MikroTik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM 100G Layer 3 Switch (16×100G QSFP28 + 25G Uplinks)

Product Overview

The MikroTik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM is an ultra-high-performance enterprise switch designed for data centers, ISPs, and high-bandwidth enterprise networks. It delivers massive 100G connectivity, combining 16×100G QSFP28 ports, 4×25G SFP28 ports, and additional 10G Ethernet interfaces in a compact 1U rackmount design.

Built with a powerful quad-core ARM CPU (2.0 GHz) and 4GB RAM, this switch goes beyond traditional switching by supporting Layer 3 hardware offloading, advanced routing protocols, and RouterOS v7 features, making it a hybrid switch/router platform.

Key Features

• 16 × 100G QSFP28 Ports — Ultra-high bandwidth backbone connectivity
• 4 × 25G SFP28 Ports — High-speed aggregation and server connections
• 2 × 10G Ethernet Ports — Flexible copper connectivity
• Quad-Core ARM CPU (2.0 GHz) — Enterprise-grade processing power
• 4 GB DDR4 RAM — Handles complex routing and large network tables
• Layer 3 Hardware Offloading — Wire-speed routing and switching
• RouterOS v7 (Level 5 License) — Advanced networking features (BGP, OSPF, VPN, QoS)
• Dual Hot-Swappable Power Supplies — Redundancy for mission-critical uptime
• 4 Hot-Swappable Fans — Efficient cooling for continuous operation
• Future-Proof Design — Supports breakout (100G → 25G/10G/1G) configurations

Technical Specifications

Performance & System

• CPU: AL52400 ARM64, 4-core @ 2.0 GHz
• RAM: 4 GB DDR4
• Storage: 128 MB NAND
• Switch Chip: Marvell 98CX8410
• Operating System: RouterOS v7 (Level 5 license)

Interfaces

• QSFP28 Ports: 16 × 100G
• SFP28 Ports: 4 × 25G (backward compatible with 10G/1G)
• Ethernet Ports: 2 × 10G RJ45
• Console Port: RJ45 serial

Power & Cooling

• Power Inputs: Dual AC (100–240V)
• Max Power Consumption: ~150W (up to ~220W with both PSUs)
• Cooling: 4 hot-swappable fans

Physical

• Form Factor: 1U Rackmount
• Dimensions: ~443 × 367 × 44 mm
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +50°C
• MTBF: ~200,000 hours

Key Benefits

• Extreme 100G Performance: Ideal for ultra-high bandwidth environments
• High Port Density: 16×100G ports reduce need for multiple switches
• Hybrid Switch + Router Capability: Combines switching and advanced routing
• Future-Proof Infrastructure: Supports breakout and scalable architectures
• High Availability: Dual PSU and hot-swap fans ensure uptime
• Cost-Effective 100G Solution: Competitive pricing for enterprise-grade performance

Use Cases

• Data Center Spine/Leaf Architecture
• ISP Core & Aggregation Networks
• High-Speed Backbone Infrastructure (25G/100G)
• Enterprise Core Switching
• Media Production & High-Bandwidth Workflows

What’s in the Box

• **MikroTik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM Switch
• 2 × Power Cables
• Rackmount Kit & Rear Support Ears
• Cable Management Brackets
• K-82 Mounting Kit
• Quick Start Guide

Useful Links

• Official Product Page (MikroTik)
  https://mikrotik.com/product/crs520_4xs_16xq_rm
• Datasheets & Downloads
  https://mikrotik.com/download
• RouterOS Documentation
  https://help.mikrotik.com/docs/
• Retail Reference (Specs & Pricing)
  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1862564-REG/mikrotik_crs520_4xs_16xq_rm_crs520_16x_qsfp28_100gbps.html

Why Choose the CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM?

The MikroTik CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM is a next-generation 100G switch that delivers massive throughput, advanced Layer 3 capabilities, and unmatched port density. With its powerful CPU, hardware offloading, and flexible connectivity, it is ideal for organizations building future-ready, high-performance network infrastructures.