In the fast-paced world of enterprise networking, having a router that delivers stability, speed, and scalability is essential. Enter the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC Ethernet Router—a powerful yet cost-efficient solution designed for businesses, ISPs, and advanced users who need enterprise-grade performance without breaking the bank. With 16 Gigabit Ethernet ports, 2 SFP+ cages, and a passive cooling system complemented by an active fan, this MikroTik Router strikes a fine balance between power and efficiency.
What is MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC ?
The CCR2004 series is a part of MikroTik’s Cloud Core Router lineup—devices known for their robust architecture and high-throughput capacity. Powered by the Annapurna Labs AL32400 CPU, the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC router stands out with its 4-core 1.7GHz 64-bit ARMv8 CPU and 4GB of DDR4 RAM, making it highly capable of managing complex routing tasks and handling heavy traffic loads.
What sets the CCR2004-16G-2S+PC apart from other routers in the same category is its form factor and cooling design. This version is passively cooled, ensuring silent operation, and comes with a redundant fan to ensure consistent performance. It’s designed for deployment in SOHO, ISP edge, and even enterprise-level environments where uptime, throughput, and flexibility are key.
Key Features of MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC Ethernet Router
- High-Performance CPU: Annapurna Labs AL32400, 4 cores @ 1.7 GHz, ensures fast and stable routing even under pressure.
- Plenty of Ports: 16x Gigabit Ethernet ports for LAN/WAN configuration flexibility.
- 2x SFP+ Cages: For high-speed 10G fiber uplinks—ideal for core-to-distribution connectivity.
- Passive and Active Cooling: Silent operation with passive heatsinks plus a built-in fan for extra cooling when needed.
- Powerful OS: Runs RouterOS v7, which supports dynamic routing, firewall, VPN, MPLS, and more.
- High Throughput: Total switching capacity and forwarding rate suitable for mid-sized to large-scale environments.
Advantages of Using the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC
- Silent Operation: Thanks to its passive cooling, it’s perfect for noise-sensitive environments like offices or home server setups.
- Versatile Deployment: It can serve as a core router, aggregation router, or high-performance firewall.
- Robust Performance: Handles high traffic loads without compromising latency or throughput.
- Advanced Features: With RouterOS, users gain access to advanced tools such as BGP, OSPF, VLANs, and robust QoS management.
- Future-Proofing: With 10G SFP+ support, your network can scale without needing a new router in the near future.
Real-World Applications
- ISP Edge Router: With its multiple Ethernet ports and fiber uplinks, this model is perfect for ISPs distributing bandwidth across multiple clients or areas.
- Data Aggregation Point: It can act as a high-speed aggregation router in data centers or between multiple branch offices.
- Firewall Appliance: The high CPU performance and customizable RouterOS make it an excellent firewall and traffic inspection point.
- Enterprise Core Router: For medium to large businesses with growing bandwidth needs, this router offers reliability and capacity.
How to Optimize a Network with MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC
The CCR2004-16G-2S+PC isn’t just about speed—it’s about smart architecture. If you’re looking to streamline your network operations, segment users with VLANs, prioritize VoIP traffic, or securely interconnect branch sites with IPSec tunnels, this router is equipped to handle all of that.
Pair it with a MikroTik CRS switch and a WiFi 6 access point, and you have a fully optimized, scalable, and cost-effective enterprise setup.
Tips for Configuration and Management
Setting up the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC Ethernet Router doesn’t have to be complicated—even for more advanced networks. Here are some practical tips to get the most out of your device from day one:
1. Start with WinBox or WebFig
Use WinBox (for Windows) or WebFig (browser-based) to access the router’s GUI. These tools are intuitive and allow full access to MikroTik’s RouterOS settings—ideal for both beginners and experienced users.
2. Update RouterOS
Before anything else, ensure that the router runs the latest stable version of RouterOS v7. This ensures better performance, bug fixes, and new features.
3. Secure Your Router
- Change the default admin username and set a strong password.
- Disable unused services like FTP or Telnet.
- Use SSH for secure remote access and Firewall rules to limit exposure.
4. Segment Traffic Using VLANs
Leverage VLANs to separate guest users, voice traffic, or IoT devices. This improves security and makes traffic management much easier.
5. Use Queues for Bandwidth Control
Implement Simple Queues or Queue Trees to prioritize critical services like VoIP or video conferencing over bulk downloads.
6. Set Up Backups
Always back up your configuration regularly. You can use automatic scheduled backups to a USB drive or a remote server.
7. Monitor with Tools and Logging
- Use Graphing, SNMP, and Torch for monitoring traffic.
- Check CPU and Memory Usage under Resources.
- Set up Email or Telegram alerts in case of unusual activity or downtime.
8. Utilize SFP+ Ports for Uplinks
Connect your SFP+ ports to your upstream fiber or 10G backbone to fully utilize your network’s potential.
9. Create Redundant Links
If you’re using the router in an ISP or enterprise setup, implement Link Monitoring and Failover Routes to maintain connectivity even if one link goes down.
10. Document Everything
Keep track of changes, port assignments, VLAN IDs, and login credentials. A good documentation habit will save time during troubleshooting or scaling your network.
Comparison: MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC vs Similar MikroTik Routers
| Feature | CCR2004-16G-2S+PC | CCR1009-7G-1C-1S+ | CCR2116-12G-4S+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | 4-core AL32400 @ 1.7GHz | 9-core TILERA @ 1.2GHz | 16-core ARM @ 2GHz |
| RAM | 4GB DDR4 | 2GB | 16GB |
| Gigabit Ports | 16 | 7 | 12 |
| SFP+ Ports | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Passive Cooling | Yes | No | No |
| Performance/Price Ratio | Excellent | Moderate | High-end |
| Use Case | Mid-level core router | Branch/SMB routing | High-capacity routing |
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CCR2004-16G-2S+PC |
| CPU | Annapurna Labs AL32400, 4 cores, 1.7 GHz |
| Architecture | ARM 64bit |
| RAM | 4 GB DDR4 |
| Storage | 128 MB NAND |
| Ethernet Ports | 16 x Gigabit Ethernet |
| SFP+ Ports | 2 x 10G SFP+ |
| USB Port | 1 x USB 3.0 |
| Cooling | Passive heatsinks + internal fan |
| Operating System | RouterOS v7 |
| Power Supply | 2 x Hot-swappable PSU |
| Dimensions | 272 x 190 x 44 mm |
| Max Power Consumption | ~27W |
| Operating Temperature Range | -20°C to +60°C |
FAQ – MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC Ethernet Router
1. What’s the main use case for the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC?
It’s ideal for small to mid-sized ISPs, enterprise edge routing, and data aggregation.
2. Is it noiseless?
Yes, it’s passively cooled, so it operates silently—perfect for offices or home labs.
3. Can I use both SFP+ ports simultaneously?
Yes, both ports support 10G fiber and can be used for uplinks or routing.
4. Does it support hardware acceleration for routing?
Yes, the ARM CPU supports high throughput and hardware-based acceleration for certain operations.
5. Can I rack-mount this router?
No, the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC is a desktop form factor, not rack-mountable.
6. What OS does MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC run?
It runs MikroTik RouterOS v7, which supports a wide range of enterprise features.
7. Is MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC suitable for VPN usage?
Absolutely. It supports IPSec and other VPN protocols, offering strong encryption and performance.
8. How does it compare to CCR1009?
The MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC has a more modern CPU, more ports, and better passive cooling.
9. Can I power it using PoE?
No, this model does not support PoE input or output.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a high-performance router with multiple Ethernet ports, fiber uplink support, silent operation, and advanced routing capabilities, the MikroTik CCR2004-16G-2S+PC Ethernet Router is one of the best options in its price range. Whether you’re an ISP, a data center manager, or a growing enterprise, this router delivers performance and flexibility that scales with your needs.
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