Managed PoE switching for business networks
MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM in Dubai, UAE
A 1U rackmount switch for organisations that need 24 Gigabit PoE-out access ports, four 10G SFP+ uplinks and a choice between RouterOS and SwitchOS management. FourTeck can help assess power demand, uplink design, VLAN requirements, accessories and deployment scope before quotation.
Plan the complete switch requirement
Share the device count, PoE load, uplink media, rack location and management preference for a more accurate bill of materials.
Direct answer for buyers
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is a managed 28-port switch built around 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE output and four SFP+ ports capable of 10 Gbps connectivity. It is mainly used to aggregate and power network endpoints such as wireless access points, surveillance cameras, IP phones and compatible edge devices while providing higher-speed uplinks to servers, core switches or fibre links. It is a practical candidate for organisations needing dense PoE access in one rack unit. Before proceeding, buyers should confirm the overall and per-group PoE demand, cable type and length, SFP+ module compatibility, VLAN and management requirements, rack power, airflow, quantity and whether configuration or installation services are required.
What the switch does
This model consolidates data switching and PoE delivery in one rackmount appliance. Its 24 copper ports can connect ordinary Ethernet devices while also supplying power to compatible powered devices. The four SFP+ cages provide a separate high-speed path for uplinks, server connections or fibre runs. This combination is useful when a network requires many powered edge devices but should not force all upstream traffic through a single 1G link.
The switch can run SwitchOS for a focused switching interface or RouterOS when broader network functions and more advanced configuration options are required. The correct choice depends on the operating model, administrator experience and expected feature set. Although RouterOS offers routing capabilities, buyers should evaluate routing performance independently and avoid assuming that a switch platform replaces a dedicated edge router or firewall for demanding workloads.
Who should consider it
The CRS328-24P-4S+RM may suit medium-sized offices, education campuses, hospitality properties, retail branches, warehouses, managed buildings, surveillance projects and service-provider edge deployments where a full 24-port PoE switch is required. It can also fit network refresh projects that need 10G uplink flexibility without moving to a larger chassis.
It is less suitable when only a few PoE ports are needed, when every endpoint requires higher-power 802.3bt delivery, when the design demands redundant hot-swappable power supplies, or when a dedicated high-performance Layer 3 core is required. FourTeck can compare the expected load with other MikroTik or alternative switch options before the bill of materials is finalised.
Business challenges this model can help address
Too many separate power adapters
Central PoE distribution reduces the need for individual electrical adapters near every compatible access point, camera or phone. This can simplify cabinet design and make endpoint power easier to monitor, but cable quality, device class and total load still need to be checked.
Uplink congestion
Four SFP+ ports allow the design to use one or more 10G connections where the traffic profile justifies them. The actual topology may use fibre transceivers, direct-attach cables or compatible copper modules, each with its own distance, heat and compatibility considerations.
Fragmented switch management
RouterOS and SwitchOS provide two different operational approaches. Standardising the chosen platform, access controls, backup process, firmware policy and monitoring method can help administrators manage the switch consistently with the rest of the network.
Limited rack space
The 1U enclosure places 24 PoE access ports and four high-speed uplinks in a standard rack footprint. Buyers should still reserve adequate depth, cable-management room and ventilation because the chassis is deeper than many compact access switches.
Core capabilities at a glance
Twenty-four 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports for wired endpoint connectivity.
802.3af/at and passive PoE output, subject to device and voltage compatibility.
Four SFP+ ports for compatible optical, DAC or Ethernet modules.
Dual boot between RouterOS and SwitchOS to match the operating approach.
Product-fit decision matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| PoE endpoint density | Up to 24 compatible powered devices are expected in one access layer. | Per-device wattage, voltage mode and the load across each 8-port power group. |
| High-speed uplinks | One or more 10G links are needed to a core, server or fibre backbone. | Module type, fibre standard, connector, distance and peer-device compatibility. |
| Managed switching | The network requires VLANs, link aggregation, monitoring or controlled port behaviour. | RouterOS or SwitchOS preference, administrator skill and configuration scope. |
| Rack deployment | A standard 19-inch cabinet with 1U space is available. | Cabinet depth, airflow, ambient temperature, cable routing and AC supply. |
| Routing features | Limited Layer 3 or network-control functions are required on the switch. | Performance expectations and whether a dedicated router or firewall is still needed. |
Verified technical information
The following details reflect the exact CRS328-24P-4S+RM model. Performance and feature behaviour can vary with software version, configuration, packet size and enabled services, so the deployment should be designed around the intended workload rather than headline values alone.
| Brand | MikroTik |
|---|---|
| Product code | CRS328-24P-4S+RM |
| Product type | Managed Cloud Router Switch with PoE output |
| Form factor | 1U rackmount, 443 × 300 × 44 mm |
| Copper ports | 24 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
| SFP+ ports | 4 × 10G SFP+ |
| PoE-out | 802.3af/at and passive PoE on Ether1-Ether24 |
| PoE allocation | Up to 450 W total, arranged as three 150 W groups of eight ports |
| Per-port output guidance | Up to 30 W at high voltage; low-voltage output is subject to model limits and endpoint requirements |
| CPU | 98DX3236, ARM 32-bit, one core at 800 MHz |
| Memory | 512 MB RAM and 16 MB flash storage |
| Operating systems | RouterOS Level 5 or SwitchOS, dual boot |
| Management interfaces | WebFig, WinBox, command-line and SwitchOS web interface, depending on selected OS |
| Console | RJ45 serial console |
| AC input | 100–240 V AC |
| Power system | Integrated 500 W class supply; maximum device consumption without attachments up to 44 W |
| Cooling | Two fans |
| Tested temperature | -20 °C to +60 °C |
| Included items | Rackmount ears, IEC power cord and K-54 kit; confirm current package contents |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE options, quantity and vendor lead time |
Compatibility and dependency notice
PoE compatibility is not determined by connector shape alone. Confirm whether each powered device expects 802.3af, 802.3at or passive PoE, the required voltage range, maximum wattage and cabling standard. The switch can auto-detect supported devices in its default PoE mode, but project documentation should still identify every endpoint and its power requirement. The overall 450 W allocation is split into three independent 150 W groups, so a design can exceed a group limit even when total consumption appears to remain below the full-switch figure.
SFP+ transceivers and direct-attach cables are not included. Their compatibility depends on the desired speed, medium, wavelength, fibre type, connector, distance, peer equipment and thermal conditions. Copper 10G modules can draw more power and generate more heat than optical modules, which matters in densely populated racks. Confirm module support and firmware versions before procurement. RouterOS and SwitchOS also expose different feature sets and workflows, so configuration templates should be prepared for the selected operating system rather than copied without review.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Map the endpoints
List every camera, access point, phone, controller and ordinary network device. Record speed, PoE standard, wattage, VLAN and physical location.
Calculate the power budget
Add realistic endpoint consumption, allow design margin and distribute powered devices across the three eight-port groups without exceeding group limits.
Design the uplinks
Choose fibre, DAC or compatible copper modules based on distance, bandwidth, redundancy, core-switch ports and future expansion.
Define management
Decide between RouterOS and SwitchOS, then document VLANs, trunks, port security, monitoring, backups, administrator access and update policy.
Confirm the bill of materials
Include the exact switch quantity, transceivers, patch leads, fibre components, rack accessories, UPS capacity and any installation or configuration service.
PoE planning that reflects real device loads
The business value of this switch depends heavily on accurate power planning. A camera may consume relatively little power in ordinary operation but draw more when infrared illumination, a heater or a motor activates. A wireless access point may have a higher maximum rating than its usual demand, and some features may become unavailable when it is powered from a lower PoE class. For that reason, the port schedule should include both typical and maximum consumption where the manufacturer publishes them.
The CRS328 divides its PoE output into three groups of eight ports, each with a 150 W limit. This grouping should influence patching decisions. Placing several high-load devices in one group could trigger overload behaviour even if the remaining ports are lightly used. A balanced plan spreads heavier devices and reserves headroom for startup conditions, environmental changes and later additions. Administrators can also use PoE priorities so critical devices are treated appropriately if a group reaches its limit, but priorities are not a substitute for adequate capacity.
Cable construction and distance also matter. Poor terminations, undersized conductors, excessive length or inappropriate patch leads can introduce voltage drop and heat. Structured cabling should be tested, labelled and documented. In security or hospitality deployments, coordinate the network bill of materials with the low-current contractor so switch capacity, cabinet layout and endpoint selection are aligned before installation. FourTeck can review the endpoint schedule and identify where a different switch class or an additional PoE switch may be more sensible.
10G uplinks for aggregation and growth
Four SFP+ cages give the CRS328 more uplink flexibility than a basic 24-port access switch. A deployment can use one uplink for the current network and reserve the remaining cages for link aggregation, a secondary path, a local server or a future backbone change. The final design should be based on traffic flows rather than simply populating every cage. Surveillance recording, Wi-Fi aggregation, local storage and inter-VLAN traffic can create different bandwidth patterns, and the core switch must also have compatible ports and configuration.
The physical medium is equally important. Short connections inside a rack may use direct-attach copper cables where supported. Longer building links commonly use optical transceivers and suitable fibre. Existing structured copper may be used with a compatible SFP+ RJ45 module, but heat, distance and power draw should be reviewed. A module that fits mechanically is not automatically suitable for the intended peer device or cable run.
For resilient designs, buyers may consider two uplinks to separate aggregation devices, but actual redundancy depends on spanning-tree design, bonding method, switch stack or chassis architecture, and the behaviour of the upstream network. The CRS328 does not by itself create end-to-end resilience. Power, fibre path, upstream hardware and configuration must all support the same objective. FourTeck can help translate the desired topology into the required modules and configuration scope.
RouterOS or SwitchOS: choose the operating model first
Dual boot is useful because it allows the same hardware to serve different administrative preferences. SwitchOS presents a more focused interface for switch-specific tasks. It can be appropriate for teams that want straightforward VLAN, link and port configuration without the broader RouterOS environment. RouterOS exposes a wider set of networking functions and familiar MikroTik tools, making it suitable where administrators already operate RouterOS devices or require more detailed control.
The choice should be made before commissioning so backups, procedures, monitoring and access-control policies are consistent. A configuration developed for one operating system cannot simply be assumed to map identically to the other. The team should define management IP addressing, administrator accounts, secure access methods, time synchronisation, logs, monitoring, firmware updates and recovery procedures. Default credentials and factory settings should be changed during deployment.
RouterOS can provide routing and other Layer 3 functions, but this model is primarily selected for switching and PoE density. Buyers expecting firewall-grade inspection, high-volume routing or complex service-provider functions should benchmark the required workload and consider a dedicated router or security appliance. Keeping the roles clear often produces a more supportable design: the CRS328 handles access switching and PoE, while a separate platform handles internet security, advanced routing or central policy enforcement.
Suitable business environments
Office and branch networks
Power desk phones, access points and selected building devices while using 10G uplinks to connect the access layer to a central switch. Confirm whether 24 ports provide sufficient spare capacity for growth.
IP surveillance
Connect PoE cameras and provide higher-speed uplinks toward network video recorders or storage. Camera startup load, night mode, heaters and recording traffic should be included in the design.
Hospitality and education
Aggregate access points, phones and room or classroom devices in a communications cabinet. VLAN separation, guest traffic, multicast behaviour and support access should be defined before commissioning.
Warehouses and managed buildings
Serve scanners, cameras, access points and control systems from a central rack. Environmental conditions, cabinet ventilation and copper cable distances require particular attention.
Integration and operational considerations
A switch should be integrated into the wider network rather than configured as an isolated device. Start with the addressing and VLAN plan. Identify access ports, trunks, native or untagged VLAN behaviour, management access and any voice, camera, wireless or building-system separation. The upstream switch and connected endpoints must use compatible VLAN settings, otherwise a technically correct configuration on one device can still result in loss of connectivity.
Link aggregation should be planned at both ends. Confirm whether the peer supports the chosen bonding mode and whether traffic distribution will provide the expected benefit. Spanning tree should be enabled and tuned according to the topology, particularly when multiple uplinks or redundant paths are present. Loop prevention and storm control are important in access networks, but their settings should reflect actual applications so legitimate broadcast or multicast traffic is not interrupted.
Monitoring can include interface status, errors, traffic utilisation, PoE current, voltage, temperature and fan alarms. Define alert thresholds and who will respond. Back up the configuration after commissioning and after material changes. Store the backup securely with notes about the installed OS version, module types, cable destinations and recovery procedure. Firmware should be reviewed on a controlled schedule, with release notes and rollback considerations, rather than updated without change management during business hours.
Rack planning should include the 300 mm chassis depth, front patching, rear AC connection, airflow and cable bends. A UPS may be required to keep connected phones, access points or cameras operating through short power interruptions. The UPS should be sized for the switch plus the actual PoE load and any other rack equipment, not merely the switch’s unloaded consumption. For larger projects, use separate power and network documentation so future maintenance teams can identify dependencies quickly.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quotation
Procurement checklist
☐ Exact model: CRS328-24P-4S+RM
☐ Required quantity and deployment sites
☐ Current and planned endpoint count
☐ Maximum PoE load for every powered device
☐ Distribution of devices across the three PoE groups
☐ SFP+ module or DAC requirements
☐ Fibre type, connector and link distance
☐ RouterOS or SwitchOS operating preference
☐ VLAN, trunk and link-aggregation design
☐ Rack depth, power, UPS and cooling
☐ Patch panels, cords and cable-management accessories
☐ Installation, configuration and testing scope
☐ Documentation and administrator handover needs
☐ Current availability, lead time and warranty confirmation
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can review the proposed endpoint list, estimate the practical PoE requirement, identify SFP+ accessories, examine the intended uplink topology and discuss whether this model is appropriately sized. Assistance can also cover quotation coordination, rack and power considerations, configuration scope, VLAN planning, installation support and project handover requirements.
For an accurate request, share the device types, quantities, port schedule, existing core switch, cable distances, management preference and target deployment date. Where the design is incomplete, FourTeck can help clarify the information needed before the equipment list is finalised. Visit the FourTeck network services page to review related assistance or contact FourTeck sales with the project details.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM. Availability can depend on quantity, vendor lead time, regional supply and the accessories required with the switch. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact requirement is confirmed. Installation and configuration should be included in the quotation when these services are needed rather than assumed to be part of the hardware supply.
FourTeck can coordinate requirements for businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman through one combined project discussion. Share the destination, site access conditions, rack readiness, power availability and required deployment window. Warranty terms should be confirmed for the supplied unit and region at quotation stage. For broader technology requirements, browse the FourTeck product portfolio.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning MikroTik switching requirements across GCC markets by reviewing the exact model, endpoint count, PoE load, uplink media, accessories and configuration scope before quotation. Projects in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman may have different fulfilment, delivery and service considerations, so the destination country should be stated at the beginning of the request. Product availability, licensing, delivery schedules, service visits, project scope and vendor lead times can vary by country, quantity and requirement. Buyers should provide the CRS328-24P-4S+RM quantity, deployment location, required SFP+ modules, expected timeline and whether installation or remote configuration is needed. FourTeck can then coordinate the relevant commercial and technical information without assuming local stock or a fixed delivery date. For regional enquiries, the FourTeck Kuwait resource may also be relevant.
Africa Availability
Organisations planning PoE switching projects in Africa can contact FourTeck for product evaluation, accessory selection, deployment requirements, configuration scope and regional procurement guidance. The destination country, exact quantity, endpoint power profile, preferred uplink media and target deployment schedule should be shared so the requirement can be reviewed accurately. Availability and fulfilment may depend on the market, vendor lead time, shipping arrangements, power standards, regulatory requirements and local project conditions. Buyers in East Africa and other regions should also identify whether remote assistance, onsite coordination, documentation or administrator handover is expected. FourTeck does not assume immediate shipment or country-wide onsite coverage; these points must be confirmed for each project. Relevant regional resources include FourTeck Kenya and the FourTeck Africa technology site.
Related products and services to consider
Compatible SFP+ modules
Select optical, DAC or copper modules according to distance, media and peer-device compatibility. Module choice must be confirmed separately.
CRS326-24G-2S+RM
A non-PoE alternative that may suit networks requiring 24 Gigabit ports but fewer 10G uplinks and no central endpoint power.
Higher-capacity PoE switching
Consider larger or higher-power models when more than 24 powered endpoints, 802.3bt demand or broader uplink capacity is expected.
Installation and configuration
Include rack installation, VLAN configuration, uplink setup, PoE validation, testing and documentation when internal resources are limited.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
Buyers often need more than a switch part number. A usable quotation may also require transceivers, direct-attach cables, fibre patch leads, rack accessories, UPS sizing, configuration services and installation coordination. FourTeck helps organise these dependencies so procurement teams can evaluate a complete requirement rather than compare incomplete hardware prices.
Technical teams can use FourTeck assistance to review model fit, PoE allocation, uplink choices, management preferences and compatibility questions. Project owners can discuss delivery coordination, site readiness, implementation scope and documentation. This practical approach does not replace a detailed network design for complex environments, but it can reduce avoidable omissions before an order is placed. Learn more about FourTeck or discuss a specific requirement through the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CRS328-24P-4S+RM suitable for IP cameras?
Yes, it can be suitable for compatible PoE cameras, especially where many cameras need central power and one or more 10G uplinks toward recording or storage systems. Confirm camera PoE class, maximum consumption, night-mode load and total traffic before selection.
How much PoE power is available?
The model provides up to 450 W for connected devices, divided into three groups of eight ports with up to 150 W per group. Each port supports up to 30 W at high voltage. The endpoint schedule should be balanced across these groups.
Does it support 802.3af and 802.3at?
Yes. It supports 802.3af/at PoE output and passive PoE. Always confirm the voltage and power requirements of each endpoint, particularly for passive PoE devices.
Are SFP+ modules included?
No. Optical transceivers, direct-attach cables and copper SFP+ modules should be selected separately according to the required speed, distance, medium, connector and peer equipment.
Should I use RouterOS or SwitchOS?
SwitchOS is often chosen for a focused switching interface, while RouterOS offers broader networking functions and MikroTik management tools. The choice should reflect the features required and the experience of the team that will support the switch.
Can this switch replace a firewall or high-performance router?
It can perform routing functions under RouterOS, but it is primarily selected for switching and PoE density. Demanding routing, security inspection or internet-edge workloads should be evaluated on a dedicated router or firewall platform.
What rack space and power are required?
The unit occupies 1U and measures approximately 443 × 300 × 44 mm. It accepts 100–240 V AC. Cabinet depth, ventilation, cable management and UPS capacity should be confirmed using the expected PoE load.
Can FourTeck configure VLANs and uplinks?
Configuration assistance can be discussed as part of the quotation. Share the VLAN plan, trunk requirements, upstream equipment, IP addressing, operating-system preference and desired testing or documentation scope.
Is the switch currently available in Dubai?
Contact FourTeck to confirm current Dubai and UAE availability. Supply can vary with quantity, accessories and vendor lead time, so availability should be checked against the exact project requirement.
What information is needed for a quote?
Provide the quantity, endpoint count, PoE wattage, SFP+ media and distance, rack location, required accessories, management preference, configuration scope, delivery destination and target schedule.
Confirm the switch, PoE load and uplink accessories
Send FourTeck your endpoint schedule and deployment details for a quotation that includes the exact CRS328-24P-4S+RM quantity, compatible uplink components and any required installation or configuration support.
