To maximize speed and performance with the Ubiquiti Pro XG 8 PoE switch (USW-Pro-XG-8-PoE), consider the following recommended settings and best practices:
Key Hardware Features
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8x 10GbE RJ45 PoE++ ports and 2x 10G SFP+ ports.
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Layer 3 managed switch with advanced features (VLANs, LACP, static routing, QoS, etc.)
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PoE++ (802.3bt) support: Up to 60W per port, 155W total PoE budget.
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Non-blocking throughput: 100 Gbps, switching capacity: 200 Gbps.
Recommended Settings for Best Speed
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Enable Jumbo Frames: Set MTU to 9000 on all devices and ports where supported to reduce overhead and improve throughput for large file transfers within your LAN.
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Configure LACP (Link Aggregation): Use LACP to aggregate multiple ports for uplinks or high-bandwidth devices, doubling or quadrupling available bandwidth for critical links.
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Optimize VLANs: Segment your network using VLANs for better traffic management and security, but ensure inter-VLAN routing is enabled if needed.
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Enable Flow Control: This can help manage bursty traffic and prevent packet loss in high-speed environments.
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Disable Storm Control or Set Appropriately: Storm control can limit broadcast/multicast traffic, but ensure it’s not set too low if your use case requires high multicast traffic (e.g., video streaming, conferencing).
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Set QoS/DSCP Marking: Prioritize latency-sensitive traffic (VoIP, video conferencing) using QoS/DSCP settings.
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Monitor and Limit PoE Usage: Ensure the total PoE draw does not exceed the switch’s 155W budget. Distribute high-power devices evenly across the switch.
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Firmware Updates: Always keep the switch firmware up to date for performance improvements and bug fixes.
Additional Best Practices
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Cabling: Use high-quality Cat 6a or Cat 7 cables for 10GbE RJ45 connections to avoid signal degradation and ensure maximum speed.
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Port Settings: Ensure all ports are set to auto-negotiate or manually set to 10Gbps if using fixed speeds.
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Etherlighting™: Use Etherlighting to visually confirm port speed and VLAN status, making troubleshooting easier.
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Thermal Management: The switch has a fan that runs continuously at low speed, ensuring stable operation even under heavy load. Place the switch in a well-ventilated area.
Real-World Performance
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Sustained Real-World Speeds: Expect close to 9.5Gbps throughput on wired connections, provided your devices and infrastructure support it.
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Silent Operation: The switch remains largely silent and runs cool under typical workloads.
Summary Table
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Jumbo Frames | Enable (MTU 9000) |
| LACP | Enable for uplinks/aggregate |
| VLANs | Segment as needed |
| Flow Control | Enable |
| Storm Control | Set appropriately |
| QoS/DSCP | Prioritize critical traffic |
| PoE Monitoring | Stay under 155W total |
| Firmware | Keep updated |
| Cabling | Cat 6a/7 for 10GbE |
| Port Speed | 10Gbps (auto/manual) |
| Etherlighting | Enable for status visibility |
| Ventilation | Ensure good airflow |
By following these settings and best practices, you will achieve the best possible speed and reliability from your Ubiquiti Pro XG 8 PoE switch.
