Flex Mini 2.5G: Ubiquiti’s Tiny but Mighty Switch for High-Speed Networks

Hey, Juan David here! Let’s talk about Ubiquiti’s latest release, the Flex Mini 2.5G (USW-Flex-2.5G-5)—this little guy is the perfect addition for anyone looking to upgrade their network speed without going overboard on space or budget.

First things first, let's dive into what’s in the box.

What’s in the Box?

• Flex Mini 2.5G Switch (USW-Flex-2.5G-5): The heart of the setup. It’s got (5) 2.5 GbE ports and a compact design that’s super easy to integrate into your network.
• Power Supply Options: You’ve got flexibility here—either use PoE input for easy integration into your existing setup or go with the 5V USB-C adapter (included in single-unit packages).
• Mounting Hardware: Yep, Ubiquiti made it easy to install with everything included for mounting.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about why this switch might just be the game-changer you’ve been waiting for.

Performance in a Compact Design

                             

                       I know what you're thinking—how much power can a switch this small pack? Well, don’t let its size fool you. The Flex Mini 2.5G is a 5-port, Layer 2 switch with a solid build (117.1 x 90 x 21.2 mm, weighing just 206 g). It’s perfect for both home setups and small businesses that need serious speed. Here’s the breakdown:

• Ports: (5) 1/2.5 GbE RJ45 ports. If you’re ready to jump into 2.5 GbE networking, this switch delivers without requiring you to overhaul your entire infrastructure.
• Total Non-Blocking Throughput: 12.5 Gbps. That’s enough bandwidth to handle a ton of traffic without breaking a sweat.
• Switching Capacity: 25 Gbps. You’re not going to see any bottlenecks here—this switch can handle heavy loads with ease.
• Forwarding Rate: 18.6 Mpps. Data moves fast and efficiently, just the way you like it.

Power Options

Flexibility is the name of the game here. You can power the Flex Mini 2.5G through PoE input, using an existing PoE switch, or use the included 5V USB-C adapter if PoE isn’t an option for you. Either way, the max power consumption is super low—5W with the adapter or 6.4W via PoE—so you won’t need to worry about it becoming a power hog in your setup.

Layer 2 Switching Features

Now let’s geek out a bit more. The Flex Mini 2.5G comes packed with Layer 2 features that make managing traffic on your network much smoother:

• STP/RSTP with Priorities and Port-Level Disable: Keeps your network stable and prevents loops.
• Port Isolation: Keeps critical network segments secure.
• Storm Control: Helps protect your network from broadcast storms.
• Port Mirroring: For when you need to monitor network traffic for troubleshooting or analysis.
• Jumbo Frames: Optimized for high-performance networks.
• Multicast/Broadcast Rate Limiting and Egress Rate Limit: Ensures smooth traffic flow.

Whether you’re setting up a small business network or just leveling up your home lab, these features are going to make managing your traffic a whole lot easier.

Best Ubiquiti Pairings for the Flex Mini 2.5G

                              

Now, let’s talk about how this switch fits into your broader network setup. The Flex Mini 2.5G plays well with other Ubiquiti devices, so if you’re already in the UniFi ecosystem, this switch is a seamless addition.

UniFi Dream Machine Pro (UDM-Pro)

For me, pairing this switch with the UDM Pro is a no-brainer. You get top-notch routing, advanced security features, and high-speed connectivity all in one device.

• 10 Gbps SFP+ WAN port for super-fast internet speeds.
• 8-port Gigabit Switch to connect additional devices.
• Built-in Security Gateway with IDS/IPS to keep your network secure.
• HDD Bay for UniFi Protect if you want to manage video surveillance.

Access Points (Wi-Fi 6)

If you need reliable Wi-Fi to complement your wired network, these Wi-Fi 6 access points are perfect companions for the Flex Mini 2.5G:

• U6-LR: A long-range beast that covers large areas without sacrificing speed.
• U6-Mesh: Great for both indoor and outdoor environments, and it’s easy to mount just about anywhere.
• U6-Extender: Plug it directly into an outlet to eliminate dead spots in your network without running extra cables.

UniFi Protect and Cameras

You can also easily integrate the Flex Mini 2.5G into your UniFi Protect setup if you’re focused on home or small business security:

• G4 Instant: Compact, easy to install, and great for monitoring key areas.
• G4 Doorbell Pro: A smart doorbell that gives you control over your home or office security, complete with high-quality video and two-way audio.

Why You Need the Flex Mini 2.5G

So, why choose the Flex Mini 2.5G over the other switches? It’s simple—this switch gives you 2.5 Gbps speeds in a compact, efficient design that’s perfect for smaller spaces but powerful enough to handle heavy traffic. Pair it with other Ubiquiti gear, and you’ve got a network that’s secure, fast, and future proof.

Whether you’re setting up a new network or upgrading an existing one, this switch is going to be the heart of your high-speed setup.

Ready to step up your network game? Check out the Flex Mini 2.5G soon available to order at Flytec! Start building a better, faster, and more reliable network with Ubiquiti’s top-of-the-line gear.