25G and 100G routing platform
MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ in Dubai, UAE
Build a higher-capacity routing layer with twelve 25G SFP28 interfaces, two 100G QSFP28 interfaces, RouterOS v7 and a 16-core ARM platform. FourTeck helps business and service-provider buyers turn the appliance into a complete, compatible bill of materials rather than purchasing the chassis in isolation.
Prepare an accurate request
For a useful quotation, provide the planned uplinks, required optics, routing protocols, expected traffic profile, rack location and redundancy requirements.
Important: SFP28 and QSFP28 modules, direct-attach cables, M.2 storage and implementation services should be confirmed separately.
SFP28 cages
QSFP28 cages
2 GHz architecture
Power resilience
Preinstalled platform
Direct answer for buyers
The CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is MikroTik’s high-capacity Cloud Core Router for networks that need multiple 25G access or aggregation links and 100G uplinks in a compact rack unit. It is mainly considered for ISP routing, data-centre interconnection, enterprise cores and demanding aggregation points. It suits teams comfortable with RouterOS and with designing optical or direct-attach connectivity around SFP28 and QSFP28 cages. Before proceeding, confirm routing-table expectations, packet-processing features, optics compatibility, cable distances, power feeds, rack depth, cooling, M.2 requirements and whether configuration, migration or support should be included.
What the CCR2216 does
This router provides a concentrated high-speed interface layer for moving traffic between backbone, aggregation, transit, peering, server, storage or campus network segments. Its twelve SFP28 cages support high-density 25G designs, while two QSFP28 cages can serve 100G uplinks, inter-switch links or backbone connections when compatible modules and cabling are selected. RouterOS v7 supplies the routing, firewall, quality-of-service, VPN, monitoring and management environment. Actual throughput depends on packet size, enabled services, rule complexity and whether hardware offloading is applicable to the chosen design.
The platform also includes a Marvell 98DX8525 switch chip and four 25G links between the switch silicon and CPU. This architecture is relevant to buyers planning hardware-offloaded Layer 3 forwarding, but it should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every firewall, NAT, queue, encryption or inspection workload will operate at aggregate port speed. A realistic design begins with the intended traffic path and RouterOS features.
Who should consider it
The CCR2216 is most relevant to internet service providers, cloud and hosting operators, large enterprises, universities, multi-building campuses, system integrators and organisations consolidating several high-speed links. It may also be considered as an upgrade path for selected CCR1072 deployments, subject to a complete review of interfaces, RouterOS configuration, routing scale and operational dependencies.
It is generally excessive for a branch office, small business or environment dominated by 1G copper access. Buyers needing many standard Ethernet interfaces may require companion switching. Teams expecting an appliance-style security platform with subscription threat services should also compare dedicated firewalls, because the CCR2216 is primarily a flexible router rather than a licensed unified-threat-management appliance.
Business challenges the platform can address
Core-link congestion
Multiple 25G interfaces and 100G uplinks can support a staged move beyond congested 10G aggregation, provided upstream devices and optics match the design.
Port concentration
A single rack unit can terminate numerous high-speed fibre or DAC links, reducing the need to distribute routing across several smaller appliances.
Routing modernisation
RouterOS v7 and ARM64 architecture provide a current software and hardware foundation for organisations replacing older MikroTik core routers.
Operational resilience
Dual hot-swappable power supplies and four hot-swappable fans support maintainability, although the overall topology still needs redundant paths and power sources.
Product-fit decision matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| 25G aggregation | Several servers, switches or transport links must connect at 25G. | Optic type, fibre standard, distance, breakout needs and peer compatibility. |
| 100G uplinks | The network has QSFP28-capable upstream equipment and justified bandwidth demand. | Transceiver or DAC model, lane design, optical budget and redundancy. |
| Dynamic routing | RouterOS v7 feature set and administration model fit the routing policy. | Route count, convergence expectations, BGP policy complexity and monitoring. |
| Hardware-offloaded Layer 3 | The planned topology and features are supported by RouterOS L3 hardware offload. | Exact RouterOS version, supported features and configuration limitations. |
| High-service edge | CPU-based routing, filtering, queues or VPN demand has been modelled realistically. | Packet sizes, rules, tunnels, encryption and acceptable headroom. |
Verified technical information
| Brand and model | MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ |
|---|---|
| Product type | Cloud Core Router, 1U rackmount |
| CPU | AL73400, ARM 64-bit, 16 cores / 16 threads, 2 GHz nominal frequency |
| Switch chip | Marvell 98DX8525 |
| Memory and storage | 16 GB RAM, 128 MB NAND, two M.2 SATA slots for optional storage |
| High-speed interfaces | 12 × 25G SFP28 cages and 2 × 100G QSFP28 cages |
| Additional interfaces | 1 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet and RJ45 serial console |
| Operating system | RouterOS v7 with License Level 6, preinstalled |
| Power | Two 100–240V AC inputs, two hot-swap PSU slots; maximum consumption 128 W and 80 W without attachments |
| Cooling | Four hot-swappable fans |
| Dimensions | 443 × 367 × 44 mm |
| Tested ambient temperature | -20°C to 60°C |
| Included hardware | Two IEC cords, rackmount ears, cable-management brackets, fastening set and rear support ears |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE quantity, lead-time and quotation guidance. |
Compatibility and dependency notice
The cages do not remove the need for a precise optical design. SFP28 and QSFP28 modules vary by wavelength, reach, fibre type, connector, temperature rating and peer-device support. Passive and active direct-attach cables also have length and interoperability limits. Confirm every link end-to-end, including whether a 100G interface will operate as a native 100G connection or use an approved breakout arrangement. MikroTik lists related modules and cables, but suitability depends on the exact topology.
RouterOS capability is also configuration dependent. Layer 3 hardware offload can significantly change forwarding behaviour for supported functions, while firewalling, NAT, complex queues, VPN encryption, connection tracking and unsupported combinations may rely more heavily on the CPU. Validate the proposed RouterOS release and configuration in a lab or controlled migration window before moving production traffic.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Map traffic and interfaces
Document every source, destination, expected bandwidth, VLAN, routing protocol and service that will traverse the appliance. Identify which links are 25G, 100G, 10G or 1G and whether breakout cables are part of the plan.
Build the bill of materials
Add the required SFP28 or QSFP28 transceivers, DACs, fibre patching, M.2 drives, spare power components, console access and rack accessories. Confirm compatibility rather than selecting modules only by nominal speed.
Design RouterOS policy
Define addressing, bridge and VLAN structure, BGP or OSPF policy, filtering, management access, logging, backups, quality of service, hardware offload and change-control requirements.
Stage and test
Upgrade to an approved RouterOS release, apply a controlled configuration, verify optics and link negotiation, test failover, measure representative traffic and document recovery procedures before cutover.
Cut over with rollback
Schedule the migration, retain current configurations and equipment until validation is complete, monitor routing adjacencies and traffic, and keep a clear rollback trigger.
High-density 25G and 100G connectivity
The defining value of the CCR2216 is interface concentration. Twelve SFP28 cages allow a network architect to aggregate multiple 25G devices without placing a separate 25G switch in every design. Two QSFP28 cages offer a path to 100G transit, core or inter-rack links. This can be useful where several distribution switches, compute clusters, transport systems or provider handoffs converge in one rack.
Port count alone does not determine design quality. A network may consume both 100G ports immediately for redundant upstreams, leaving no native 100G interface for inter-core links. Alternatively, one port may connect to a provider while the other feeds a second site. Buyers should model failure states, not only normal operation. When one link or upstream fails, the remaining path must have sufficient bandwidth and routing policy to carry critical traffic. Optical budgets, fibre polarity, connector cleaning, module temperature and cable management also become operational concerns at these speeds.
The single 1G Ethernet interface is useful for management or limited connectivity but is not a substitute for a broad copper access layer. Where many copper devices remain, pair the router with appropriate switches. FourTeck can help separate routing, switching and optical requirements so each component is selected for its actual role.
RouterOS v7 control and operational flexibility
RouterOS v7 gives experienced administrators broad control over routing, bridging, VLANs, firewall rules, queues, tunnels, monitoring and automation. This flexibility is valuable for service providers and integrators that need to express detailed routing policies or operate mixed customer environments. License Level 6 is preinstalled, so a separate base RouterOS license is not normally required for the appliance itself.
Flexibility also creates responsibility. The platform does not impose one prescriptive architecture, and a poorly structured configuration can make troubleshooting difficult. Establish naming conventions, management-plane filters, role-based access, secure administration, NTP, logging, configuration export, backup procedures and tested recovery. Keep the production release aligned with organisational change policy rather than upgrading solely because a newer package exists.
For dynamic routing, define route acceptance, advertisement, local preference, communities, prefix limits and failure behaviour before implementation. Large tables and complicated policies deserve lab validation. For firewall and queue functions, use representative packet sizes and session counts when testing. Manufacturer benchmark results are useful reference points but are not a promise for a buyer’s specific ruleset.
Resilience, maintainability and storage options
Dual hot-swappable power supplies can connect to separate power sources, improving maintainability and reducing the effect of a single PSU failure. The four hot-swappable fans are also serviceable. These features are valuable in a core device, but they do not create end-to-end high availability by themselves. A resilient design generally needs a second routing path, redundant upstream and downstream links, independent power distribution and tested routing convergence.
Two M.2 SATA slots allow optional storage for functions such as local logs, files or supported RouterOS use cases. The slots require suitable SATA M.2 devices; buyers should not assume that NVMe drives are interchangeable. Storage selection should consider endurance, thermal behaviour and the consequences of local data loss. Critical logs should normally be exported to a central platform rather than relying only on internal storage.
Rack planning matters because the chassis is 367 mm deep and uses rear support hardware. Verify available depth, rail or shelf arrangement, front-to-rear airflow, cable bend radius and access for replacing fans or power units. In a dense rack, high-speed optics can add heat, and the maximum power figure includes attachments. Facilities teams should confirm power and cooling budgets before deployment.
Suitable environments and use cases
ISP aggregation
Aggregate access or distribution devices at 25G and connect upstream transit, peering or core infrastructure at 100G. Confirm route scale, policy complexity and failover behaviour.
Data-centre routing
Route between high-speed server, storage, tenant or service networks where RouterOS fits the operating model. Validate east-west and north-south traffic patterns.
Campus backbone
Consolidate fibre uplinks from distribution layers and provide resilient connections to internet, data-centre or disaster-recovery resources.
CCR1072 migration
Evaluate a modern ARM64 and RouterOS v7 replacement while reviewing old modules, power supplies, configuration syntax and performance assumptions.
High-speed lab
Create a flexible routing platform for integration, traffic engineering, proof-of-concept and protocol testing, with controlled change and measurement.
Regional interconnection
Terminate high-capacity metro, data-centre or site links where optical reach, provider handoff and redundancy have been carefully specified.
Operational and integration considerations
Treat the router as part of a system. Upstream and downstream switches must support the intended speed, encoding and optical standard. Monitoring platforms should collect interface counters, optical diagnostics, CPU and memory utilisation, temperature, fan and power status, routing adjacency state, dropped packets and configuration changes. Establish alert thresholds that reflect normal traffic rather than accepting generic defaults.
Management access should be separated from customer or production traffic wherever practical. The 1G port can support an out-of-band design when connected to a protected management network, although console access and a tested recovery process should remain available. Restrict administrative services by source, use secure protocols, maintain individual accounts and review RouterOS security advisories.
When integrating with third-party optics or cables, perform compatibility testing under expected temperature and traffic conditions. A module being detected is not the same as a fully supported, stable link. Record vendor, part number, firmware, wavelength, serial number and link partner for each installed optic. This inventory simplifies fault isolation and future expansion.
Questions to resolve before ordering
State current and three-year bandwidth, packet profiles, concurrent sessions and important failure scenarios.
List BGP, OSPF, firewall, NAT, queues, IPsec, WireGuard, MPLS, VRF, VLAN and monitoring requirements.
Confirm speed, fibre type, distance, connector, wavelength, breakout and peer-device details for every port.
Identify dual power feeds, redundant routers, diverse paths, spare modules and acceptable recovery time.
Define staging, configuration conversion, acceptance tests, maintenance window, rollback and documentation.
Clarify whether the quotation should include supply only, remote configuration, onsite installation, migration or ongoing assistance.
Procurement checklist
☐ Exact model: CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ
☐ Required quantity and deployment sites
☐ 25G SFP28 module and cable list
☐ 100G QSFP28 module and cable list
☐ Fibre types, distances and connector standards
☐ M.2 SATA storage requirements
☐ Rack depth, support and airflow
☐ Independent AC feeds and plug requirements
☐ RouterOS version and configuration scope
☐ Routing table and protocol expectations
☐ Migration, testing and rollback plan
☐ Spare PSU, fan, optic or cable strategy
☐ Delivery destination and target schedule
☐ Warranty and support terms to confirm in quotation
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can review the proposed topology, distinguish routing from switching requirements, identify the interface and accessory list, coordinate a requirement-based quotation and discuss configuration or installation scope. This is particularly useful for high-speed deployments where a missing optic, incorrect cable type or untested breakout design can delay a project even when the main router is correct.
Buyers can also discuss migration planning, RouterOS baseline configuration, remote or onsite coordination, testing and documentation. Each service element should be stated in the quotation because supply, installation, migration and ongoing support are different scopes. For broader infrastructure planning, review FourTeck technology services, browse network and security products, or send the project requirement.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ. Availability may change with quantity, production allocation, regional supply and vendor lead time. A complete quotation should identify the router, optics, cables, storage, spare parts and services separately so procurement teams can see what is included. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact destination and requirement are confirmed.
For projects across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, FourTeck can coordinate requirement review, quotation preparation and delivery planning from one project brief. Installation and configuration should be requested explicitly when needed. Site readiness—including rack space, power, cooling, fibre patching and maintenance access—remains an important part of deployment planning.
GCC Availability
Organisations planning a CCR2216 deployment elsewhere in the GCC can contact FourTeck for requirement review and quotation coordination. Projects in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and the United Arab Emirates may involve different delivery routes, lead times, power arrangements, service availability and commercial terms. Share the destination country, quantity, required SFP28 and QSFP28 modules, licence or software expectations, deployment site and target schedule. FourTeck can help structure the bill of materials, clarify configuration or installation requirements and coordinate regional project discussions. Product availability, customs processes, delivery dates, onsite visits and vendor lead times are not identical across markets and should be confirmed for the specific order. For Kuwait-related coordination, buyers may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support.
Africa Availability
FourTeck can assist African organisations evaluating the CCR2216 for ISP, data-centre, campus or enterprise backbone projects. Planning should account for the destination, required quantity, optical standards, fibre availability, power quality, rack conditions, preferred shipment arrangement and local implementation resources. In addition to the router, the request should identify transceivers, DACs, spare components, M.2 storage, configuration, testing and support expectations. Availability and fulfilment can vary by country, vendor lead time and regional requirements, so immediate shipment or local inventory should not be assumed. Buyers can share the target deployment schedule and technical design for suitable guidance. Regional information is available through FourTeck Africa, FourTeck Kenya and FourTeck Uganda.
Related options and complementary services
MikroTik CCR2116-12G-4S+
A different interface profile for buyers who need multiple copper ports and fewer 10G uplinks. Compare capacity and topology rather than treating it as a direct equivalent.
25G SFP28 connectivity
Select optics or DACs according to distance, fibre, wavelength and peer compatibility. Modules are separate unless explicitly listed in the quotation.
100G QSFP28 connectivity
Plan native 100G, breakout and redundancy needs carefully. Confirm supported module and cable combinations at both ends.
RouterOS configuration
Request baseline security, VLAN, routing, monitoring, backup and documentation scope appropriate to the deployment.
Migration assistance
Prepare configuration conversion, acceptance testing, maintenance-window and rollback activities for an existing core.
Core network consultation
Review whether routing, switching, firewalling and optical transport should be handled by one platform or several specialised systems.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
A high-speed router purchase can fail at the edges of the requirement: an incompatible transceiver, insufficient rack depth, an overlooked redundant path, unclear service scope or a configuration that assumes hardware offload where it does not apply. FourTeck focuses the conversation on requirement clarification, model selection, accessory planning, compatibility review, quotation coordination and deployment scope. The objective is to help the buyer procure a coherent solution and understand which elements still require confirmation.
For company information, visit about FourTeck. To discuss the CCR2216, send the expected topology, interface list, routing services and target deployment date through the FourTeck contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CCR2216 suitable for a 100G internet connection?
It has two 100G QSFP28 cages and may suit a 100G edge or core design, but the required services, packet profile, routing policy, redundancy and optics must be assessed. Not every CPU-processed feature will operate at port-rate under every configuration.
Are SFP28 and QSFP28 modules included?
The router provides the cages. Required transceivers, direct-attach cables and fibre patching should be treated as separate items unless the quotation explicitly states otherwise.
Does it include RouterOS?
Yes. MikroTik specifies RouterOS v7 with License Level 6 as preinstalled on this model. Confirm the approved software release and change policy for the production deployment.
Can it replace a CCR1072?
MikroTik positions the CCR2216 as a practical upgrade option for existing CCR1072 setups, but migration is not automatic. Review interface types, modules, power supplies, configuration, routing scale and feature performance before cutover.
What type of M.2 storage does it support?
The product documentation identifies two M.2 SATA slots. Select compatible SATA devices and do not assume that NVMe drives will operate in these slots.
Does dual power make the network highly available?
Dual hot-swap PSUs improve power resilience, but complete high availability also needs independent power sources, redundant links, suitable routing, a second path or device where required, monitoring and tested failover.
Can FourTeck configure the router?
Configuration, migration, testing and documentation can be discussed as project scope. The quotation should state exactly which services are included and which customer inputs are required.
How should performance be evaluated?
Use the planned RouterOS features, packet sizes, session counts, rule sets and failure conditions. Manufacturer test figures are configuration-specific and should not be treated as a guarantee for a different design.
How can I check UAE availability?
Send FourTeck the exact model, quantity, accessories, destination and expected schedule. Current availability and lead time can then be confirmed for the requirement.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide quantity, 25G and 100G port plan, optic or cable distances, routing functions, M.2 needs, rack and power details, delivery destination and any installation, migration or support scope.
Plan the CCR2216 as a complete solution
Share the topology, quantity, optics, routing functions, resilience goals and project schedule. FourTeck will help structure the requirement and prepare current UAE quotation guidance.
