Ubiquiti USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE vs Hanwha GS980M/52PS-10: Specification Comparison
Both the Ubiquiti USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE and the Hanwha HV-GS980M/52PS-10 are 1U rack-mount, 48-port managed PoE switches aimed at large-scale IP camera deployments. Each delivers over 700 W of PoE power budget and includes SFP uplinks for fiber or 10G trunking. The comparison evaluates port speed and switching capacity, PoE power budget and environmental tolerance, and management depth—three axes that determine fit in a physical-security network.
In This Guide
- Which switch delivers higher port speed and switching capacity for dense camera deployments?
- How do the PoE power budgets and operating-environment ratings compare for outdoor or harsh-site use?
- What management capabilities and integration features does each switch provide?
- Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE or the GS980M/52PS-10?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which switch delivers higher port speed and switching capacity for dense camera deployments?
The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE equips all 48 access ports with 2.5 Gbps, yielding a total switching capacity of 160 Gbps non-blocking with a forwarding rate of 238 Mpps. Four 10G SFP+ uplinks allow trunk aggregation at core speeds. This design eliminates per-port bandwidth ceilings even for high-bitrate multi-sensor or 4K cameras.
The HV-GS980M/52PS-10 specifies 1000 Mbps (Gigabit) on all 48 access ports per the card bullets, with 4 SFP uplink ports. Switching capacity, forwarding rate, and uplink speed (1G vs 10G) are not stated in the provided specifications, preventing a full numerical comparison on those sub-dimensions.
On confirmed numbers, the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE offers 2.5× the per-port throughput, a defined 160 Gbps fabric, and 10G uplinks versus the Hanwha's unspecified capacity and Gigabit access ports.
How do the PoE power budgets and operating-environment ratings compare for outdoor or harsh-site use?
The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE provides 720 W of PoE+ (802.3at) output across 48 ports, sourced from an 870 W internal AC/DC supply. Base switch power draw (excluding PoE) is 150 W. Operating temperature is rated -5 °C to 40 °C (23 °F to 104 °F), and the enclosure is SGCC steel—suitable for temperature-controlled indoor equipment rooms.
The HV-GS980M/52PS-10 specifies a 740 W PoE budget and supports PoE++ (802.3bt, up to 90 W per port) rather than PoE+ (802.3at, max 30 W per port). Its operating temperature range is stated as -40 °C to +55 °C (-40 °F to +131 °F), and it carries IP66, IK10, NEMA 4X, and NEMA-TS 2 ratings. Total power supply wattage, base power draw, and supply type are not stated in the provided specifications.
The Hanwha unit provides PoE++ per-port power delivery and a dramatically wider thermal range with industrial ingress/impact protection—significant advantages for roadside cabinets or unconditioned spaces. The Ubiquiti unit has a higher confirmed per-port data rate and a fully specified internal power supply, but is limited to indoor-conditioned environments.
What management capabilities and integration features does each switch provide?
The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE is managed via Ethernet and includes a 1.3-inch LCM color touchscreen for local status. VLAN support is specified at 1,000 VLANs. The switch integrates with the Ubiquiti UniFi controller ecosystem. Certifications include NDAA, CE, FCC, IC, and Anatel. Layer 3 routing capabilities, QoS, and specific protocol support are not detailed in the provided specifications.
The HV-GS980M/52PS-10 specifies Layer 2/3 management with VLAN, QoS, and port mirroring per the card bullets. A GUI-based interface is noted. The specifications reference RFC 1091 Telnet terminal-type option and include a pre-installed WAVE Server with one Pro License, indicating tight integration with Hanwha's WAVE VMS platform. The number of supported VLANs is not stated.
The Hanwha switch arrives with embedded VMS licensing (WAVE Server, 1 Pro License), which has direct value for Hanwha camera deployments. The Ubiquiti switch offers a larger confirmed VLAN table (1,000) and NDAA compliance certification. Buyers locked into either vendor's ecosystem will find the respective switch a natural management fit.
Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE or the GS980M/52PS-10?
Our take: The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE is the stronger choice when deploying high-resolution cameras in a controlled indoor environment on a Ubiquiti UniFi network, while the HV-GS980M/52PS-10 is the stronger choice for outdoor or harsh-environment enclosures using Hanwha cameras and WAVE VMS. Key spec deltas: the Ubiquiti switch delivers 2.5 Gbps per port versus 1 Gbps on the Hanwha—a 2.5× advantage for multi-sensor or 4K streams; the Hanwha switch supports PoE++ (802.3bt, up to 90 W/port) while the Ubiquiti is capped at PoE+ (802.3at, 30 W/port), directly affecting high-wattage PTZ and multi-sensor head compatibility; and the Hanwha is rated to -40 °C versus -5 °C for the Ubiquiti, a decisive difference in outdoor cabinet deployments. Platform alignment matters: Hanwha's bundled WAVE Server license adds VMS value for Hanwha-centric sites; Ubiquiti's NDAA certification and UniFi integration favor compliant government or enterprise networks.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Ubiquiti USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE | Hanwha GS980M/52PS-10 |
|---|---|---|
| Port Count (Access) | 48 | 48 |
| Access Port Speed | 2.5 Gbps | 1 Gbps |
| Uplink Ports | 4 x 10G SFP+ | 4 x SFP (speed not specified) |
| Switching Capacity | 160 Gbps | — |
| Forwarding Rate | 238 Mpps | — |
| PoE Standard | PoE+ (802.3at) | PoE++ (802.3bt) |
| PoE Power Budget | 720 W | 740 W |
| Total Power Supply | 870 W (internal AC/DC) | — |
| Base Power Draw (no PoE) | 150 W | — |
| Operating Temperature | -5 °C to 40 °C | -40 °C to +55 °C |
| Ingress / Impact Rating | — | IP66, IK10 |
| NEMA Rating | — | NEMA 4X, NEMA-TS 2 |
| VLAN Support | 1,000 VLANs | — |
| Included VMS License | — | WAVE Server, 1 Pro License |
| NDAA Compliant | Yes | — |
| Warranty | Manufacturer Warranty | 5-Year Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE or the GS980M/52PS-10?
The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE is the stronger choice when deploying high-resolution cameras in a controlled indoor environment on a Ubiquiti UniFi network, while the HV-GS980M/52PS-10 is the stronger choice for outdoor or harsh-environment enclosures using Hanwha cameras and WAVE VMS. Key spec deltas: the Ubiquiti switch delivers 2.5 Gbps per port versus 1 Gbps on the Hanwha—a 2.5× advantage for multi-sensor or 4K streams; the Hanwha switch supports PoE++ (802.3bt, up to 90 W/port) while the Ubiquiti is capped at PoE+ (802.3at, 30 W/port), directly affecting high-wattage PTZ and multi-sensor head compatibility; and the Hanwha is rated to -40 °C versus -5 °C for the Ubiquiti, a decisive difference in outdoor cabinet deployments. Platform alignment matters: Hanwha's bundled WAVE Server license adds VMS value for Hanwha-centric sites; Ubiquiti's NDAA certification and UniFi integration favor compliant government or enterprise networks.
Is the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE or HV-GS980M/52PS-10 better for powering high-wattage PTZ cameras?
The HV-GS980M/52PS-10 supports PoE++ (802.3bt), which delivers up to 90 W per port, making it compatible with high-wattage PTZ cameras and multi-sensor heads that exceed the 30 W ceiling of PoE+ (802.3at) supported by the USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE. If your PTZ or specialty cameras require more than 30 W, the Hanwha switch is the appropriate choice based on the provided specifications.
Can the HV-GS980M/52PS-10 be installed in an outdoor roadside cabinet?
Based on the provided specifications, the HV-GS980M/52PS-10 is rated IP66, IK10, NEMA 4X, and NEMA-TS 2, with an operating temperature range of -40 °C to +55 °C. These ratings indicate suitability for outdoor enclosures subject to dust, water ingress, physical impact, and wide thermal swings. The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE, rated only -5 °C to 40 °C with an SGCC steel enclosure and no IP or NEMA rating listed, is not specified for outdoor installation.
Does either switch include video management software licensing?
The HV-GS980M/52PS-10 includes a pre-installed WAVE Server with one Pro License per the provided specifications, integrating Hanwha's WAVE VMS directly with the switch. The USW-ENTERPRISE-48-POE does not include VMS licensing in its specifications; management is handled through the Ubiquiti UniFi controller, which is a separate platform. Buyers deploying Hanwha cameras with WAVE VMS may find the bundled license on the Hanwha switch reduces initial software costs.
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