MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM – Enterprise 10G/40G Layer 3 Switch

The MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM is a rackmount Layer 3 managed switch designed for enterprise and data center networks needing robust 10G and 40G connectivity. It features 16× 10G SFP+ ports and 2× 40G QSFP+ uplinks, offering high switching capacity, advanced VLAN support, and dual redundant hot-swappable power supplies in a compact 1U form factor. With RouterOS v7 and SwOS dual boot support, it delivers both Layer 3 routing and simplified Layer 2 switching for flexible deployment across core, distribution, or aggregation layers.

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Key Specifications

General

• Model: CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM
• Series: Cloud Router Switch (CRS)
• Form Factor: 1U Rackmount
• Operating System: Dual boot – RouterOS (v7, Level 5 license) and SwOS
• Use Case: Data center, enterprise core, ISP aggregation, high-throughput switching

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Hardware

• CPU: ARM 64-bit, AL73400 (4-core, 1.2 GHz)
• RAM: 1 GB DDR4
• Storage: 128 MB NAND
• Switch Chip: Marvell Prestera ALDRIN2 family
• Cooling: Intelligent active cooling (3× fans)
• Management Ports:
  • 1 × Gigabit Ethernet (out-of-band management)
  • 1 × USB Type-A port
  • 1 × RJ45 Serial Console

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Ports

• 16 × 10G SFP+ Ports
• 2 × 40G QSFP+ Ports
• 1 × 1G RJ45 Management Port

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Performance

• Switching Capacity: 640 Gbps
• Forwarding Rate: 357 Mpps
• Non-blocking Throughput: 320 Gbps
• Latency: Low latency, suitable for real-time and high-volume traffic
• Layer 2 & Layer 3 Support: VLANs, ACLs, IPv4 routing

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Power & Environmental

• Power Input:
  • Dual redundant hot-swappable AC power supplies (100–240V AC)
• Power Redundancy: Yes (2 × PSUs included)
• Max Power Consumption: ~75W
• Cooling:
  • 3 × Temperature-controlled fans
  • Redundant airflow design
• Operating Temperature: -20°C to +60°C

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Software Features

• RouterOS v7:
  • Static and dynamic routing (IPv4/IPv6)
  • RSTP, MSTP, VLANs, firewall, L3 hardware offloading
  • Traffic control, DHCP server, scripting, SNMP
• SwOS:
  • Lightweight switch OS with VLAN, ACL, monitoring
• Dual Boot: Flexibility to switch between RouterOS and SwOS for optimal control

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Physical Specifications

• Dimensions: 443 × 200 × 44 mm
• Weight: ~3.4 kg
• Chassis: All-metal 1U rackmount design
• Mounting: 19-inch rack ears included
• Cooling: Redundant front-to-back airflow with fan monitoring

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Package Contents

• 1 × CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM Switch
• 2 × Hot-swappable Power Supplies (AC)
• 1 × Power Cord
• 1 × Rackmount Kit
• 1 × Quick Start Guide

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Use Cases

• Core switch for high-density 10G/40G networks
• ISP aggregation layer
• Datacenter top-of-rack switch
• Enterprise backbone for virtualization and storage networks

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Meta Description

MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM is a 1U rackmount Layer 3 switch with 16× 10G SFP+ and 2× 40G QSFP+ ports, dual hot-swap power, and 640 Gbps switching—perfect for enterprise core, ISP, and data center deployments. Datasheet