MikroTik RB260GSP 5Port Gigabit

MikroTik RB260GSP 5Port Gigabit: Compact Powerhouse for PoE Networks

The MikroTik RB260GSP 5Port Gigabit is a compact yet powerful PoEenabled switch designed to deliver efficiency, performance, and reliability in small offices, home networks, or MRHPE grade setups. Its small footprint of 113 x 139 x 28 mm belies the capabilities within: five Gigabit Ethernet ports with Passive PoEOut, an additional SFP cage for fiber uplinks, and a switching capacity of 12 Gbps.

At the heart of the RB260GSP lies a purposebuilt switching engine capable of forwarding traffic at 8.9 million packets per second, ensuring smooth data flow for multiple connected devices. With a wide input voltage range of 8–30 V DC, this switch provides deployment flexibility for both desktop setups and remote or industrial environments. It operates silently, consumes minimal power, and supports a broad operating temperature range from 20°C to +70°C, making it ideal for MRHPE scenarios where reliability and compactness are key.

Running MikroTik SwitchOS, the RB260GSP provides an intuitive webbased management interface. Administrators can monitor traffic, configure VLANs, and control PoE allocation efficiently, all without complex commandline operations. Its combination of PoE output, Gigabit performance, and fiber uplink support makes it a versatile addition to modern network infrastructures.

Practical Applications of MikroTik RB260GSP

The RB260GSP excels in scenarios where space, power distribution, and performance are all critical:

• Small Office Networks: Connect computers, IP phones, and access points, while powering PoE devices directly from the switch.
• MRHPE Home Labs: Ideal for highperformance home networks or network test environments requiring compact, fanless, and PoEenabled hardware.
• Surveillance and Security Systems: Efficiently powers IP cameras via PoE, reducing cabling clutter and simplifying deployment.
• IoT Deployments: Supports multiple connected devices, sensors, and gateways with centralized PoE management.
• Branch Offices: Smallscale deployments benefit from Gigabit performance and SFP uplinks to connect with core networks reliably.

The switch’s PoE capabilities and manageable web interface make it particularly valuable for installations where power delivery, minimal footprint, and low maintenance are priorities.

Ports and Connectivity

The RB260GSP offers a thoughtful layout of ports designed for modern network demands:

• 5 × Gigabit Ethernet Ports with Passive PoEOut: Each port can deliver power to devices such as access points, cameras, or VoIP phones. Total PoE budget is up to 30 W, dependent on the PSU used.
• 1 × SFP Cage (1.25G): Enables fiber uplinks, extending network reach and integrating the switch into larger or highspeed infrastructures.
• Web Management Interface: Simplifies configuration, monitoring, and traffic control for both novice and experienced administrators.

This combination of copper and fiber connectivity ensures seamless integration into diverse network architectures while providing the convenience of centralized power distribution.

Setting Up VLANs on MikroTik RB260GSP

VLAN support on the RB260GSP allows network administrators to create multiple logical networks on a single physical switch. Benefits include:

• Traffic Segmentation: Isolate sensitive devices or applications from general office traffic.
• Enhanced Security: Reduce the risk of lateral attacks by separating VLANs for guests, staff, and IoT devices.
• Optimized Performance: Prioritize critical traffic such as VoIP, video streaming, or surveillance feeds.

VLANs can be configured via the SwitchOS web interface, allowing administrators to define ports, assign VLAN IDs, and set up trunking where required. This flexibility is crucial in MRHPEgrade environments where precise traffic management is needed.

Using PoEOut Effectively

One of the RB260GSP’s standout features is its Passive PoEOut, which simplifies powering multiple devices without external adapters. Practical considerations include:

• Total Power Budget: Up to 30 W across all ports. Ensure connected devices do not exceed this limit.
• Device Prioritization: Assign power preferentially to essential devices such as access points or IP cameras.
• Simplified Cabling: Reduce clutter and installation complexity, particularly in environments with multiple PoEpowered devices.
• Flexible Deployment: Works in locations where traditional power outlets may be limited or unavailable.

By leveraging PoE, the RB260GSP streamlines network setups while maintaining energy efficiency and reliability.

Comparison with Similar MikroTik Models

The RB260GSP 5Port Gigabit is ideal for small MRHPEgrade deployments requiring PoE and fiber uplinks. In contrast, the RB260GS is suited for nonPoE networks, while larger RB260GSP models handle more extensive PoE networks.

Technical Specifications Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the RB260GSP power multiple devices simultaneously?

Yes. Ports 1–5 provide Passive PoE, with a total budget of up to 30 W.

2. Is the SFP port compatible with all fiber transceivers?

Standard 1.25G SFP modules are supported, including singlemode and multimode, depending on distance.

3. Can VLANs be configured easily?

Yes. SwitchOS allows VLAN configuration through an intuitive web interface.

4. What is the maximum operating temperature?

The switch operates reliably from 20°C to +70°C, suitable for various deployment environments.

5. Is this switch suitable for MRHPE home labs?

Absolutely. Its PoE capabilities, compact size, and fiber uplink support make it perfect for small, highperformance networks.