Compact routing with managed PoE distribution
MikroTik hEX PoE in Dubai, UAE
The RB960PGS combines five Gigabit Ethernet ports, PoE output on Ether2 to Ether5, an SFP slot, USB connectivity and RouterOS Level 4 in a compact fanless enclosure. It is intended for wired sites where routing and controlled power delivery need to share one small device.
RB960PGS
5 × Gigabit ports
Ether2–Ether5
1 × 1G SFP slot
RouterOS Level 4
Direct answer for buyers
MikroTik hEX PoE is a compact wired router for small and distributed networks that need Gigabit connectivity, an optional fibre uplink and the ability to power compatible devices from four Ethernet ports. It is worth considering for branch offices, wireless access points, IP surveillance endpoints, small managed networks and technical installations where RouterOS flexibility is useful. Before proceeding, confirm the required routing performance, PoE voltage, total power budget, powered-device standards, SFP module, configuration responsibilities and whether a higher-voltage power supply must be included. The device is capable, but correct power planning is essential because the included 24 V adapter does not provide standards-based 802.3af/at output for every scenario.
What the hEX PoE does
The hEX PoE acts as a RouterOS gateway and compact power-distribution point. It can terminate an internet or upstream network connection, route traffic between local segments, apply firewall policy, provide common branch-network services and send power through Ether2 to Ether5 when the attached devices and input supply are suitable. The SFP slot allows a supported fibre transceiver to be used for an uplink or internal connection. The USB port can support compatible peripherals and adds options for specialised RouterOS deployments.
Its value is not that it replaces a large managed PoE switch. Its value is consolidation in a small deployment: one appliance can route traffic and power a limited number of endpoints. This can reduce the number of separate power injectors and simplify a compact installation, provided the power design is calculated correctly.
Who should consider it
The product may fit experienced home-office users, small companies, retail branches, kiosks, workshops, warehouses, surveillance points, wireless installers and managed-service teams that need a programmable wired router. It is particularly relevant when up to four compatible devices such as access points, cameras or small network radios may be powered from the router.
It is less suitable where the project requires many PoE ports, high aggregate PoE wattage, multi-gigabit interfaces, integrated Wi-Fi, redundant power supplies, rack-scale switching or high-throughput encrypted services. Those needs should be compared against larger MikroTik routers and PoE switches rather than forcing the hEX PoE into an unsuitable role.
Business challenges and practical responses
Too many local power injectors
A small branch may have several PoE-capable endpoints but limited socket space. Ether2 to Ether5 can provide centrally controlled output when the voltage and power budget are correct.
Copper and fibre must meet
The SFP slot enables a supported 1G fibre module to connect the compact router to a building backbone, provider handoff or distant network segment.
Branch policy needs local control
RouterOS can provide routing, firewall, VPN, VLAN and traffic-management functions, but the final feature set and performance depend on software version and configuration.
Space and noise are constrained
The compact passive-cooled enclosure suits desks, cabinets and small technical spaces where a fanless device is preferred, subject to ventilation and temperature requirements.
Core capabilities at a glance
Suitable for a compact wired topology with an upstream connection and several local devices.
Ether2 through Ether5 can power compatible equipment within the electrical limits of the device and supply.
Adds fibre flexibility without requiring an external media converter, provided a suitable module is selected.
Provides a broad routing and management platform for administrators familiar with MikroTik configuration.
Supports compatible deployment accessories and USB power reset functionality where applicable.
Product-fit decision matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Compact branch routing | The site needs a small wired RouterOS gateway with Gigabit interfaces. | Internet speed, firewall rules, VPN load and user count. |
| Powering four endpoints | Each endpoint is electrically compatible and total consumption remains inside the power budget. | Voltage, per-port demand, total wattage and cable length. |
| Fibre uplink | A 1G SFP interface meets the distance and media requirement. | Single-mode or multimode fibre, connector type and SFP compatibility. |
| Advanced network control | The administrator can design and maintain RouterOS policy. | Configuration scope, backups, updates and support ownership. |
| Larger PoE network | Usually not the primary choice when many endpoints or a high PoE budget is required. | Compare a dedicated PoE switch and a more powerful router. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | MikroTik |
|---|---|
| Product name | hEX PoE |
| Model / product code | RB960PGS |
| Product type | Five-port Gigabit Ethernet router with PoE output and SFP |
| CPU | QCA9557, single core, 800 MHz |
| Memory | 128 MB RAM |
| Storage | 16 MB flash |
| Ethernet ports | 5 × 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| Fibre interface | 1 × SFP, 1G |
| USB | 1 × USB Type-A, USB power reset supported |
| PoE input | Passive PoE, 12–57 V input range |
| PoE output ports | Ether2–Ether5 |
| PoE output mode | Passive PoE; 802.3af/at output when powered within the required higher-voltage range |
| Current limits | Up to 1 A per port at low voltage or 450 mA per port at high voltage; maximum total output 2 A, subject to power supply |
| Operating system | RouterOS, License Level 4 |
| Cooling | Passive |
| Dimensions | Approximately 114 × 137 × 29 mm |
| Included power supply | 24 V adapter is commonly included; confirm regional package contents |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE availability, lead time and package confirmation |
Specifications should be checked against the current MikroTik documentation and the exact regional package at the time of quotation. RouterOS functions and performance vary with configuration and software version.
Power supply and PoE dependency notice
PoE planning is the most important purchasing step for the RB960PGS. The voltage sent from the PoE-out ports follows the device input voltage. A 24 V input is useful for compatible passive-PoE equipment but does not automatically make the output suitable for every standards-based 802.3af or 802.3at endpoint. MikroTik states that standards-based output can be provided when the router is powered from an appropriate 48 V-class supply within the supported range. A suitable higher-voltage power adapter may therefore need to be ordered separately.
The total power available to connected endpoints is also limited by the rating of the input supply, the router’s own consumption, cable loss, the per-port current limit and the aggregate output limit. A powered device may support PoE and still be unsuitable if its voltage or wattage requirement exceeds what this router can provide. FourTeck should be given the manufacturer and model of every proposed powered device so the electrical design can be reviewed before the bill of materials is finalised.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Define the network role
Decide whether the unit will act as the primary internet gateway, a branch router, a small PoE controller, a fibre edge device or a combination of these roles.
List every powered device
Record each access point, camera, radio or other endpoint, including its voltage, PoE standard and maximum power draw.
Select power and optics
Choose the correct power adapter and, where fibre is required, confirm the SFP module, fibre type, connector and link distance.
Design RouterOS policy
Plan VLANs, addressing, DHCP, firewall rules, VPN, bandwidth policy, monitoring and administration access before installation.
Test and document
Validate routing, failover where used, PoE load, fibre connectivity, security policy, backups and recovery access, then retain the configuration record.
Routing control for a small wired site
RouterOS is the central reason many technical buyers consider the hEX PoE. It supports a broad set of routing, firewall, VLAN, VPN, quality-of-service, monitoring and automation functions. The product can therefore be shaped around a branch-office design rather than operating only as a basic internet-sharing box. A company can separate staff, guest, surveillance and management traffic, apply access rules between those segments, define DHCP services and monitor interfaces from one device.
That flexibility also creates responsibility. An incorrectly configured router can expose management services, create weak firewall rules or interrupt business traffic. The buyer should decide who owns the design, initial configuration, software updates, backup process and ongoing monitoring. Access to the management plane should be restricted, unused services should be disabled, strong credentials should be used and RouterOS should be maintained according to the organisation’s change policy. Performance must be assessed against the actual feature set. Complex firewalling, encrypted tunnels, queues and logging consume processing resources, so the RB960PGS should not be selected only because its ports are Gigabit.
For a modest branch or specialist installation, the platform can provide a high degree of control in a small footprint. For heavier traffic, numerous VPN tunnels or advanced inspection requirements, FourTeck can help compare a more powerful router or a dedicated security appliance.
PoE consolidation without a separate switch
The four PoE-out ports can simplify installations where a router and a handful of powered endpoints occupy the same cabinet or technical area. A wireless access point, IP camera or point-to-point radio may be connected by one Ethernet cable that carries both data and power. This can reduce individual injectors, improve cable organisation and allow RouterOS to monitor or control port power. USB power reset support and PoE control can also be useful for remote recovery workflows, although any automated reboot logic should be designed carefully.
The hEX PoE is not a substitute for detailed electrical planning. The input supply must provide sufficient power for the router and all attached endpoints. Cable length and conductor quality affect voltage drop. High-power devices, heaters, pan-tilt-zoom cameras and some outdoor radios may exceed the available budget. When mixed-voltage equipment is involved, a dedicated standards-compliant PoE switch may be safer and easier to manage. The correct decision is based on the entire endpoint list rather than the number of available ports.
FourTeck can review the proposed topology and identify whether the standard power package is adequate, a 48 V supply is needed, separate injectors are more appropriate or a dedicated PoE switch should be included. This assessment prevents a common purchasing error: selecting a device with enough ports but insufficient power for the real load.
Fibre uplink flexibility in compact deployments
The 1G SFP slot is valuable when the router must connect to a fibre backbone, provider handoff or another building. Fibre can extend distance, reduce susceptibility to electrical interference and provide isolation between network sections. It may also remove the need for a separate media converter. The SFP slot does not include an optical module by default, and the correct transceiver depends on the link.
Buyers should confirm whether the fibre is single-mode or multimode, the connector type, required wavelength, strand count, distance and the module used at the far end. Bidirectional modules require matched wavelength pairs. Direct-attach cables and copper SFP modules have different use cases and power characteristics. The link is 1G SFP rather than SFP+, so it should not be purchased for a 10 Gigabit requirement.
For new projects, the optical budget and patching plan should be documented. For existing sites, photographs of the patch panel and labels, the far-end device model and current transceiver part numbers help avoid mismatch. FourTeck can coordinate the router, compatible optic, patch lead and configuration scope as one quotation where sufficient information is supplied.
Ideal business environments and use cases
Small office gateway
Route an internet connection, create staff and guest VLANs, apply firewall rules and power a small number of compatible access points or cameras.
Retail branch
Connect point-of-sale, staff, surveillance and management networks while maintaining policy locally and linking back to a head office through a suitable VPN design.
Wireless deployment edge
Power several compatible wireless devices from a central point and use the SFP slot for a fibre backhaul where the power budget permits.
Compact surveillance point
Connect and power a limited camera group while segmenting video traffic. Camera wattage, recording design and uplink capacity must be checked.
Workshop or warehouse zone
Provide local routing and fibre connectivity in a small technical cabinet, with attention to dust, temperature, cable protection and electrical conditions.
Managed remote site
Use RouterOS monitoring and remote administration for a distributed location, supported by secure access, documented backups and an agreed recovery process.
Integration and operational considerations
The device should be treated as part of a wider system. Internet handoff type, VLAN tagging, IP addressing, authentication, VPN peers, DNS, DHCP, monitoring, logging and backup processes all affect the final design. Where the router connects to an ISP, obtain the service details before installation, including static addressing, PPPoE credentials, VLAN requirements and any provider-managed equipment restrictions.
For PoE endpoints, check the manufacturer datasheet rather than assuming compatibility from the word PoE alone. Record maximum consumption, not only typical consumption. Use appropriate Category cabling and termination. For fibre, verify the optical standard at both ends. For secure management, restrict WinBox, web and SSH access to trusted networks or protected remote-access paths. Maintain offline configuration backups and an inventory of the RouterOS version, licenses, SFP modules and power adapters.
Physical installation matters as well. Passive cooling requires airflow. Avoid placing the router against heat-producing equipment or in an unventilated enclosure. Use surge protection and grounding appropriate to the site, particularly where cables run outdoors or between buildings. Outdoor network segments may require specialised protection and equipment rather than directly exposing the indoor hEX PoE to environmental conditions.
Questions to resolve before ordering
State internet bandwidth, local routing needs, VPN use, firewall complexity and expected growth.
Provide exact models, standards, voltage ranges and maximum wattage for every endpoint.
Confirm whether passive 24 V output is acceptable or a suitable 48 V-class supply is required.
Specify SFP type, fibre mode, wavelength, connector, link distance and far-end equipment.
Define whether configuration, testing, documentation and handover should be included.
Clarify remote support, on-site coordination, update responsibility and response expectations.
Procurement checklist
☐ Exact model confirmed as RB960PGS
☐ Required quantity and deployment sites listed
☐ Internet speed and routing workload documented
☐ Powered-device models and maximum wattage confirmed
☐ Required input voltage and power-adapter rating selected
☐ Total PoE budget calculated with operating margin
☐ SFP module and fibre patching requirements identified
☐ Ethernet cable category and maximum runs checked
☐ RouterOS configuration scope defined
☐ VPN, VLAN, firewall and monitoring requirements recorded
☐ Mounting, ventilation and surge protection reviewed
☐ Installation, testing and documentation responsibilities agreed
☐ Package contents and warranty terms confirmed in quotation
☐ Delivery destination and required timeline shared
FourTeck consultation and configuration assistance
FourTeck can assist with requirement clarification before a quotation is prepared. This may include reviewing the intended topology, checking whether the hEX PoE has the right number of interfaces, assessing the PoE endpoint list, identifying a suitable input supply, selecting an SFP module and defining the configuration scope. The discussion can also cover whether a separate PoE switch, wireless controller, firewall or larger MikroTik platform would better match the project.
Configuration assistance can be scoped around addressing, VLANs, DHCP, NAT, firewall policy, VPN, routing, bandwidth controls, monitoring and management access. The exact deliverables depend on the information supplied and should be written into the quotation. Buyers who already have a network design can share interface maps and configuration standards. Buyers starting from a business requirement can request a discovery discussion to translate users, sites, devices and connectivity needs into an appropriate bill of materials.
Visit the FourTeck technology services page for related planning and support information, browse the network product catalogue, or use the FourTeck contact page to share the requirement.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current MikroTik hEX PoE availability in the UAE. Availability may vary with quantity, regional package, accessory requirements and vendor lead time. The quotation should identify the router, power supply, SFP module, patch leads, mounting accessories and configuration services separately where applicable. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact requirement and destination are confirmed.
For organisations operating across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, FourTeck can review a common branch design and help standardise the bill of materials while allowing for differences in ISP service, cabinet layout, fibre handoff and local installation conditions. On-site work, remote configuration, testing and support are scope dependent and should be requested explicitly. No installation date, stock position or warranty term should be assumed until it appears in the accepted quotation.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning MikroTik hEX PoE deployments across GCC markets with requirement review, quotation coordination and regional delivery planning. A buyer may need the RB960PGS for a branch network in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain or Oman, but the correct package can differ according to input power, local electrical arrangements, fibre optics, quantity and the models of devices that will receive PoE. Product availability, delivery schedules, service visits and vendor lead times vary by country and requirement. Share the destination country, exact quantity, powered-device list, preferred deployment date, configuration expectations and any SFP or accessory requirements. FourTeck can then help organise a suitable bill of materials and clarify what is included in the proposed supply or service scope. For Kuwait-related enquiries, the FourTeck Kuwait information site may also be useful. Customs outcomes, local stock and fixed installation dates are not implied and must be confirmed for the specific transaction.
Africa Availability
Organisations planning compact branch, surveillance or wireless-edge networks in Africa can contact FourTeck for product evaluation and procurement guidance. The hEX PoE may be relevant where a small routed site needs Gigabit Ethernet, limited PoE distribution and an optional fibre uplink, but the electrical design must reflect the destination. Power stability, plug type, surge protection, cable conditions, optic selection, shipping arrangements and local installation capability can influence the final bill of materials. Availability and fulfilment depend on the destination country, required quantity, vendor lead time, accessory selection and project scope. Buyers should share the exact endpoint models, deployment location, preferred schedule and support expectations. FourTeck resources for technology projects in Kenya, Uganda enquiries and broader Africa technology coordination can support the initial discussion. Local inventory, customs clearance, country-wide on-site coverage and guaranteed delivery are not promised and require case-specific confirmation.
Related products and services to evaluate
Dedicated PoE switch
Consider a managed PoE switch when the project needs more powered ports, a larger power budget or clearer separation between routing and access switching.
Higher-performance MikroTik router
Compare a newer or more powerful platform when encrypted traffic, advanced queues, high-speed internet or many routed segments will place greater load on the CPU.
Compatible SFP optics
Select optics only after confirming fibre mode, connector, wavelength, distance and the far-end interface.
48 V power supply
A suitable higher-voltage adapter may be required for standards-based 802.3af/at output. Rating and connector compatibility must be verified.
RouterOS configuration service
Define VLAN, firewall, VPN, routing, monitoring, backup and handover requirements as a documented service scope.
Network assessment
Request a topology and power review when the current environment or future capacity requirement is uncertain.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
The practical value of speaking with FourTeck is the opportunity to validate the complete requirement rather than ordering only a router model. A quotation can account for the correct power adapter, SFP optic, patching, configuration, installation coordination and support expectations. FourTeck can help identify gaps in the initial request, such as an endpoint that needs more PoE power, a fibre link that requires a different optic or a traffic profile that calls for a larger router.
This is especially useful for multi-site projects where a repeatable design must still accommodate different service providers and physical conditions. Requirement clarification, model selection, bill-of-material guidance, compatibility review and configuration planning can reduce avoidable changes during deployment. Read more about FourTeck’s business technology approach or discuss the exact project through the contact channel.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS mainly used for?
It is used as a compact wired RouterOS gateway with five Gigabit Ethernet ports, four PoE-out ports and a 1G SFP slot. Typical roles include small office routing, wireless edge deployments, limited camera networks and managed remote sites.
Does the hEX PoE include Wi-Fi?
No. The RB960PGS is intended for wired networking. A separate access point is required for wireless coverage, and a compatible model may be powered from a PoE-out port when the power design allows it.
Can all four PoE ports power 802.3af or 802.3at devices?
They can provide standards-based output only when the router is supplied with an appropriate higher input voltage and the total load remains within the device and power-supply limits. Compatibility and wattage must be checked per endpoint.
Is a 48 V power adapter included?
The product is commonly supplied with a 24 V adapter, but package contents can vary. A suitable 48 V-class adapter may need to be purchased separately for specific PoE requirements. Confirm the quotation.
Does the SFP module come with the router?
An SFP optic is generally selected separately. The correct module depends on fibre type, connector, wavelength, distance and the device at the other end of the link.
Is RouterOS configuration included in the product price?
RouterOS Level 4 is included with the device, but project-specific configuration, testing, documentation and support are separate scope items unless stated in the quotation.
Is this router suitable for a Gigabit internet connection?
The interfaces are Gigabit, but actual routed throughput depends on packet size, firewall rules, queues, VPN encryption and other enabled features. Share the workload so suitability can be assessed.
Can FourTeck configure VLANs and VPN access?
Configuration assistance can be quoted for VLANs, firewall policy, VPN, DHCP, routing, monitoring and management access. The required design and acceptance criteria should be provided or developed during discovery.
How can I confirm UAE availability?
Send FourTeck the model, quantity, destination, accessory list and required timeline. Availability and delivery coordination will be confirmed against the current requirement and vendor lead time.
What information is needed for an accurate quote?
Provide quantity, deployment purpose, internet speed, powered-device models, voltage and wattage requirements, SFP details, configuration scope, installation location and preferred schedule.
Confirm the complete RB960PGS requirement
Share the router quantity, powered-device list, SFP requirement and configuration scope so FourTeck can prepare a quotation aligned with the actual deployment.
