For small to medium-sized businesses and home labs looking to build a reliable and flexible wired network, choosing the right switch can make all the difference. The MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN Switch stands out as a powerful yet compact managed switch that offers both Gigabit Ethernet and SFP fiber connectivity. What makes this MikroTik Switch even more attractive is its Power over Ethernet (PoE) capability, which simplifies installation by powering compatible devices directly through the Ethernet cable.
If you’re setting up a network in a modern office, small data center, or even at home with high networking demands, the CRS112-8P-4S-IN offers a smart combination of versatility, performance, and affordability.
What is MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN Switch?
The CRS112-8P-4S-IN is part of MikroTik’s Cloud Router Switch (CRS) product line, a family designed for environments that demand flexibility in routing and switching. This specific model blends Layer 3 switch capabilities, PoE out features, and a compact metal desktop design suitable for tight spaces.
This switch comes with:
- 8 Gigabit Ethernet ports with passive PoE-out support
- 4 SFP ports for fiber connectivity
- A dual boot system for switching between RouterOS and SwOS
- A fanless, silent design for quiet environments
The CRS112-8P-4S-IN is tailored to users who need advanced control over their switching environment without the high price tag of enterprise-grade solutions.
Key Features of MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN
1. Gigabit PoE-Out Ports
Each of the 8 Ethernet ports supports passive PoE output (on ports 1–8), allowing you to power devices such as MikroTik wireless access points, IP phones, or cameras without needing separate power adapters. This significantly reduces cabling complexity.
2. Four SFP Slots
With 4 SFP ports, you get extended network capability via fiber optics, ideal for long-distance links between switches or network segments. This makes it a solid fit for multi-floor buildings or campus networks.
3. Dual Boot OS: RouterOS and SwOS
CRS112-8P-4S-IN gives users the freedom to choose between two operating systems:
- SwOS: For lightweight, switch-only functionality with an easy GUI
- RouterOS: For those who need routing features, firewall, VLAN management, and scripting capabilities
This dual-boot option makes it extremely versatile, suiting both basic and advanced users.
4. Passive Cooling (Fanless)
Thanks to its fanless design, this switch is completely silent. Perfect for environments like retail shops, open offices, or homes where low noise is preferred.
5. Power Budget and Input Flexibility
The CRS112-8P-4S-IN includes an internal power supply (28V 3.4A). It also has a secondary DC input for redundancy or higher power needs. The total PoE-out budget is up to 160W, making it ideal for powering multiple devices.
Benefits of Using MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN
- All-in-one solution: Combines switching, PoE output, and fiber support in a compact format.
- Cost-efficient: Delivers strong performance at a much lower cost compared to competing managed PoE switches.
- Customizable: With RouterOS, the level of customization is unmatched. You can configure routing, filtering, and advanced VLANs.
- Energy-efficient: Fanless operation and optimized power usage reduce long-term energy costs.
- Scalable: Ideal for small setups but expandable thanks to SFP uplinks for long-distance fiber links.
Ideal Use Cases
- Small Office Networks: Easily power VoIP phones, IP cameras, and wireless access points.
- Retail or Hospitality: Its compact design and silent operation make it ideal for customer-facing environments.
- Home Labs: For tech-savvy users looking to experiment with advanced networking setups.
- Multi-floor Installations: Use the SFP ports for fiber uplinks across floors in a building.
How to Power Your Office Devices with One Switch
With 8 PoE-out ports, this switch can singlehandedly run a small office’s entire set of devices: wireless access points, VoIP phones, IP cameras, and more. You only need to plug them into the Ethernet ports — no need for separate adapters or power bricks.
Extend Your Network with Fiber: Use the SFP Advantage
You can link this switch to your main server rack or central router using the 1.25G SFP ports and fiber modules. It allows seamless long-distance connection without signal loss — ideal if your network spans across large buildings or needs better isolation between segments.
Comparison with Similar MikroTik Switches
| Feature | CRS112-8P-4S-IN | CRS112-8G-4S-IN | CRS328-24P-4S+RM | CRS210-8G-2S+IN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gigabit Ports | 8 | 8 | 24 | 8 |
| PoE-Out | Yes (passive) | No | Yes (802.3af/at) | No |
| SFP Ports | 4 (1.25G) | 4 (1.25G) | 4 (10G SFP+) | 2 (10G SFP+) |
| OS Support | SwOS/RouterOS | SwOS/RouterOS | SwOS/RouterOS | SwOS/RouterOS |
| Rackmount | No | No | Yes | No |
| Power Budget | 160W | N/A | 450W | N/A |
| Fanless | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
As you can see, CRS112-8P-4S-IN is best for smaller setups needing PoE and fiber — it hits the sweet spot between functionality and affordability.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN |
| Ethernet Ports | 8 x 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| SFP Ports | 4 x 1.25G SFP |
| PoE-Out | Passive PoE (per port configurable) |
| PoE Output Voltage | Same as input (up to 28V) |
| Total PoE Budget | Up to 160W |
| Switching Capacity | 24 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 18 Mpps |
| Operating System | SwOS / RouterOS Level 5 |
| Power Supply | 28V 3.4A Internal |
| Dimensions | 200 x 143 x 44 mm |
| Weight | ~810 g |
| Cooling | Passive (fanless) |
| Serial Port | RJ45 |
| Certifications | CE, EAC, ROHS |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN managed or unmanaged?
It’s a fully managed switch, supporting both SwOS and RouterOS with powerful configuration options.
2. Can I power UniFi or other brand devices using PoE?
Yes, as long as the devices support passive PoE. Make sure they are compatible with the supplied voltage.
3. What’s the max PoE power per port?
Each port can supply up to 1A, with the total budget reaching 160W.
4. Does it support VLANs?
Absolutely. Both RouterOS and SwOS support 802.1Q VLAN tagging and isolation.
5. Can it be mounted on a wall?
Yes, it includes mounting holes for wall or desktop placement.
6. Is there noise from the device?
No, it has passive cooling — meaning completely silent operation.
7. Does it come with fiber modules included?
No, SFP modules are sold separately, but compatible MikroTik modules are widely available.
8. What voltage does the internal power supply output?
It provides 28V DC, which also powers the PoE-out ports.
9. Can I use it with a UPS?
Yes, with its low power consumption and stable internal PSU, it works well with small UPS systems.
10. What’s the main advantage of RouterOS over SwOS?
RouterOS offers advanced routing, firewall, scripting, and full Layer 3 management, while SwOS is simpler and ideal for switching only tasks.
Summary: Why Choose MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN?
If you’re looking for a cost-effective, compact, and feature-rich switch with PoE support and fiber uplink capability, the MikroTik CRS112-8P-4S-IN Switch delivers exceptional value. Whether you’re managing a small office or setting up a lab environment, this device offers the performance, flexibility, and silent operation to meet your needs.
Sold at ITMan, this switch is a best-seller for businesses and advanced users across the UAE and beyond. It’s powerful, practical, and built with MikroTik’s rock-solid reliability.
Lucas Bryant –
Hands down the support team replied but not as quickly as I hoped overall I am really satisfied and I think I will come back here again