Farewell to a Trusty Switch: Tribute to the Unifi US-8-150W
By [Author Name]
In a somber morning, we bid farewell to a remarkable piece of networking equipment that served its purpose diligently and met an untimely demise. Today, we mourn the loss of my Unifi 8-port POE switch, model US-8-150W, which was tragically taken from us due to a lightning strike.
Acquired in January 2016, the US-8-150W played a vital role in my endeavor to upgrade my home Wi-Fi network to a more enterprise-grade setup. Its performance yielded mostly positive results, as detailed in a previous article exploring the consequences of going above and beyond in home networking. This compact, 8-port switch proved to be an invaluable asset in achieving the design I desired.
What made this switch special? On the surface, it boasted features such as 802.3af/at compatibility and Ubiquiti’s 24-volt passive PoE option, making it universally compatible with various devices. However, the standout feature was its two SFP slots, effectively transforming it into a 10-port switch. This feature was pivotal for my intentions to connect PoE-powered security cameras and an extra wireless access point in my detached garage.
Running Ethernet underground between the two buildings seemed like the simplest solution, but not without its challenges. Copper Ethernet can pose electrical risks, necessitating professional assistance and costly installations. Aware of these obstacles, I opted for optical fiber, which effectively eliminated the electrical issues while proving to be efficient for interbuilding connectivity. With the addition of affordable gigabit SFP transceivers, 40 meters of aqua-clad multimode fiber, and the assistance of a contractor, I successfully integrated the garage into my network. The switch played a central role in this achievement.
Yet, it is the switch’s resilience in withstanding extreme heat that truly deserves recognition. Located in Houston, where temperatures above 120°F (around 50°C) are an all-too-common occurrence, the switch endured the harsh conditions for nearly eight years. Its CPU thermal sensor consistently registered temperatures between 70°–80°C without faltering. That level of endurance is commendable in any device.
In fact, if not for a lightning strike that wreaked havoc in the vicinity of my home a couple of months ago, the switch would still be functioning today. The strike affected the switch’s functionality, causing two ports to cease working entirely and two others to fail in producing PoE. Despite the setbacks, the US-8-150W soldiered on for another month until I found a suitable replacement.
Ironically, the only fitting replacement for the US-8-150W was another US-8-150W. Thus, its successor now hangs in the same spot within the garage, carrying on the legacy. Credit goes to Ubiquiti for engineering this robust equipment. Amidst any criticism or praise directed at the company, the US-8-150W stands out as an exceptional switch. Let us raise a glass to its predecessor and the US-8-150W that now takes its place. If the new switch can offer another eight years of dedicated service, it will undeniably be a worthwhile investment.