MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ Ethernet Router

In the fast-paced world of networking, where bandwidth demands are constantly growing, high-performance routing hardware is a critical piece of the puzzle. The MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is designed to meet the needs of large-scale enterprise networks, ISPs, and data centers that require exceptional throughput, low latency, and extreme reliability. As the most powerful Router MikroTik has ever released, it takes the Cloud Core Router (CCR) line to a whole new level. Whether you’re managing hundreds of gigabits of traffic or building a core infrastructure with 100G links, the CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is built to handle it all—flawlessly.

MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ Ethernet Router

The MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is part of MikroTik’s next-generation networking gear, utilizing the powerful Amazon Annapurna Labs AL73400 CPU, the same architecture used in high-end enterprise devices. This beast of a router is equipped with 12x 25G SFP28 ports, 1x 1G Ethernet port, and 2x 100G QSFP28 ports, making it ideal for ultra-fast data transmission and aggregation at the core of any large network.

With 16 GB of DDR4 RAM, 128 MB of NAND storage, and RouterOS v7, the CCR2216 is not just about raw speed—it’s about intelligent routing, scalability, and security.

Key Features of MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ

1. Enterprise-Grade Processor
   At the heart of the CCR2216 is a 16-core AL73400 CPU running at 2 GHz, capable of processing massive data flows and thousands of simultaneous connections without breaking a sweat.

2. High-Speed Connectivity

   • 12x 25G SFP28 ports for medium-to-high capacity fiber uplinks

   • 2x 100G QSFP28 ports for data center and backbone connections

   • 1x 1G RJ45 port for management or legacy network support

3. Advanced Cooling and Power
   Comes with dual hot-swap power supplies, redundant cooling fans, and passive cooling elements—ensuring 24/7 reliability even under full load.

4. RouterOS v7 Support
   Enjoy advanced routing protocols (BGP, MPLS, OSPF, IS-IS), firewall configurations, L3 hardware acceleration, and powerful scripting with RouterOS version 7.

5. L3 Hardware Offloading
   Take full advantage of MikroTik’s new L3HW offloading to push routing performance into multi-gigabit territory without taxing the CPU.

Benefits of Using MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ

• Extreme Performance at a Fair Price
  Competing brands offering similar specs (like Cisco or Juniper) often cost twice or even three times as much. MikroTik delivers high-end routing power with lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
• Flexible Network Integration
  With 25G and 100G ports, this router fits easily into modern network topologies, whether you’re running a service provider edge, aggregation point, or enterprise data center.
• Energy Efficient and Quiet
  Despite its power, CCR2216 remains surprisingly efficient with smart fan control and optimized power consumption.
• Carrier-Grade Reliability
  Dual PSU and redundant cooling make this router a solid choice for mission-critical deployments.

Use Cases for MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ

• Data Centers & Core Infrastructure
  The 100G ports make it an excellent choice for the core of your network. It can serve as an aggregation router or a core switch/router combo in modern topologies.
• Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  ISPs can benefit from the high port density and massive routing performance for upstream and peering connections.
• Large Enterprises & Campus Networks
  Handle inter-VLAN routing, firewalling, and interconnect different departments or buildings at up to 100G speeds.
• High-Performance Content Delivery
  Perfect for content networks and CDNs where low latency and massive throughput are essential.

Two Useful Tips to Get the Most Out of Your CCR2216

1. Optimize RouterOS v7 with Hardware Offloading

RouterOS v7 introduces hardware offloading for L3 routing, allowing you to move significant workloads off the CPU. Make sure to enable this feature through:

This improves routing performance dramatically, especially on networks handling large volumes of traffic between VLANs or WAN interfaces.

2. Use QSFP28 to SFP28 Breakout Cables for Flexible Deployment

Not ready for full 100G infrastructure? You can use QSFP28 ports in 4x25G breakout mode, enabling backward compatibility and flexibility. This is great for gradually upgrading your network while leveraging existing 25G gear.

MikroTik CCR2216 vs Other MikroTik Routers

MikroTik’s Cloud Core Router (CCR) series offers a variety of options for different use cases—from small enterprise networks to heavy-duty ISP cores. Here’s how the CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ stacks up against the CCR2116-12G-4S+ and CCR2004-16G-2S+.

Feature Comparison Table

Summary of Differences

• CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is the only model with 100G capability, offering 2x QSFP28 ports, which makes it the top choice for core-level routing and aggregation in data centers and ISPs.
• CCR2116-12G-4S+ has the same CPU and RAM as CCR2216 but lacks 25G/100G ports. It’s better suited for high-performance enterprises that need a lot of 1G and 10G connectivity.
• CCR2004-16G-2S+ is a more budget-friendly option with limited 10G ports and a less powerful CPU. It’s best for medium-scale enterprise or edge routing where 25G/100G bandwidth isn’t needed.

When to Choose Which?

• Choose CCR2216 if you need maximum performance, 100G backbone, and modern infrastructure support.
• Choose CCR2116 if you want high routing performance but don’t need 25G/100G ports.
• Choose CCR2004 if you need a reliable router for smaller networks and want a cost-effective solution without sacrificing essential features.

Technical Specifications Table

Final Thoughts

The MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ is a powerhouse built for modern networking demands. With 25G and 100G support, enterprise-grade processing power, and reliable hardware, it fills the gap between affordability and performance that many large networks have been waiting for. Whether you’re a service provider, system integrator, or data center operator, this router delivers outstanding value with the capability to scale and evolve with your infrastructure.