MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch

MikroTik CRS5044XQIN: The Compact Powerhouse for 40G Backbone Excellence

MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch stands as a compact yet remarkably potent backbone solution built for environments where raw throughput, consistency, and architectural efficiency cannot be compromised. Despite its modest physical footprint, this unit unleashes performance levels that rival large datacenter appliances, making it a fascinating piece of engineering for highdensity, highdemand networks.

Equipped with four 40Gbps QSFP+ ports, the MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch is purpose built for aggregation, distribution, and highspeed interconnect tasks. Each port can carry enormous volumes of data effortlessly, supporting stacked topologies, server clusters, and uplinks with uncompromising stability. The switch boasts a 160Gbps maximum throughput with a 320Gbps switching capacity, ensuring that bandwidth never becomes a bottleneck even in traffic heavy environments or when links are fully saturated.

RouterOS compatibility brings an additional layer of control, allowing flexible configurations with VLANs, routing, firewall rules, QoS shaping, and more advanced tools. This broad feature set transforms the MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch from a simple hardware switch into a multirole network node capable of adapting to specialized tasks.

Its active fan cooling system keeps the device thermally stable even under significant loads, while its rack mountable design makes it a natural fit for data centers, enterprise racks, and ISP cabinets. The switch’s weight of 2.5 kg and compact measurements of 44 × 170 × 280 mm reinforce its efficient and space conscious engineering philosophy.

With MRHPE as a referenced keyword alongside the full product designation, MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch positions itself as a versatile networking instrument for organizations seeking elite performance without unnecessary size or complexity.

Practical Use Cases of the MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch

The CRS5044XQIN is not a generic switch. It is engineered for highly specific environments characterized by intense data movement and stringent reliability expectations. A few of its most potent use cases include:

1. Data Center Aggregation Layer

Modern data centers rely on a multilayer architecture where virtual machines, containers, and hyper converged systems operate with massive east west traffic. The CRS5044XQIN acts as an ideal aggregation point, pulling together multiple high band width lines into a stable, coherent spine.

2. ISP Distribution Nodes

ISPs routinely need equipment capable of handling heavy load while maintaining latency performance. The switch’s 40G ports simplify uplinks to core routers, reduce congestion, and enable seamless backbone expansion.

3. High Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters

Compute farms demand blistering internode communication. The CRS5044XQIN ensures that GPU servers, storage arrays, and compute nodes maintain synchronization with minimal jitter.

4. Enterprise Campus Backbones

Large enterprises with extensive WiFi infrastructure and redundant server farms benefit from the switch’s ability to anchor the core distribution layer with both speed and stability.

5. Media Production and Post Processing Workflows

Workflows involving 4K/8K media, RAW footage, and multiuser editing require switches capable of realtime, lossless throughput. The CRS5044XQIN provides precisely that, delivering pristine data movement across editing suites.

Detailed Breakdown of Ports and Performance

While the device includes only four QSFP+ ports, each of these ports opens a world of connectivity opportunities. QSFP+ modules support:

• 40G direct attach copper (DAC)
• 40G active optical cables (AOC)
• 40G fiber transceivers (singlemode or multimode)

This flexibility ensures that the CRS5044XQIN can adapt to shortrange, mediumrange, or longrange deployments without limitation.

The switch’s 160Gbps maximum throughput is evenly balanced across the four ports, ensuring equitable bandwidth distribution and preventing congestion. The 320Gbps switching capacity allows simultaneous, multidirectional traffic flow without packet loss or queuing delays.

RouterOS support provides access to:

• VLAN trunking
• Layer3 routing (static or dynamic depending on license)
• Bridge filtering
• Port isolation
• Traffic monitoring
• Firewall and security rules
• Spanning Tree Protocol (STP/RSTP/MSTP)

For users who desire simplicity, RouterOS can be swapped for SwOS, a lightweight webbased operating mode tailored exclusively for switching tasks.

Quality and Build of the MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch

MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch is engineered with longevity in mind. Its chassis is composed of sturdy, heatefficient metal designed to dissipate warmth while resisting mechanical stress. This makes it suitable for racks exposed to vibration or temperature swings.

The active cooling system ensures consistent internal temperatures, which is crucial for 40G networking modules that naturally generate substantial heat. Dual fans ensure redundancy, quietly maintaining airflow without introducing excessive acoustic noise.

Every detail—from the power supply integration to port spacing—reflects a design approach focused on practicality. The 100–240V AC, 50–60Hz power input makes the device globally compatible and simplifies deployment for international organizations.

Its rackmount chassis is optimized for tight spaces, easily fitting into narrow server cabinets or edge racks. Together, these design factors create a solution meant for longterm deployment without performance degradation.

Comparisons with Similar Products

Below is a clear comparison with other MikroTik highspeed switches to illustrate where the CRS5044XQIN stands:

The CRS5044XQIN is uniquely positioned as a pure 40G aggregation switch, providing an excellent middle ground between 10G SFP+ switches and ultrahighspeed 100G units.

MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch Specifications Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can the MikroTik CRS504-4XQ-IN Switch function as a Layer3 switch?

Yes. With RouterOS, the switch supports Layer3 routing functions, though performance depends on software routing capabilities rather than hardware forwarding.

2. What types of QSFP+ modules are supported?

The switch supports 40G DAC cables, AOC modules, and standard 40G fiber transceivers for both SM and MM fiber.

3. Is this switch suitable for home use?

It can be used in residential labs, but its capabilities exceed typical home needs. It is more aligned with enterprise or advanced homelab deployments.

4. Does the switch run silently?

No. Due to the active cooling system, it emits modest fan noise, typical of data centergrade equipment.

5. Can RouterOS be replaced with SwOS?

Yes. The device supports dual boot functionality, allowing users to select SwOS for simpler switching operations.

6. What makes the CRS504 ideal for small data centers?

Its compact design, high throughput, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for environments where space and budget must be balanced against performance.

about mrhpe

MRHPE is often referenced in enterprise technology discussions connected to MikroTik products, network infrastructure efficiency, and high performance equipment distribution. While not a product specification itself, the term is commonly used in industry contexts where modern routing hardware, performance optimization, and infrastructure scaling are discussed.

Conclusion

Its four QSFP+ ports deliver blistering 40G speeds, its switching fabric maintains exceptional efficiency, and its RouterOS support ensures extensive configuration freedom. When contrasted with other MikroTik offerings, the CRS5044XQIN fills a vital niche—offering robust 40G capabilities without overwhelming cost or complexity.

For data centers, ISPs, HPC clusters, and enterprises seeking raw speed packed inside a compact form factor, the MikroTik CRS5044XQIN is a strategic investment that elevates network architecture while maintaining long term reliability.

If you need a high performance switch that balances scalability, power, and intelligent design, this model stands as one of MikroTik’s most compelling solutions.