MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN in Dubai, UAE
A four-port 10GBASE-T managed switch for organisations that need flexible 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G copper connectivity in a compact, silent enclosure. The CRS304-4XG-IN is particularly relevant when existing RJ45 cabling, multi-gigabit workstations, storage devices, servers, or edge systems must be connected without relying on separate optical modules.
Buyer snapshot
Primary role: compact managed 10 Gigabit copper switching
Port profile: 4 × multi-gigabit RJ45 plus 1 × Gigabit management port
Best fit: edge, office, lab, storage, media, and technical workgroup networks
Direct answer for buyers
The MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN is a compact managed switch built around four ready-to-use multi-gigabit copper ports that can operate up to 10 Gbps. It is mainly used to connect servers, NAS appliances, editing workstations, high-speed desktops, Wi-Fi access infrastructure, lab systems, and other Ethernet devices that need more than standard Gigabit performance. It suits organisations that value silent operation, a small footprint, flexible mounting, and RouterOS-based control. Before proceeding, confirm the required cable category and distance, the number of 10G endpoints, uplink design, VLAN plan, Layer 3 expectations, power source, mounting method, and whether the device will be managed through RouterOS or SwOS. Also confirm current UAE availability, warranty terms, and installation scope with FourTeck.
What the CRS304-4XG-IN does
The device provides a compact point of concentration for high-speed copper Ethernet. Its four main RJ45 interfaces can negotiate several link rates, allowing older Gigabit equipment and newer 2.5G, 5G, or 10G devices to share the same managed switching environment. This is useful when a business is upgrading gradually rather than replacing every endpoint at the same time.
The switch can handle familiar managed-network tasks such as VLAN separation, traffic mirroring, bandwidth controls, MAC-based policies, storm control, and selected Layer 3 hardware-offloaded functions where the configuration and RouterOS feature support permit. Buyers should treat it primarily as a compact switch rather than as a substitute for a high-performance enterprise router or firewall.
Who should consider it
The CRS304-4XG-IN can fit small and medium businesses, branch offices, design studios, video-production teams, engineering groups, IT labs, managed-service technicians, integrators, and homelab users with professional networking requirements. It also suits projects where a small group of high-bandwidth devices needs local 10G access without installing a larger rack switch.
It may be less suitable where more than four high-speed access ports are required, where PoE output is needed for endpoints, where full enterprise stacking is mandatory, or where extensive routed throughput must be delivered by the device itself. In those cases, FourTeck can help compare a larger MikroTik switch, a different form factor, or a more specialised platform.
Business challenges this switch can help address
Slow workstation-to-storage transfers
Teams working with large media, design, backup, virtual-machine, or engineering files may find Gigabit links restrictive. A correctly designed 10G path can reduce transfer bottlenecks between capable endpoints, although real results depend on storage speed, host interfaces, cabling, protocol overhead, and workload.
Mixed Ethernet generations
The multi-rate interfaces allow Gigabit and multi-gigabit devices to coexist. This can simplify phased upgrades where some systems are 1G today while newer workstations, servers, or access points already support higher copper speeds.
Noise and space constraints
A fanless, compact metal enclosure can be easier to place in offices, studios, small technical rooms, and portable lab kits than a larger actively cooled switch. Adequate ventilation and sensible placement are still required.
Rigid power arrangements
Multiple input methods support different installation designs and can help with power-source planning. Redundancy behaviour depends on input voltage and the final electrical design, so it should be reviewed rather than assumed.
Core capabilities in practical terms
Multi-gigabit access
Connect four copper devices at negotiated speeds up to 10G without fitting separate SFP+ copper modules.
Managed segmentation
Use RouterOS switching functions to separate traffic, mirror ports, manage forwarding behaviour, and apply relevant policies.
Flexible installation
Place the unit on a desk, attach it using rear screw points, or use the included DIN-rail fastening arrangement.
Quiet cooling
Passive cooling avoids fan noise, with the enclosure functioning as a heat-dissipation surface.
Product-fit decision matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Four high-speed copper endpoints | The project needs up to four 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ45 links. | Endpoint NIC speeds, cable category, distance, and uplink path. |
| Quiet indoor location | Fanless operation is preferred in an office, studio, lab, or home workspace. | Ventilation, ambient temperature, and placement around the heat-sink enclosure. |
| Managed VLAN switching | The network needs segmentation and central switch configuration. | VLAN design, management access, firmware policy, and administrator capability. |
| Compact industrial-style mounting | DIN rail or screw mounting is useful in an indoor cabinet or technical assembly. | Indoor rating, power wiring, grounding guidance, and cabinet heat conditions. |
| Heavy routing or firewall duty | Only where routed features are modest and appropriately offloaded. | Required routed throughput and whether a dedicated router or firewall is needed. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | MikroTik |
|---|---|
| Model / product code | CRS304-4XG-IN |
| Product type | Compact managed multi-gigabit Ethernet switch |
| Main Ethernet ports | 4 × 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ45 |
| Additional Ethernet port | 1 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet, suggested for management and recovery but usable for forwarding |
| CPU architecture | ARM 64-bit |
| CPU | 98DX2528, dual core, 1200 MHz |
| Switch chip | Marvell Prestera 98DX2528 |
| Memory and storage | 512 MB RAM and 32 MB flash storage |
| Operating system | RouterOS v7; manufacturer materials also describe SwOS dual-boot support, subject to compatible software version |
| RouterOS licence | Level 5, preinstalled and licensed |
| Cooling | Passive / fanless |
| Power inputs | Two DC jacks, one 2-pin terminal input, and PoE-in through the management port |
| DC voltage | 12–57 V through DC jacks or terminal input |
| PoE-in | 802.3af/at, 36–57 V |
| Power consumption | Up to 21 W; manufacturer lists 15 W without attachments |
| Dimensions | 176 × 128 × 35 mm |
| Tested ambient temperature | -40°C to +70°C, subject to correct installation and indoor-use guidance |
| Mounting | DIN-rail fastening set and rear screw attachment points |
| Included items | 48 V 0.95 A power adapter and fastening set with DIN mount |
| Certification | CE, EAC, RoHS; IP20 |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE options, quantity, lead time, and warranty confirmation |
Compatibility and dependency notice
A 10G-labelled port does not by itself guarantee 10G application performance. Each endpoint must have a compatible network interface, the cable must support the required speed over the installed distance, and the server or storage subsystem must be able to sustain the workload. Category 6A cabling is commonly considered for reliable 10GBASE-T channel design, but an installer should assess the actual cable type, length, patching, interference conditions, and certification results.
RouterOS provides a broad feature set, yet feature availability and performance can differ depending on software version, switch-chip support, hardware offload, bridge design, packet size, filter rules, queues, and routing complexity. The CRS304-4XG-IN should not be selected solely from headline switching capacity when the project depends on heavy firewalling, encryption, advanced routing, or sustained CPU-processed traffic.
The device does not provide PoE output to connected endpoints. Its PoE function is an input method for powering the switch. Confirm power sourcing equipment compatibility, voltage, grounding advice, and redundancy design before deployment.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Map the traffic
Identify which devices exchange large volumes of data, their present interface speeds, peak transfer expectations, and whether traffic remains local or crosses a router, firewall, or WAN.
Check the physical layer
Review cable category, link distance, patch panels, NIC capability, electrical conditions, mounting, ventilation, and the proposed power method.
Define the configuration
Document VLANs, trunks, access ports, management addressing, firmware version, administrator access, monitoring, backup, and recovery procedures.
Request a complete quotation
Include quantity, destination, accessories, installation, configuration, testing, documentation, and support expectations so the quotation reflects the real project.
Test before production use
Validate link negotiation, VLAN behaviour, throughput, monitoring, temperature, failover expectations, and rollback procedures before relying on the switch for important services.
Copper 10 Gigabit connectivity without separate modules
A defining characteristic of the CRS304-4XG-IN is that its four principal high-speed interfaces are native RJ45 ports. This can be attractive for buyers who already use copper Ethernet in workstations, servers, NAS devices, test equipment, or building cabling. There is no need to purchase an SFP+ cage module merely to obtain a copper connector on those four interfaces. This can simplify the bill of materials and reduce uncertainty about module compatibility.
The multi-rate capability also matters. Many modern systems do not jump directly from 1G to 10G. Wi-Fi access points, compact NAS units, desktop adapters, and motherboard-integrated interfaces may support 2.5G or 5G. A switch that can negotiate these intermediate rates helps preserve compatibility while allowing incremental upgrades. It also avoids forcing every device to run at one common speed.
Copper 10G should still be planned carefully. Power use and heat at endpoints can be higher than with lower-speed links, and cable quality has a direct effect on stability. Organisations should test existing cabling rather than assume that an older installation will support 10G across all channels. Where longer distances, electrical isolation, or structured backbone links are needed, a fibre-based switch may remain the better design.
Switching control through RouterOS
RouterOS turns the CRS304-4XG-IN into more than an unmanaged desktop switch. Administrators can build VLAN-aware bridges, define tagged and untagged membership, control management access, mirror traffic for troubleshooting, apply bandwidth limits, and use monitoring tools familiar to MikroTik environments. This is useful for technical teams that want a compact edge switch to follow the same administrative approach used elsewhere in their network.
However, configuration flexibility creates responsibility. A poorly designed bridge or VLAN configuration can interrupt connectivity or expose management access. Administrators should use a documented change process, maintain configuration exports and backups, update software under a controlled maintenance policy, and restrict administrative services to trusted networks. Default credentials and default management access should never remain unchanged in production.
Some Layer 3 functions can use hardware offload, but the exact behaviour depends on the RouterOS release, supported feature combination, and design. Buyers requiring sophisticated inter-VLAN routing, firewall rules, VPN termination, or high-volume packet processing should evaluate the complete architecture. A dedicated router or security appliance may still be necessary, with the CRS304-4XG-IN used for the switching role it performs best.
Power, mounting, and operational resilience
The switch provides two DC jack inputs, a two-pin terminal input, and PoE-in on the management interface. This range supports different project styles, from a normal office deployment using the supplied adapter to cabinet installations using a suitable DC source. MikroTik states that the device selects the input with the highest voltage. Designers seeking redundancy should therefore understand how their chosen sources interact and test the arrangement under controlled conditions.
The fanless enclosure is valuable where acoustic noise is undesirable, but passive cooling relies on the chassis and surrounding air. The switch should not be enclosed without considering heat, blocked by papers or equipment, or installed where water, humidity, or unsuitable environmental exposure is expected. Although the published tested temperature range is wide, the product is intended for indoor installation and must be installed according to electrical and safety guidance.
DIN-rail and screw-mount options make the device adaptable to small cabinets, technical benches, portable kits, and structured installations. Before mounting, check cable bend radius, access to ports and reset controls, visibility of indicators, power-cable strain, grounding practice, and room for heat dissipation. FourTeck can include mounting and power considerations in the pre-sales review when the installation environment is shared.
Ideal business environments and use cases
Creative and media workgroups
Editors and designers can connect a small number of high-speed workstations and shared storage devices where file sizes make Gigabit transfers inconvenient. Storage and workstation performance must be assessed together.
Small server and NAS clusters
The switch can provide local multi-gigabit links among a few servers, backup systems, or NAS appliances. It is not a substitute for a larger redundant data-centre fabric where port density and high availability are mandatory.
Network engineering labs
Technicians can use the compact unit for testing VLANs, multi-rate links, traffic monitoring, or temporary high-speed interconnection in a controlled environment.
Branch or edge aggregation
A branch can aggregate a limited set of high-bandwidth devices before handing traffic to an upstream router, firewall, or larger switch. Uplink capacity and failure impact should be reviewed.
Multi-gig Wi-Fi backhaul
Where compatible access points have 2.5G or higher data interfaces and receive power separately, the CRS304 can carry their uplink traffic. It does not supply PoE output.
Portable technical deployments
Its small size and metal enclosure can suit temporary demonstrations, field kits, integration work, or event networks, provided power, cooling, transport protection, and network security are planned.
Integration and operating considerations
Place the CRS304-4XG-IN within a clear network hierarchy. Decide which port connects to the router or firewall, which devices are trusted, how management traffic is separated, and what happens if the switch or uplink fails. Because only four primary 10G ports are available, each port should have a defined role and growth plan. A design that consumes all ports on day one may provide no room for expansion or temporary troubleshooting.
Monitoring should include interface status, negotiated speed, errors, packet drops, CPU and memory utilisation, temperature where exposed, software version, and configuration changes. Use time synchronisation and central logging where practical. Back up the configuration after every approved change, and verify that the recovery method is understood before placing the switch in a hard-to-access location.
Security begins with management access. Change default credentials, restrict WinBox, WebFig, SSH, and other services to approved management networks, disable unused services, and maintain current RouterOS releases through a tested patching process. Do not expose the management interface directly to the public internet.
The switch can integrate with mixed-vendor Ethernet environments because standard link speeds and VLAN concepts are widely supported, but advanced interoperability should be tested. Link aggregation, VLAN tagging, spanning tree, jumbo frames, and monitoring behaviour can vary by endpoint and configuration. FourTeck can help define a test checklist when the project involves critical servers, storage, or multi-vendor switching.
Questions buyers should resolve before ordering
Procurement checklist
☐ Confirm exact model CRS304-4XG-IN
☐ State required quantity and deployment location
☐ List endpoint speeds and interface types
☐ Confirm cable category and maximum channel length
☐ Define uplink and gateway design
☐ Document VLAN and management requirements
☐ Confirm RouterOS or SwOS operating preference
☐ Select DC, terminal, or PoE-in power method
☐ Confirm desktop, screw, or DIN-rail mounting
☐ Include installation and configuration scope if needed
☐ Request warranty and lead-time confirmation
☐ Define testing, documentation, and support expectations
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can review the number and type of devices, expected traffic, cable environment, uplink design, VLAN needs, power and mounting method, and the degree of configuration support required. This helps prevent a simple four-port purchase from becoming a poor fit for a larger or more complex requirement.
Assistance may include model confirmation, bill-of-material guidance, quotation coordination, installation planning, RouterOS configuration scope, migration preparation, testing requirements, and support coordination. Each activity should be confirmed in the quotation rather than assumed to be included.
Useful FourTeck resources
Browse the networking and security product catalogue for related infrastructure options.
Review available installation and configuration services for deployment support.
Learn more about FourTeck technology assistance.
Share the project through the FourTeck contact page to request a tailored quotation.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN. Availability may vary according to quantity, vendor lead time, regional supply, and the exact commercial requirement. A current quotation should confirm the product code, included power accessories, warranty terms, taxes, delivery arrangement, and any optional installation or configuration work.
For projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and Ajman, FourTeck can coordinate requirement review and discuss delivery or deployment planning after the destination and scope are known. This combined coverage statement does not imply immediate stock or a guaranteed installation date. Buyers should share the site type, quantity, desired schedule, cabling condition, power arrangement, and whether remote or on-site technical assistance is expected.
Where the switch forms part of a broader network refresh, include the upstream firewall, router, wireless system, storage platform, and existing switch topology in the discussion. This allows the quotation to account for compatibility and avoids treating the CRS304-4XG-IN as an isolated component.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN requirements across the GCC, including projects connected with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The process should begin with confirmation of the destination country, exact model, quantity, required power arrangement, installation environment, configuration scope, and expected project timeline. This information helps determine whether the compact four-port design is appropriate and whether related equipment such as routers, firewalls, cabling, adapters, larger switches, or implementation services should be included.
Product availability, licensing conditions, delivery schedules, service visits, project scope, and vendor lead times can vary by country and requirement. FourTeck can coordinate quotation review, model selection, delivery planning, configuration requirements, installation preparation, and support discussions, but local stock, customs outcomes, fixed delivery dates, or onsite coverage should not be assumed. For Kuwait-related enquiries, buyers may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support information.
Africa Availability
Organisations evaluating the MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN for African markets can ask FourTeck for product-selection and regional procurement guidance. The requirement should identify the destination country, exact quantity, endpoint speeds, cable type, power standard, mounting environment, preferred deployment schedule, and any configuration or support expectations. These details are particularly important where the switch will be used in branch infrastructure, technical labs, media environments, service-provider edge projects, or compact storage networks.
Availability and fulfilment may depend on destination, model supply, quantity, shipping arrangements, vendor lead time, local regulatory considerations, power conditions, and installation scope. FourTeck does not imply local inventory, immediate shipment, customs clearance, or country-wide onsite coverage. Buyers can review FourTeck Africa technology guidance, along with regional information for Kenya projects and Uganda requirements, before requesting a scoped quotation.
Related options and complementary services
Larger multi-gigabit switches
Consider a higher-port-count model when four high-speed interfaces do not leave sufficient room for uplinks, growth, redundancy, or maintenance.
Fibre-based 10G switching
SFP+ platforms may be more appropriate for longer distances, fibre backbones, lower cable bulk, or electrically isolated links.
Router and firewall integration
A separate gateway may be required for internet security, VPN, content control, inter-VLAN routing, and WAN resilience.
Structured cabling assessment
Testing and certifying installed copper cabling can reduce uncertainty before enabling 5G or 10G links.
RouterOS configuration support
Configuration assistance can cover management hardening, VLANs, trunks, monitoring, backups, and documented handover.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
The main value of pre-sales assistance is not simply locating a switch. It is confirming that the selected model fits the number of endpoints, cable environment, traffic pattern, management skill level, power design, mounting conditions, and future growth plan. FourTeck can help translate these inputs into a clearer bill of materials and quotation request.
Businesses also contact FourTeck to discuss compatibility, installation planning, configuration boundaries, migration from an existing switch, testing, documentation, and support coordination. These services are scoped according to the project and should be specifically listed in the quotation. No unsupported claim is made regarding guaranteed stock, delivery timing, authorised status, or fixed technical outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the CRS304-4XG-IN a 10 Gigabit switch?
Yes. It has four RJ45 ports that support negotiated speeds of 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G. Actual application throughput depends on connected devices, cabling, configuration, and workload.
Does it need separate SFP+ modules?
No modules are needed for its four primary copper ports because they are native RJ45 interfaces. A different switch should be considered where fibre connectivity is required.
Can it power PoE devices?
No. The CRS304-4XG-IN supports PoE-in to power the switch. It does not provide PoE output to access points, cameras, or phones.
Is RouterOS included?
Yes. MikroTik lists RouterOS v7 with a Level 5 licence as preinstalled. No separate RouterOS licence purchase is required for normal operation of the device.
Does it support SwOS?
MikroTik product materials describe RouterOS and SwOS dual-boot support. Confirm the installed software and compatible versions during deployment, and follow current manufacturer documentation.
Is the switch silent?
It uses passive cooling and has no fan, so there is no fan noise. The enclosure dissipates heat and should be installed with suitable airflow and clearance.
Can it replace a router or firewall?
It can perform some routing and Layer 3 hardware-offloaded functions, but it should not automatically replace a dedicated router or firewall. Required throughput, security controls, VPN, and WAN functions must be assessed separately.
What cabling is needed for 10G?
Cable category, quality, length, patching, and installation conditions all matter. A cabling specialist should verify the existing channel, particularly for sustained 10GBASE-T operation.
How do I request a Dubai quotation?
Provide the model, quantity, destination, required schedule, port-speed needs, cabling details, mounting method, configuration scope, and support expectations to FourTeck for a current quotation.
Is warranty and availability confirmed on this page?
No. Current availability, warranty terms, lead time, and commercial conditions must be confirmed in the FourTeck quotation for the requested quantity and destination.
Confirm the right 10G switching fit
Share your endpoint count, link speeds, cable environment, uplink design, mounting location, and configuration requirements. FourTeck can review the fit and prepare a current UAE quotation for the MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN.
