had two of these and one UDM pro Max what would be the best way to get them set up SFP+? Should I daisy chain the two switches with direct attach cables or should I SFP+ each to an aggregate switch and then SFP+ back to the UDM from there?

[PersonSuit]

How is the fan noise? Looking to place it in my office, but not sure if it runs loud. My UDM:SE + Pro-24 run silent and I am hoping this Pro Max runs about the same.

[ridehardridedfree]

Great video. This is what I need for my home network and lab. Now I just need to find the funds.

[mdbrenna]

This is really good. I like the new switch and the information was complete. Thank you.

[abdullahtiry]

@Techno Tim. Will you choose UniFi Pro Max Switches over Enterprise 8 PoE ?? I dont know which 1 to get now, please help..

[ChrisRider]

I think it is cool looking. My homelab is in my furnace room. I only visit it when I have to. The lights are not a draw, but do like the design and want 2.5g ports.

[CP-b-Me]

They got rid of the port connectivity leds ? That kinda sucks. I thought they just added the etherlighting

[Hypns]

RGB lights on switch ports is an interesting idea. I would like to have seen more of a review of the other features.

[xVertigo]

Probably replace my older poe pro 24 port with the pro max 24 just because it's single U designed which is fantastic

[koijoijoe]

Unifi suff is so apple like, I both love it and hate. Its been very hard to not get sucked in right away as I've started home labbing lol. One thing holding me back is just little things like, why wouldn't allowing you to just turn any port any color you want at anytime be the first thing they put into the software. Regardless of whether its in use or anything else. Not giving me control over my own stuff feels like the bad part of apple. Anyways this switch is very cool and I am always impressed with their pricing and value. Making all of the ports inline for nicer patching is definitely a big win btw!