CRS518-16XS-2XQ-EE

The MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-EE is a high-density, ultra-fast Cloud Router Switch designed for the most demanding networking environments, particularly data centers and large enterprise networks. It specializes in providing 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE) and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) fiber connectivity at a highly competitive price point.

It's essentially a top-tier switch that offers robust Layer 2 capabilities with hardware-offloaded Layer 3 routing for maximum performance.

Key Capabilities & Features

🚀 Extreme High-Speed Connectivity

• 16x 25 Gigabit SFP28 Ports: This is its core strength, offering a high density of 25GbE connections.4 These ports are also backward compatible with 10 Gigabit and 1 Gigabit SFP/SFP+ devices, providing immense flexibility for connecting a wide range of network hardware, from high-performance servers and storage arrays to other network switches.

• 2x 100 Gigabit QSFP28 Ports: These are the ultra-fast uplinks, capable of handling massive data throughput.6 They are perfect for connecting to a network core (like a CCR2216 router), inter-data center links, or for high-bandwidth backbone connections. QSFP28 ports can often be broken out into four 25GbE SFP28 links each using breakout cables, further expanding connectivity options.

• Massive Switching Capacity: Boasts an impressive 1.2 Tbps switching capacity and a non-blocking throughput of 600 Gbps (or 1.2 Tbps in full-duplex), with a forwarding rate of up to 600 Mpps.8 This ensures that even with all ports at full utilization, there are no bottlenecks.

• Marvell Prestera Aldrin2 Switch Chip: This powerful, dedicated switch chip is responsible for the incredible performance, providing hardware offloading for Layer 2 and Layer 3 functions.

🧠 Advanced Network Management & Functionality

• RouterOS (License Level 6): The CRS518 runs on MikroTik's powerful RouterOS v7. While the CPU (a 650 MHz MIPSBE single-core) is modest for complex, software-driven routing, the switch's strength lies in its hardware offloaded Layer 3 routing. This means it can perform common routing tasks like inter-VLAN routing, static routing, and basic firewalling at wire speed. For very complex routing policies or advanced services, it's typically paired with a dedicated router like a CCR.

• Comprehensive Layer 2 Features: Supports a full suite of Layer 2 switching features, including:

  • VLAN (802.1Q, 802.1ad): For network segmentation and isolation.

  • ACL (Access Control Lists): For granular traffic filtering and security.

  • LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol): For bundling multiple links for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

  • MLAG (Multi-chassis Link Aggregation Group): For building highly redundant and resilient network architectures across multiple switches.

  • Jumbo Frames: To improve efficiency for large data transfers.

  • IGMP/MLD snooping: For optimizing multicast traffic delivery.

• Management Interfaces: Can be managed via our Cloud Controller, WinBox (desktop GUI), WebFig (web GUI), or Command Line Interface (CLI) via SSH/console.11 It also has a dedicated 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port for out-of-band management.

• USB Port: For connecting external storage or other peripherals.

🛡️ High Reliability & Redundancy

• Dual Redundant Hot-Swappable Power Supplies: This is a critical feature for enterprise and data center environments, ensuring continuous operation even if one power supply fails or needs replacement.

• Hot-Swappable Fans: Equipped with multiple cooling fans that are also hot-swappable, allowing for maintenance without interrupting network service.

• Robust Build: Designed for 1U rackmount installation in indoor environments, with a durable metal casing.

• Wide Operating Temperature Range: Capable of operating reliably in temperatures from -40°C to +70°C.

Common Use Cases

• Data Center Aggregation/Access Layer: This is perhaps the most significant use case. The CRS518 is ideal for connecting racks of high-performance servers, storage area networks (SANs), and virtualized environments that require 25GbE connectivity.15 Its 100GbE uplinks provide the necessary bandwidth to connect to the data center core.

• Enterprise Backbone Network: For large enterprises with demanding internal network traffic, it can serve as a distribution layer switch, aggregating traffic from access switches and providing high-speed links to the main network backbone.

• Internet Service Provider (ISP) / Telecommunications Core/Aggregation: ISPs can leverage its high port density and 100GbE uplinks as a cost-effective solution for core or aggregation points in their network, handling massive subscriber traffic.

• Cloud and Virtualization Environments: Essential for infrastructure supporting cloud-based services and heavily virtualized environments, where rapid and reliable data transfer between virtual machines and storage is crucial.

• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: In scientific research or deep learning environments, the CRS518 can provide the necessary low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects between compute nodes and storage systems.

• High-Density Fiber Distribution: Where many 25GbE connections are needed to be aggregated into a 100GbE uplink, for example, connecting multiple racks or floors.

The MikroTik CRS518 is a cost-effective powerhouse for building next-generation networks that demand high-density 25 Gigabit connectivity and blazing-fast 100 Gigabit uplinks, with a strong focus on reliability and advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities.