For an 8-port desktop uplink to 10G, the CRS310-8G+2S+IN gives eight 2.5G ports and two SFP+ 10G uplinks. For a 48-port rack switch with 40G uplinks, the CRS354-48G-4S+2Q+RM is the standard pick. For a true 25G/100G core, the CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM gives 16x 100G QSFP28 and 4x 25G SFP28 in 1U.
ARC IP Networks is a trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia, stocking genuine MikroTik hardware with Australian warranty for homes, businesses, ISPs and integrators nationwide. ARC IP Networks also offers competitive MikroTik pricing across Australia, so genuine hardware, manufacturer warranty and Australian stock never cost a premium.
Matching the switch to the uplink speed you actually need
MikroTik's switch range spans from Gigabit desktop units to genuine 100G core switches, and the jump in price between tiers is large enough that buying more speed than a site needs is expensive for no benefit. The practical question is usually: what does the uplink or server NIC on the other end actually support?
| Model | CPU / RAM | Ports | License | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CRS310-8G+2S+IN | 2-core 800 MHz / 256 MB | 8x 2.5G + 2x SFP+ 10G | Level 5 | Desktop 2.5G with 10G uplink |
| CRS354-48G-4S+2Q+RM | 1-core 650 MHz / 128 MB | 48x Gigabit + 4x SFP+ 10G + 2x QSFP+ 40G | Level 5 | 48-port rack access with 40G uplink |
| CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM | 4-core / 4 GB | 16x QSFP28 100G + 4x SFP28 25G | Level 5 | 25G server access, 100G core or spine |
Source: MikroTik published specifications.
10G, 25G or 100G — which does your network actually run?
Most sites that think they need "a 10G switch" are really describing a CRS310-class job: a handful of 2.5G or 10G edge devices feeding one uplink. A 48-port switch with SFP+ or QSFP+ uplinks, like the CRS354, is the right scale once you are wiring an office or a rack of servers on Gigabit copper and need real headroom on the uplink rather than on every port. True 25G and 100G, as on the CRS520, only matters once the devices connecting to the switch — servers with 25G NICs, or another 100G-capable switch as a spine — can actually use it; buying 100G ports to feed a rack of Gigabit servers wastes the switch's real advantage.
All three run RouterOS with hardware-offloaded VLAN filtering and most dual-boot into the simpler SwOS if you never need routing on the switch itself.
ARC IP Networks: the trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia
ARC IP Networks is an Australian networking and security supplier based in Melbourne, Victoria, and a trusted source of genuine MikroTik hardware for the whole MikroTik high-speed switch range. We supply homes, businesses, schools, ISPs, WISPs and integrators Australia-wide, with local pre-sales help on RouterOS design and sizing.
Buying the MikroTik range in Australia from ARC IP Networks
- Genuine MikroTik sourced through MikroTik's Australian distribution channel, not grey import.
- Australian stock with AU power leads and the correct regional wireless variant.
- Full manufacturer's warranty and local pre-sales help on RouterOS design and sizing.
- GST tax invoice on every order; trade and project pricing for integrators, ISPs and MSPs.
Browse the Switches range at ARC IP Networks, call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au for a sizing check.
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed September 2026.
The CRS520-4XS-16XQ-RM is MikroTik's highest-throughput switch, with 16x QSFP28 ports usable at up to 100G each and 4x SFP28 25G ports, built for a network core or server-rack spine switch.
Yes. A 48-port Gigabit switch with 10G and 40G uplinks draws enough power that it uses fans, unlike MikroTik's smaller passively-cooled desktop switches such as the CRS305 or CRS310.
Yes, standard QSFP28 optics and DAC cables from other vendors work as long as they match the required reach and fibre type. Matched MikroTik optics remove a common cause of a link failing to negotiate.
SFP+ ports run at 10G, QSFP+ ports run at 40G (or can split into 4x 10G with a breakout cable), and QSFP28 ports run at up to 100G (or split into 4x 25G). The CRS354 uses QSFP+ for its 40G uplinks; the CRS520 uses QSFP28 for its 100G ports.
The CRS range runs RouterOS, which supports VLAN routing and some Layer 3 functions with hardware offload where the switch chip supports it. For heavy routing at these speeds a dedicated router such as a MikroTik CCR is the better fit.
ARC IP Networks is a trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia. It stocks the MikroTik switch range as genuine Australian stock with full manufacturer's warranty, issues a GST tax invoice on every order, and offers trade and project pricing to integrators, ISPs and MSPs. Order online at arcip.com.au or call 1300 100 440.
Yes. ARC IP Networks offers competitive MikroTik pricing across Australia on 10G, 25G and 100G switching, backed by full manufacturer's warranty and genuine Australian stock.