Introduction to the Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch ES-5XP and its key features
Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch ES-5XPis a compact, managed 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch designed to deliver straightforward PoE power and basic managed switching features for small deployments. It offers five Gigabit RJ-45 data ports with configurable 24 V passive PoE on each data port, an out-of-band 10/100 management port, and an included 24 V DC, 2.5 A power adapter delivering an approximate 60 W PoE budget. The ES-5XP is aimed at installers, small IT teams, and integrators who need a low-cost, wall-mountable solution to power Ubiquiti CPEs and access points that accept 24 V passive PoE while providing simple Layer-2 management functions such as VLANs, QoS and basic spanning-tree support.
Detailed specifications and benefits
The ES-5XP packs a focused set of hardware and software features that balance affordability with usefulness in small site and CPE installations. Below is a concise breakdown of the devices main specifications followed by the benefits these deliver in real-world deployments.
- Data ports: 5 x 10/100/1000 RJ-45 (Gigabit) with configurable 24 V passive PoE per port
- Management port: 1 x 10/100 RJ-45 out-of-band management
- PoE method: Passive PoE (configurable per port) at approximately 24 V DC; total PoE budget approximately 60 W
- Power input: 24 V DC, 2.5 A (power adapter included)
- Hardware: MIPS 24K 400 MHz CPU, 64 MB RAM, 8 MB code storage
- Layer-2 features: VLANs, QoS (802.1p/DSCP), STP/RSTP, port mirroring and standard switching controls
- Form factor: Compact, wall-mountable enclosure; dimensions 197 x 87.5 x 27.3 mm; weight ~250 g
- Operating environment: -25 to 55 C, 1090% non-condensing humidity
- Management options: Web UI, CLI and UNMS (EdgeSwitch XP)
- Power and data over existing Cat5/6 runs: The configurable 24 V passive PoE on each data port means you can supply both power and network connectivity over a single cable to compatible Ubiquiti CPEs and access points, simplifying installations and reducing cabling work at small sites.
- Compact and mountable: Its small footprint and wall-mountable design make it ideal for equipment cabinets, small comms rooms, or remote CPE enclosures where space is limited.
- Cost-effective managed functionality: Compared with larger managed switches, the ES-5XP provides essential Layer-2 controls (VLANs, QoS, STP) so you can implement segmentation and traffic prioritisation without the cost and complexity of enterprise gear.
- Included power supply and clear PoE budget: With the 24 V 2.5 A adapter included, the device is ready to power multiple lightweight PoE devices out of the box. The ~60 W budget and per-port approximate 11.5 W limit are ideal for powering several CPE units or small access points simultaneously.
- Out-of-band management port: A dedicated 10/100 management port lets administrators access the switch independently of the data plane, which can simplify troubleshooting and initial configuration in some site setups.
Use cases and scenarios where the ES-5XP excels
The ES-5XP shines in a handful of practical scenarios where compact size, managed features and 24 V passive PoE support align with installation requirements. Typical use cases include:
For small offices, retail shops or pop-up locations that need a few wired connections and one or more Ubiquiti access points, the ES-5XP provides an inexpensive way to combine data and power in a tidy, wall-mounted unit. VLAN support allows simple network segmentation for staff and guest Wi-Fi, while QoS helps prioritise voice or point-of-sale traffic.
When deploying Ubiquiti CPEs for ISP links, wireless backhauls or remote Wi-Fi coverage, installers often prefer a compact, weather-protected equipment box at the premises. The ES-5XPs configurable 24 V passive PoE means it can power Ubiquiti CPE devices without specialised injectors, and the wall-mountable form factor fits neatly into small enclosures.
Sites that need to add a few access points in specific zones (meeting rooms, lobbies) can benefit from the ES-5XPs mix of PoE and managed switching. With VLANs and QoS, administrators can control traffic flows and prioritise latency-sensitive applications like VoIP.
Installers who build demo racks or portable setup boxes will find the ES-5XP useful because it provides management features and PoE power without a large footprint. The included adapter and known power budget simplify staging equipment for demos or temporary installs.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When evaluating the ES-5XP it helps to compare it to two common categories: compact unmanaged PoE switches and larger managed PoE switches.
Many unmanaged 5-port PoE switches offer plug-and-play convenience and may support 802.3af/at PoE standards. Compared with these devices the ES-5XP provides:
- Managed features (VLANs, QoS, STP) that unmanaged switches lack, giving you greater control of traffic and segmentation.
- 24 V passive PoE instead of standardized 802.3af/at. This is an advantage if your devices expect 24 V passive PoE (common on many Ubiquiti CPEs), but a limitation if you need strict IEEE PoE compatibility for mixed-brand deployments.
Larger managed PoE switches from Ubiquiti and other vendors can provide more PoE power (802.3at/at+), greater port density, SFP uplinks, and more advanced switching features. The ES-5XP differs in that it:
- Is far more compact and cost-effective for sites that only need a handful of ports.
- Uses passive 24 V PoE suitable for a specific ecosystem rather than the broader IEEE PoE standards.
- Lacks features like SFP uplinks, high switching capacity and the extended management feature-set found on enterprise-class switches, but provides the essentials for small deployments.
In short, choose an unmanaged 5-port PoE switch for absolute simplicity and IEEE PoE compatibility, a larger managed PoE switch for enterprise features and higher power, and the ES-5XP when you need a compact, managed device specifically suited to 24 V Ubiquiti CPE/AP ecosystems.
Customer feedback and reviews
There are no individual named testimonials provided here, but commonly reported feedback from installers and small IT teams using the ES-5XP includes the following themes:
- Ease of installation: Users appreciate the included 24 V adapter and the compact form factor that makes wall mounting straightforward in tight spaces or small enclosures.
- Right feature set for small sites: Many customers report that the combination of basic Layer-2 features, per-port PoE control and an out-of-band management port gives the right balance of control without unnecessary complexity.
- Compatibility caveat: Installers regularly caution that the ES-5XP uses passive 24 V PoE, so its critical to verify connected devices are compatible. This is often noted as a pro when the site uses Ubiquiti CPEs but a potential con in heterogeneous environments requiring IEEE PoE.
- Reliability in the field: When used within its intended parameters the unit is commonly described as reliable and stable for powering and switching small numbers of edge devices.
Conclusion: Why the ES-5XP is a strong choice for small PoE-enabled deployments
The Ubiquiti EdgeSwitch ES-5XP is a pragmatic choice for installers and small IT teams who require a compact, managed switch that can power Ubiquiti CPEs and access points using 24 V passive PoE. Its combination of five Gigabit ports with per-port configurable passive PoE, an out-of-band management port, essential Layer-2 features and a small wall-mountable footprint make it well suited to small offices, retail outlets, CPE sites and demo/staging use.
Its important to weigh the ES-5XPs passive PoE approach: excellent when your devices are designed for 24 V passive PoE, but less suitable for mixed environments that expect IEEE 802.3af/at compatibility. For those working within Ubiquitis ecosystem or managing remote CPEs where space and cost are factors, the ES-5XP delivers a focused, affordable and easy-to-deploy solution.
At a suggested price point that reflects its targeted, entry-level managed feature set, and with an included power adapter and clear PoE budget, the ES-5XP is a useful tool in the installers toolbox. Just remember to confirm device compatibility with 24 V passive PoE and follow installation and safety guidance (isolate power during installation, route and earth cabling appropriately, and verify product compliance for your project) to ensure a safe and successful deployment.
