MikroTik CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe in Dubai, UAE
The CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe combines a high-speed server network interface with an independent RouterOS v7 system. It is designed for organisations that want 25 Gigabit connectivity, routing and traffic-control functions inside a compatible server rather than in a separate rack appliance.
Exact model shown. SFP28 modules or direct-attach cables should be selected separately according to the required link type.
Direct answer for buyers
The MikroTik CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe is a PCIe add-in card that acts both as a 25G network interface and as a self-contained Cloud Core Router. It is mainly used to give a compatible Linux or RouterOS host two SFP28 connections while allowing routing, firewall, access-control and traffic-management functions to run on the card. It is worth considering for compact data-centre servers, hosting nodes, test platforms and specialist appliances where a separate router would consume additional space. Before proceeding, confirm the host operating system, PCIe slot and power suitability, BIOS initialisation timing, transceiver or cable type, required RouterOS configuration and whether the design will use passthrough, bridging or routing.
What the card does
A conventional PCIe Ethernet adapter usually exposes physical ports to the operating system and depends on the host for all network services. The CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe takes a different approach. It includes its own quad-core ARM 64-bit processor, memory, NAND storage and RouterOS v7 license. The host sees virtual Ethernet interfaces, while the card can independently forward, route, bridge, filter or manage traffic according to the configuration.
By default, two virtual interfaces operate in passthrough mode toward the two 25G SFP28 cages. Two additional virtual interfaces are bridged with the Gigabit Ethernet management port. Administrators can change this arrangement because the unit runs a full RouterOS environment rather than a fixed-function NIC firmware.
Who should consider it
This model is most relevant to experienced network and server teams that understand both PCIe server integration and RouterOS configuration. It may suit hosting companies, branch data centres, systems integrators, network laboratories, storage or media servers, Linux appliance builders and organisations consolidating network services into a server chassis.
It is less suitable when the host platform is Windows, when the server cannot delay PCIe initialisation, when hot-swappable network hardware is essential, or when the project requires a conventional vendor-supported server NIC with standard operating-system drivers. In those cases, a separate router or a conventional 25G adapter may be the clearer choice.
Business challenges this design can address
Limited rack space
Routing capability can be installed inside the server, reducing the need for a separate appliance in designs where physical space is constrained.
25G server connectivity
Two SFP28 cages support modern 25 Gigabit links, subject to the selected optics, direct-attach cables and peer-device compatibility.
Traffic-policy consolidation
Firewall rules, queues, routing and access control can be handled by RouterOS on the card instead of relying entirely on host software.
Specialised appliance design
Integrators can build compact Linux appliances where networking and routing are intentionally combined in one chassis.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| 25G connectivity | The server needs one or two SFP28 uplinks. | Optic, DAC, fibre type, link distance and peer-port support. |
| Linux integration | The host uses a supported Linux kernel. | Kernel 5.15.25 or newer and driver recognition. |
| Embedded routing | Routing or firewall policy should run on the card. | Rule complexity, expected throughput and RouterOS skills. |
| Compact appliance | A separate rack router is undesirable. | Cooling, slot clearance, boot timing and maintenance process. |
| Windows server | Not recommended as a host NIC. | Manufacturer documentation states Windows hosts do not recognise the device. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | MikroTik |
| Product code | CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe |
| Product type | PCIe network interface card with independent Cloud Core Router functions |
| Architecture | ARM 64-bit, quad-core processor |
| Memory and storage | 4 GB RAM and 128 MB NAND storage |
| Network ports | 2 × 25G SFP28 and 1 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
| Operating system | RouterOS v7, License Level 6 |
| Host support | Linux kernel 5.15.25 or newer and RouterOS 7.x hosts; Windows host recognition is not supported |
| Dimensions | 170 × 69 × 18 mm |
| Cooling | Active cooling with one fan |
| Maximum power consumption | Up to 29 W according to the current product specification |
| Operating temperature | Tested from -20°C to 60°C |
| Included parts | Small bracket and large bracket |
| Important note | SFP28 modules, fibre patch cords or DAC cables should be confirmed separately. Actual performance depends on packet size, RouterOS configuration, rules, queues and host design. |
Compatibility and dependency notice
This product should not be purchased solely because a server has an available PCIe slot. The host must recognise the card, provide sufficient power and cooling, and complete PCIe device initialisation at the right time. MikroTik notes that the card takes longer to boot than a conventional ASIC-based NIC. When the host starts before the card is ready, the device may not appear. A BIOS option that adds PCIe initialisation delay can therefore be important. Where that option is unavailable, the host may need a suitable method to re-initialise PCIe devices.
Transceiver compatibility is another purchasing dependency. The two cages accept SFP28 connectivity, but the correct module or direct-attach cable depends on speed, link distance, fibre type, switch port and the intended 10G or 25G design. FourTeck can review the bill of materials before quotation so the card, optical components and peer-side interfaces are considered together.
A practical deployment journey
Validate the host
Confirm operating system, kernel version, PCIe slot, physical clearance, airflow and BIOS delay options.
Define the traffic role
Decide whether the card will be used as passthrough NIC, bridge, router, firewall, traffic shaper or a combination.
Select connectivity
Choose compatible SFP28 optics, DAC cables, fibre and peer-side ports for the required speed and distance.
Plan RouterOS
Prepare interface names, addressing, VLANs, routes, firewall rules, queues, monitoring and secure management access.
Test and document
Verify boot detection, failover behaviour, throughput under the intended policy set, logging, backups and recovery procedures.
25G connectivity without a separate chassis
The principal design value is the ability to place two SFP28 ports and a RouterOS system inside the server. This can simplify physical layouts where the server itself needs high-speed links and local traffic policy. It may also reduce short patching paths between a standalone router and server NIC. The benefit depends on the wider architecture: it does not remove the need for suitable upstream switching, redundant design or correctly selected optical components.
Independent RouterOS control
Because RouterOS runs on the card, network policy does not have to depend entirely on the host operating system. Administrators can configure addressing, VLANs, bridging, routing, firewall filters, queues and management independently. This separation can be useful in appliance designs, but it also adds another managed system that requires software updates, secure credentials, configuration backups, monitoring and documented ownership.
Flexible virtual interface model
The default four-interface presentation gives administrators a starting point for passthrough and management access. The arrangement can be changed to match the network design. This flexibility is valuable for test environments, specialised servers and traffic-processing nodes, but the final topology should be documented carefully so host administrators and network administrators understand which interfaces are passed through, bridged or routed.
Suitable business environments
Hosting and service nodes
Useful where a Linux server needs fast uplinks and local routing or access control without another rack unit.
Network laboratories
Suitable for controlled testing of RouterOS routing, bridging, VLANs and traffic behaviour in a server-integrated format.
Storage and media systems
Can provide high-speed links and network policy for Linux-based file, backup or media servers, subject to workload validation.
Custom infrastructure appliances
Integrators may use it in purpose-built platforms where the router and server are intentionally combined.
Operational considerations
The CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe should be treated as both a server component and a managed network device. Server teams need to account for slot placement, power, airflow, boot order and host recognition. Network teams need to account for RouterOS versioning, configuration, security policy, monitoring and backups. Clear responsibility is particularly important when the card is installed in a server managed by one team while its RouterOS environment is managed by another.
A maintenance process should include testing after host firmware changes, BIOS updates, kernel upgrades and RouterOS upgrades. Configuration exports and system backups should be stored securely. Administrative access should be restricted, default credentials replaced immediately and management traffic placed on an appropriate protected network. Performance testing should reflect the actual rule set rather than relying only on maximum laboratory figures, because firewall rules, queues, packet sizes and tunnel settings influence throughput.
Resilience also requires careful design. A router inside one server shares some physical dependencies with that server, including chassis power and cooling. Buyers requiring device-level redundancy should evaluate a second host, alternate path or separate network appliance rather than assuming that two SFP28 ports alone provide full high availability.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quotation
Procurement checklist
☐ Exact model: CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe
☐ Required quantity and deployment location
☐ Host server model and available PCIe slot
☐ Linux kernel or RouterOS host version
☐ BIOS PCIe initialisation-delay capability
☐ SFP28 optic or DAC requirement
☐ Link speed, distance and fibre type
☐ Peer switch or router port compatibility
☐ Planned RouterOS features and rule complexity
☐ Management network and access method
☐ Installation and configuration scope
☐ Testing, documentation and handover needs
☐ Current UAE availability and vendor lead time
☐ Warranty terms confirmed in the quotation
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help convert the product request into a clearer bill of materials. This may include confirming the exact card, reviewing the intended host platform, identifying the required SFP28 optics or direct-attach cables, discussing the peer switch, and defining whether RouterOS configuration or installation support should be included.
For a broader network project, buyers can review additional business networking products, discuss configuration and deployment services, or submit the full requirement through the FourTeck contact team.
Information that improves quotation accuracy
Share the server model, operating system, number of cards, link distances, required optic or cable type, peer-device model, desired RouterOS functions and target deployment date. State whether the quotation should include installation, configuration, testing or documentation. This information allows compatibility and scope dependencies to be identified before ordering.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe. Availability may vary according to quantity, vendor lead time and the additional SFP28 components required. A complete quotation can include the card, suitable optics or DAC cables, delivery coordination and optional technical services after the host and network design are reviewed.
FourTeck can coordinate requirements for businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman through one combined project discussion. Installation and configuration scope should be stated clearly because a PCIe card installation, Linux host verification, RouterOS setup and network testing are separate activities. Delivery dates, service schedules and warranty terms should be confirmed in the final quotation rather than assumed from a general product listing.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning MikroTik server-networking projects across the GCC by reviewing the exact requirement before quotation. Support may include model confirmation, host-platform review, SFP28 optic or DAC selection, quantity planning, RouterOS configuration scope and delivery coordination. Projects in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman may have different product lead times, import arrangements, service availability and local technical requirements. Buyers should provide the destination country, number of cards, host server details, link distance, peer-device model, required configuration and expected project timeline. Product availability, service visits, warranty handling and delivery schedules can vary by country, model, quantity and vendor supply conditions. FourTeck will therefore confirm the applicable commercial and technical terms for the stated destination rather than applying a generic regional promise.
For Kuwait-related coordination, organisations may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support information.
Africa Availability
FourTeck can help businesses and integrators evaluate the CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe for selected African projects where a compact Linux-based 25G routing platform is being considered. Requirement review can cover the exact product quantity, host compatibility, RouterOS role, SFP28 components, power and cooling conditions, implementation support and regional procurement planning. Availability and fulfilment depend on the destination, vendor lead time, quantity, shipping arrangements, local import processes, power or regulatory considerations and the intended installation scope. Buyers should share the destination country, server platform, required link type, network peer, deployment date and support expectations. FourTeck does not assume local inventory or immediate shipment; the suitable route is confirmed after the technical and commercial requirement is understood.
Projects in East Africa can refer to FourTeck Kenya and FourTeck Uganda, while wider regional enquiries can be directed through FourTeck Africa.
Related products and services to consider
SFP28 optics and DAC cables
Select according to link speed, distance, fibre type and peer-port compatibility. Compatibility should be confirmed rather than assumed.
25G-capable switching
The upstream switch or router must provide suitable SFP28 ports and support the intended link configuration.
RouterOS configuration support
Configuration can cover interfaces, VLANs, routing, filtering, queues, monitoring, secure administration and backup procedures.
Separate Cloud Core Routers
A standalone CCR may be preferable when maintenance isolation, conventional rack deployment or broader physical interface options are required.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
The value of consultation is not limited to finding the product code. The important questions concern whether the host will recognise the card, whether the required BIOS behaviour is available, which SFP28 components match the links, and how RouterOS should be configured. FourTeck can help clarify these dependencies, prepare a quotation around the full requirement and identify installation or configuration work that should be included. For company background, visit about FourTeck.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CCR2004-1G-2XS-PCIe a normal network card?
No. It presents network interfaces to the host, but it also contains an independent ARM-based RouterOS system capable of routing, bridging, filtering and traffic management.
How many high-speed ports does it provide?
It provides two 25G SFP28 cages plus one Gigabit Ethernet port that can be used for management-related connectivity.
Does it work in a Windows server?
MikroTik documentation states that the card is not recognised by Windows hosts. It is supported on Linux from kernel 5.15.25 and on RouterOS 7.x hosts.
Are SFP28 modules included?
The manufacturer lists small and large brackets as included parts. Optics, fibre patch cords or direct-attach cables should be confirmed separately in the quotation.
Why is BIOS initialisation delay important?
The card may take longer to boot than a conventional NIC. When the host completes PCIe detection too early, the device may not appear, so a BIOS delay or suitable re-initialisation method may be required.
Can it run firewall and routing rules?
Yes. It runs RouterOS v7 with a Level 6 license. Actual throughput depends on packet sizes, queues, firewall rules, tunnels and the complete configuration.
Is it suitable for redundancy?
It has two SFP28 ports, but full resilience depends on the host, power, network paths and architecture. A second device or alternate platform may be needed for device-level redundancy.
Can FourTeck configure RouterOS?
Configuration assistance can be discussed based on the required interfaces, VLANs, routing, security policy, traffic control, monitoring and handover scope.
How can I check UAE availability?
Share the required quantity, destination and timeline with FourTeck. Current availability and vendor lead time will be confirmed for the specific request.
What details are needed for a quote?
Provide the host server model, operating system, quantity, link distances, optic or DAC preference, peer switch model, RouterOS requirements and any installation or configuration scope.
Confirm the complete server-networking requirement
Send the server model, operating system, quantity and 25G connectivity details so FourTeck can review compatibility and prepare a project-specific quotation.
