MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM 12-Port 10G Switch

Description

The MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM is a high-performance 12-port 10G switch designed for networks that require fast Ethernet connectivity, flexible fiber uplinks and reliable switching. It combines 8 × 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ45 Ethernet ports with 4 × 10G combo ports that can operate as either 10G RJ45 Ethernet or SFP+ interfaces. This makes the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM suitable for ISP, data center, enterprise, server and high-bandwidth network deployments.

12-Port 10G Connectivity

The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM provides 12 high-speed interfaces in a single rackmount switch. Its 8 dedicated multi-gigabit RJ45 ports support connections up to 10G Ethernet, while the four combo ports provide the flexibility to choose between 10G RJ45 and 10G SFP+ connectivity.

The combo ports can be used alongside the eight regular 10G Ethernet ports, giving network administrators flexibility when connecting servers, workstations, routers, switches and fiber infrastructure. MikroTik also supports software selection of the combo interfaces, allowing network configurations to be adapted to different deployment requirements.

10G SFP+ Fiber Connectivity

The four combo interfaces can be used with SFP+ connections when fiber or direct-attach connectivity is required. This makes the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM useful for networks combining copper-based 10G devices with fiber-based infrastructure.

For ISPs, data centers and enterprise networks, the combination of 10G RJ45 and SFP+ interfaces can simplify network expansion. High-speed fiber links can be connected to aggregation equipment, while 10G Ethernet ports provide connectivity to servers and other network devices.

High Switching Performance

The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM provides up to 120 Gbps of non-blocking throughput, 240 Gbps of switching capacity and a forwarding rate of up to 178 Mpps according to MikroTik’s published specifications. This makes it suitable for high-bandwidth network environments where conventional Gigabit switching can become a bottleneck.

The switch uses a dedicated Marvell 98DX8212 switch chip, while its QCA9531 CPU handles management and other system functions. The hardware architecture is designed around high-speed wire-speed switching across the 12-port interface configuration.

RouterOS or SwitchOS

The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM supports both MikroTik RouterOS v7 and SwitchOS. SwitchOS provides a focused environment for managed switching, while RouterOS provides additional routing and Layer 3 functionality.

This dual-boot capability gives network administrators flexibility when deploying the switch. Networks that primarily require Layer 2 switching can use SwitchOS, while deployments requiring routing and additional RouterOS features can boot the device using RouterOS.

Dual Power Supply for Network Reliability

The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM includes two AC power inputs supporting 100–240V AC. The redundant power design allows the switch to continue operating if one power input or supply path fails, making it useful for infrastructure where network availability is important. Maximum power consumption is specified at 60W.

The 1U rackmount design allows the switch to be installed in standard network racks alongside routers, servers, patch panels and other infrastructure equipment. It also includes an RJ45 serial console and USB Type-A port for management and configuration purposes.

MikroTik CRS312 for Kenya and Africa

The MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM is suitable for network infrastructure projects in Kenya and across Africa where 10G Ethernet and fiber connectivity are required. It can be deployed by internet service providers, WISPs, data centers, enterprises, system integrators, telecom operators and organizations upgrading from Gigabit to 10G networking.

For Kenyan and African network operators, the combination of 10G RJ45 ports, SFP+ connectivity, high switching capacity and flexible RouterOS or SwitchOS operation makes the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM suitable for network aggregation, server connectivity, data center deployments and high-speed enterprise networks.

Globikom Group supplies MikroTik networking and telecom equipment in Kenya and serves customers across Africa. The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM is part of our range of high-performance networking equipment for ISP, enterprise, data center and telecommunications infrastructure.