The Flex (USW-Flex) is a premium **compact, flexible Layer 2 PoE switch** engineered for organizations deploying network infrastructure in challenging indoor and outdoor environments. This **5-port Gigabit switch** consolidates flexible connectivity, integrated PoE device power delivery, self-powering capability via PoE++, and professional management features into a single ultra-compact appliance designed for versatility. With 4 × PoE+ ports, 1 × PoE++ input port, 46W PoE availability with PoE++ input, 10 Gbps switching capacity, and extreme temperature support, the Flex is the ideal solution for outdoor campus networks, remote location deployments, distributed switching infrastructure, harsh environment installations, and networks requiring flexible indoor/outdoor operation with self-powered, maintenance-free infrastructure.
Whether you're deploying outdoor UniFi access points across properties and campuses, establishing self-powered remote location networking, expanding WiFi coverage to outdoor areas without power infrastructure, powering outdoor security and monitoring systems, or building distributed network infrastructure in harsh environments, the Flex delivers professional-grade switching and PoE delivery for mission-critical outdoor and challenging deployments.
Key Features for Outdoor & Remote Deployments
- Indoor/Outdoor Design: Weatherproof construction rated for both indoor and outdoor use—eliminates need for separate indoor/outdoor switch models
- Self-Powered via PoE++: Powered directly by PoE++ input from upstream infrastructure—eliminates need for separate power cables or AC adapters in remote locations
- 46W PoE Availability: With PoE++ input, deliver up to 46W total PoE output for powering multiple UniFi access points and devices simultaneously
- 4 × GbE PoE+ Ports: Deliver up to 25W per port for powering UniFi access points, cameras, and other PoE+ devices without additional infrastructure
- 1 × GbE PoE++ Input Port: Accept PoE++ power directly from upstream switches—enables daisy-chain deployments and self-powered operation
- 10 Gbps Switching Capacity: Professional non-blocking 5 Gbps throughput with 7 Mpps forwarding rate for reliable network performance
- Extreme Temperature Support: Operates from -40°C to 65°C (-40°F to 149°F)—suitable for arctic, tropical, desert, and all global climate conditions
- Ultra-Compact Form Factor: Measures just 122.5 × 107.1 × 28 mm (4.8 × 4.2 × 1.1 inches)—smallest professional PoE switch available
- Versatile Mounting: Desktop, wall, or pole mounting—adapt to any outdoor, rooftop, or distributed deployment environment
- Professional Layer 2 Features: 1,000 VLAN support, egress rate limiting, flow control, port isolation, mirroring, and jumbo frame support
- Managed via UniFi Network: Full integration with UniFi ecosystem—monitor and control from central management console
- 16kV ESD Protection: Enhanced surge protection against electrostatic discharge for outdoor and harsh environment reliability
Perfect Applications Across Outdoor & Remote Environments
- University Campus Networks: Outdoor WiFi infrastructure for campus quads, outdoor areas, athletic facilities, and distributed campus locations with self-powered operation
- Rooftop Access Point Deployments: Self-powered switching for rooftop-mounted access points eliminating complex rooftop power infrastructure
- Remote Outdoor Locations: Self-powered switching for remote facilities, field offices, and outdoor work sites with no AC power available
- Hospitality Outdoor Networks: Poolside WiFi, resort outdoor areas, and restaurant patios with flexible switching and PoE power delivery
- Outdoor Security Deployments: Self-powered infrastructure for outdoor cameras, monitoring equipment, and distributed surveillance systems
- Industrial & Manufacturing Outdoor: Outdoor facility networking for industrial plants, manufacturing yards, and outdoor work areas in harsh conditions
- Government & Public Sector: Outdoor municipal networks, public park WiFi, and government facility outdoor connectivity with extreme environment support
- Retail & Commercial Outdoor: Outdoor parking lot WiFi, commercial building perimeter networks, and outdoor retail expansion without power infrastructure
- Bridge & Tunnel Deployments: Remote location switching in infrastructure requiring minimal power and maintenance
- Harsh Climate Extremes: Arctic, tropical, and desert installations requiring equipment protection across -40°C to 65°C temperature ranges
Technical Specifications
- Port Configuration: 5 × Gigabit RJ45 ports: 4 × PoE+ output (up to 25W each) + 1 × PoE++ input port (1G/100M/10M).
- Switching Capacity: 10 Gbps total switching capacity with 5 Gbps non-blocking throughput and 7 Mpps forwarding rate.
- PoE+ Output: 4 × PoE+ ports delivering up to 25W per port for powering UniFi access points and devices.
- PoE++ Input Port: Accept PoE++ power (50-57V) for self-powered operation—enables daisy-chain deployments without separate power infrastructure.
- Total PoE Availability: 46W with PoE++ input; 20W with PoE+ input; 8W with standard PoE input—flexible power options for various upstream infrastructure.
- Power Consumption: 5W base consumption (excluding PoE output); 51W maximum with full PoE output utilization.
- Layer 2 Features: 1,000 VLAN support, egress rate limiting, flow control, port isolation, port mirroring, jumbo frames (up to 9216 bytes).
- MAC Address Table: 2,000 entry table for managing network traffic across distributed outdoor deployments.
- Management: Full UniFi Network integration (version 5.10.3+) for centralized monitoring, control, and troubleshooting.
- Environmental Design: Outdoor-rated weatherproof construction—suitable for rain, humidity, UV exposure, and extreme temperatures.
- ESD Protection: ±16kV ESD protection (both air and contact)—enhanced surge protection for harsh outdoor environments.
- Form Factor: Ultra-compact (122.5 × 107.1 × 28 mm); lightweight at 230g (8.1 oz); desktop, wall, or pole mounting options.
- Operating Temperature: -40°C to 65°C (-40°F to 149°F) with standard PoE+ output; -40°C to 55°C with full 46W PoE output—suitable for extreme climates.
- Operating Humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing—operates reliably in humid coastal, tropical, and high-moisture environments.
- Heat Dissipation: Only 17.1 BTU/hr (excluding PoE output)—minimal heat generation in outdoor installations.
- Certifications: NDAA compliant for government deployments; CE, FCC, IC certified for international operations.
Why Choose the Flex?
- ✅ Self-Powered Operation: PoE++ input eliminates need for separate AC power or adapters—perfect for remote and rooftop deployments without power infrastructure
- ✅ Indoor/Outdoor Versatility: Single device handles both indoor and outdoor deployments—eliminates need for separate indoor/outdoor switch models
- ✅ Extreme Temperature Support: Operates from -40°C to 65°C—suitable for arctic, tropical, desert, and all global climate conditions without environmental restrictions
- ✅ 46W PoE Capacity: With PoE++ input, deliver sufficient power for multiple UniFi access points and devices in distributed outdoor locations
- ✅ Ultra-Compact Design: Smallest professional PoE switch available—perfect for rooftop, pole, and distributed outdoor deployments
- ✅ Weatherproof Construction: Purpose-built outdoor design protects against rain, humidity, UV exposure, and environmental hazards
- ✅ Minimal Maintenance: Self-powered operation with no exposed AC components—maintenance-free reliable outdoor infrastructure
- ✅ Enhanced ESD Protection: ±16kV ESD protection ensures reliability in outdoor and harsh environments with lightning exposure
- ✅ Flexible Powering Options: Supports PoE++ (46W), PoE+ (20W), or standard PoE (8W) input—adapt to available upstream infrastructure
- ✅ Lightweight & Portable: Only 230g with compact footprint—easy roof, pole, and distributed mounting without structural reinforcement
Self-Powered Remote Deployment Architecture
PoE++ Self-Powering: Powered directly by PoE++ input from upstream switch—eliminates separate AC power cables, adapters, and complex power infrastructure in remote locations.
Daisy-Chain Capability: PoE++ input enables daisy-chaining multiple Flex switches—extend networks to remote areas without individual power connections.
Power Flexibility: Accept PoE++ (46W), PoE+ (20W), or standard PoE (8W) input—adapt to available upstream infrastructure capabilities.
Minimal Infrastructure: Single Ethernet cable delivers both network connectivity and power—simplifies remote, rooftop, and outdoor installations dramatically.
Maintenance-Free Operation: No moving parts, fans, or AC components requiring maintenance—extremely reliable for unattended outdoor deployments.
Extreme Environment Outdoor Design
Temperature Extremes: -40°C to 65°C operating range enables deployment in arctic regions, tropical environments, deserts, and all global climates.
Humidity Tolerance: 5-95% humidity operation enables reliable service in coastal areas, rainforests, swamps, and high-moisture environments.
Weatherproof Protection: Outdoor-rated construction protects against rain, wind-driven moisture, UV exposure, and environmental corrosion.
Enhanced ESD Protection: ±16kV ESD protection (air and contact) provides superior surge protection against lightning strikes and electrical hazards in outdoor installations.
Compact Outdoor Form: Ultra-small footprint enables installation in visible outdoor areas without architectural impact or unsightly infrastructure.
Professional Layer 2 Features for Distributed Networks
1,000 VLAN Support: Advanced network segmentation for security, guest networks, and traffic isolation across distributed outdoor deployments.
Port Intelligence: Port mirroring for packet capture and analysis, port isolation for guest networks, jumbo frame support (up to 9216 bytes).
Traffic Management: Egress rate limiting, flow control for congestion management across outdoor network extensions.
Professional Reliability: Non-blocking switching with 5 Gbps throughput ensures consistent performance in outdoor and remote deployments.
Perfect Complement to Outdoor UniFi Networks
- ✅ Rooftop Deployments: Self-powered switching for rooftop access points—eliminate complex rooftop power infrastructure
- ✅ Campus Networks: Distributed self-powered outdoor switching across university campuses and large properties
- ✅ Remote Locations: Self-powered infrastructure for remote facilities without AC power access—true power independence
- ✅ Outdoor Security: Reliable power and switching for outdoor cameras and distributed surveillance systems
- ✅ Daisy-Chain Expansion: Connect multiple Flex switches via PoE++ for extended outdoor network reach
Installation & Deployment Options
- Rooftop Installation: Self-powered design eliminates rooftop power requirements—single Ethernet cable for connectivity and power
- Pole Mounting: Ultra-compact and lightweight enable pole mounting for distributed outdoor deployments
- Wall Mounting: Compact dimensions allow wall mounting on building exteriors or structures for WiFi coverage expansion
- Daisy-Chain Networks: Connect multiple Flex units via PoE++ to extend outdoor networks across campuses and properties
Management & Integration
- UniFi Network Integration: Full managed switch support with version 5.10.3 and later—monitor and control from central console
- Centralized Monitoring: Real-time port monitoring, traffic analytics, and health status visible from UniFi Controller
- Configuration Management: Apply VLAN settings and port configurations remotely from central management point
- Multi-Location Visibility: Manage outdoor switches across all distributed locations from single UniFi console
Related Products & Solutions
- Flex Utility Enclosure – Weatherproof outdoor housing for additional Flex switch protection in extreme environments
- UniFi Access Points – Outdoor WiFi infrastructure powered by self-powered Flex switches
- UniFi Protect Cameras – Outdoor surveillance equipment powered by Flex PoE delivery
- UniFi Gateways – Primary network gateways connected to distributed Flex outdoor switching
- CloudKey+ Console – Centralized management for outdoor Flex deployments and UniFi ecosystem
Order Now
Deploy the Flex for self-powered outdoor networking today.
Order the **Flex (USW-Flex)** today and add self-powered professional switching to your outdoor campus, rooftop, or remote deployment. Perfect for outdoor WiFi expansion, remote access points, and locations requiring power-independent networking infrastructure.
For outdoor network design consultation, rooftop deployment planning, self-powered architecture strategy, extreme climate deployment support, daisy-chain configuration, campus-wide outdoor expansion, or comprehensive outdoor network solutions—contact our team or **request a quote today**. We provide comprehensive technical support for outdoor network deployments, campus-wide WiFi installations, remote location networking, self-powered infrastructure design, harsh environment configurations, and complete outdoor UniFi ecosystem implementations. Whether you're a campus administrator, facilities manager, enterprise network engineer, or systems integrator specializing in outdoor and extreme environment networking, our team has extensive experience deploying robust, maintenance-free outdoor infrastructure.
