MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM 25G/100G Cloud Router Switch

Description

MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM 25G/100G Cloud Router Switch in Kenya and Africa

The MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM Cloud Router Switch is a high-capacity fibre switching solution designed for enterprise networks, internet service providers, data centres and network infrastructure projects. Available from Globikom, this rackmount switch combines 16 high-speed 25 Gigabit SFP28 ports with two 100 Gigabit QSFP28 ports, making it suitable for high-bandwidth aggregation and distribution networks.

Organisations upgrading from 10 Gigabit networking can use the CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM to increase fibre capacity, connect high-speed servers and switches, and build scalable network infrastructure. Its high-density port configuration helps network administrators consolidate multiple fibre connections into a single rackmount device.

16 × 25G SFP28 Ports for High-Speed Fibre Connectivity

The MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM provides 16 SFP28 ports supporting 25 Gigabit connectivity. These interfaces are designed for compatible fibre transceivers and direct-attach connections, depending on the link requirements.

The 25G ports are backward compatible with supported 10G and 1G SFP-family devices. This flexibility can help organisations migrate their infrastructure gradually while retaining compatible existing equipment.

Possible applications include connecting distribution switches, high-performance servers, storage systems and other fibre-enabled networking equipment. Always verify the speed, transceiver type, cable specifications and compatibility of both devices before deployment.

2 × 100G QSFP28 Ports for Network Uplinks

Two 100 Gigabit QSFP28 ports provide high-capacity links for aggregation, core connectivity and connections to compatible high-speed switches or routers.

For an ISP or enterprise network, these uplinks can help connect multiple distribution switches to a higher-capacity core. Data centres can also use them for suitable server-networking and switching architectures.

The actual performance of a network depends on the complete design, including the connected devices, transceivers, cabling, traffic patterns and configuration. Compatible 100G optical modules or direct-attach cables may need to be purchased separately.

Marvell Prestera Switching Architecture

The CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM uses a Marvell Prestera 98DX8525 switch chip. Its switching architecture supports high-density Layer 2 connectivity and selected Layer 3 hardware-offloading capabilities.

Supported functions include VLANs, link aggregation, access control lists, jumbo frames, IGMP/MLD snooping and MLAG, subject to the relevant software and configuration requirements. Hardware-offloaded features can reduce the processing burden for supported traffic flows.

Network administrators should confirm which features are hardware-offloaded and test their intended configuration before deploying the switch in a production network.

RouterOS v7 for Network Management

The MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM runs RouterOS v7 and includes a Level 6 licence. Administrators can use MikroTik’s network operating system to configure supported switching, routing and traffic-management functions.

The device is designed primarily as a high-capacity switch. It should not automatically be treated as a replacement for a dedicated high-performance core router. Evaluate routing throughput, packet-processing requirements and required services before assigning it a routing role.

Redundant Power Supplies and Cooling

The CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM features two AC power inputs and hot-swappable power supplies, together with hot-swappable cooling fans. These features support maintenance and resilience planning in networks where minimising interruptions is important.

For effective redundancy, connect the power supplies to suitable independent power sources where possible. Redundant components do not eliminate every cause of downtime, so appropriate monitoring, configuration backups and network failover planning remain important.

The manufacturer specifies a 100–240V AC input range, with maximum power consumption of up to 95W. Actual consumption varies according to the installed attachments and operating conditions.

Rackmount Installation

The switch is designed for rack installation and measures approximately 443 × 265 × 44.5 mm. It includes rack ears and power cords according to the manufacturer’s listed package contents.

Install the device in a suitable indoor networking environment with adequate ventilation and appropriate rack support. Confirm airflow, power availability and cable routing before installation.

Who Should Buy the MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM?

This switch is suitable for internet service providers, telecommunications companies, enterprise IT departments, data centres, network integrators and organisations building high-capacity fibre networks.

It can be considered for 25G distribution switching, 100G aggregation uplinks, fibre infrastructure upgrades and high-bandwidth connections between compatible network devices. Its combination of 25G access interfaces and 100G uplinks offers flexibility for networks that need more capacity without adding unnecessary switching layers.

Buy MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM in Kenya from Globikom

Globikom supplies networking, connectivity and IT infrastructure equipment to businesses, ISPs and network integrators in Kenya and across Africa.

Contact Globikom for current pricing, stock availability, quotations and delivery arrangements for the MikroTik CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM Cloud Router Switch. For projects involving multiple switches, optical modules or other network equipment, provide your port requirements, link distances and target speeds so the correct compatible components can be selected.

Technical Specifications

Product model: CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM
Product type: Cloud Router Switch
Switch chip: Marvell Prestera 98DX8525
25G interfaces: 16 × SFP28
100G interfaces: 2 × QSFP28
Management Ethernet: 1 × 10/100 Ethernet
Operating system: RouterOS v7
RouterOS licence: Level 6
Processor: QCA9531, single-core 650MHz
RAM: 64MB
Storage: 16MB flash
Power inputs: 2 × AC
AC input range: 100–240V
Maximum power consumption: 95W
Cooling: Four fans
Dimensions: Approximately 443 × 265 × 44.5 mm
Installation: Rackmount

Check current stock, included accessories and final pricing with Globikom before ordering.