? Message us on The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is a compact and versatile networking solution designed for small businesses, offices, home networks, and professional installations requiring reliable connectivity and Power over Ethernet functionality. Combining five Gigabit Ethernet ports, an SFP interface, and advanced RouterOS capabilities, this mikroTik router offers an efficient way to manage network traffic while powering compatible devices through Ethernet cables. Its flexible configuration options make it suitable for network administrators, IT professionals, and businesses seeking dependable performance without investing in large networking equipment.
Overview of MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is part of MikroTik’s popular hEX series, offering a combination of wired routing, network management, and PoE output functionality. Powered by an 800 MHz QCA9557 processor and equipped with 128 MB RAM, the device supports essential networking operations, including routing, firewall management, bandwidth control, VPN connectivity, and network segmentation. It runs MikroTik RouterOS with a Level 4 license, providing administrators with extensive control over network configuration and security.
One of its most practical features is the ability to supply power to compatible networking equipment through Ethernet ports 2–5. This makes the router particularly useful for installations involving IP cameras, wireless access points, and other PoE-powered devices. Additionally, its dedicated SFP port allows fiber connectivity through a compatible transceiver. With its compact construction, passive cooling system, and flexible powering options, the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is a practical choice for building organized and cost-effective wired networks.
Compact Design, Dimensions, and Build Quality
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router features a compact desktop enclosure measuring approximately 114 × 137 × 29 mm. Its lightweight construction makes installation convenient in offices, networking cabinets, and limited-space environments.
The device includes clearly arranged Ethernet connections, an SFP slot, and status indicators for monitoring connectivity and activity. Its fanless design eliminates mechanical fan noise and reduces maintenance requirements.
The enclosure is designed for indoor operation and provides sufficient ventilation for normal networking workloads. Its practical layout allows technicians to organize network cables efficiently while maintaining easy access to the device’s interfaces.
Ports and Connectivity Options
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router provides several connectivity options for building flexible wired networks.
Five 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet ports for high-speed wired connections.
Four PoE output ports, Ether2 through Ether5, for powering compatible devices.
One SFP port for supported fiber-optic modules.
One USB 2.0 Type-A port for compatible peripherals.
DC input for external power.
PoE input support on Ether1.
Ether2–Ether5 support passive PoE output, with 802.3af/at output support when the router is powered using a suitable 48–57V supply. The SFP interface provides an additional connectivity option for networks requiring fiber uplinks.
Applications of MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is suitable for small offices, retail stores, security systems, and professional networking environments.
Businesses can use it to connect computers, network switches, wireless access points, and IP surveillance equipment. Its PoE functionality reduces the need for separate power adapters, helping simplify installations.
Network administrators can also configure VLANs, firewall policies, VPN connections, DHCP services, and traffic management rules through RouterOS.
For small surveillance installations, the router can provide network connectivity and power to compatible IP cameras, subject to the available PoE power budget.
Advanced Network Management with RouterOS
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router runs RouterOS, a professional networking operating system offering extensive configuration capabilities.
Administrators can manage network traffic using firewall rules, queues, routing policies, and bandwidth limitations. VLAN support helps separate business departments, guest connections, and security devices into independent logical networks.
RouterOS also supports compatible VPN protocols for secure remote connectivity. Configuration can be performed through WinBox, WebFig, or the command-line interface.
These capabilities make the router useful for businesses requiring more control than conventional consumer networking devices typically provide.
Simplifying Network Installations with PoE
One major advantage of the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is its ability to combine routing and device powering in a single unit.
Instead of installing separate power adapters for every compatible access point or camera, installers can distribute both data and electricity through Ethernet cabling.
This arrangement can reduce cable clutter, simplify maintenance, and improve installation flexibility.
However, administrators should verify the connected devices’ voltage requirements, PoE standards, and total power consumption before installation. The available output budget depends on the power supply and the router’s own consumption.
Comparison with Similar MikroTik Routers
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router offers a useful balance between routing functionality and PoE connectivity. The following comparison highlights differences between popular MikroTik models.
| Feature | hEX PoE RB960PGS | hEX RB750Gr3 | hEX S RB760iGS | PowerBox Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU | QCA9557 | MT7621A | MT7621A | QCA9557 |
| CPU frequency | 800 MHz | 880 MHz | 880 MHz | 800 MHz |
| RAM | 128 MB | 256 MB | 256 MB | 128 MB |
| Gigabit Ethernet | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| SFP | 1 | No | 1 | 1 |
| PoE output ports | 4 | None | 1 | 4 |
| USB | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| RouterOS license | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| Installation | Indoor | Indoor | Indoor | Outdoor |
The RB960PGS is particularly suitable when several PoE-powered devices must be connected. The hEX and hEX S models are alternatives for installations prioritizing routing capabilities, while PowerBox Pro is designed for outdoor deployment.
Technical Specifications of MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | MikroTik |
| Product name | hEX PoE |
| Model | RB960PGS |
| Product type | Gigabit Ethernet Router |
| CPU | Qualcomm QCA9557 |
| CPU architecture | MIPSBE |
| CPU cores | 1 |
| CPU frequency | 800 MHz |
| Switch chip | QCA8337 |
| RAM | 128 MB |
| Storage | 16 MB Flash |
| Operating system | MikroTik RouterOS |
| RouterOS license | Level 4 |
| Ethernet ports | 5 × 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| PoE output ports | Ether2–Ether5 |
| PoE input | Passive PoE, Ether1 |
| PoE output standards | Passive PoE; 802.3af/at with appropriate supply |
| PoE output voltage | Follows input voltage |
| Low-voltage PoE current limit | 1 A per port |
| High-voltage PoE current limit | 450 mA per port |
| Maximum total PoE output current | 2 A |
| SFP ports | 1 × 1G SFP |
| USB | 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A |
| USB maximum current | 1 A |
| Power inputs | DC jack and Passive PoE |
| Input voltage | 12–57V DC |
| Maximum power consumption | 54 W |
| Power consumption without attachments | 6 W |
| Cooling | Passive, fanless |
| Dimensions | 114 × 137 × 29 mm |
| Tested ambient temperature | -40°C to +60°C |
| IP rating | IP20 |
| Certifications | CE, EAC, RoHS |
| Installation environment | Indoor |
The specifications are based on MikroTik’s published technical documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Does the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router have built-in Wi-Fi?
No. It is a wired router without integrated wireless connectivity. A separate wireless access point is required for Wi-Fi coverage.
2. Can the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router power IP cameras?
Yes. It can power compatible PoE IP cameras through Ethernet ports 2–5, provided their voltage and power requirements are supported.
3. Does the RB960PGS support fiber-optic internet connections?
Yes. Its 1G SFP interface supports compatible optical transceivers for fiber connectivity.
4. Can I use the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router for VPN connections?
Yes. RouterOS supports several VPN technologies, although actual performance depends on the protocol, encryption, and configuration.
5. Is the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router suitable for small businesses?
Yes. Its firewall, VLAN, routing, and PoE capabilities make it suitable for small business networks.
6. Does the RB960PGS support VLAN configuration?
Yes. RouterOS supports VLAN configuration for separating network traffic and improving network organization.
7. Can I manage the router remotely?
Yes. Remote administration is possible through properly secured RouterOS management services.
8. Does the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router require a separate software license?
No. The device includes a preinstalled RouterOS Level 4 license.
9. Can the RB960PGS be installed outdoors?
No. It is designed for indoor environments. Outdoor installations require suitable equipment such as MikroTik PowerBox Pro.
10. Does the router support 10Gbps SFP+ modules?
No. The RB960PGS has a 1Gbps SFP interface, not a 10Gbps SFP+ port.
Conclusion
The MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is a practical networking solution for businesses and professionals requiring Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, flexible RouterOS management, fiber uplink support, and multiple PoE outputs. Its compact fanless construction and advanced configuration options make it especially useful for offices, surveillance networks, and wireless access point installations.
Available from ITMan in the UAE, the MikroTik hEX PoE RB960PGS Router is an excellent option for customers looking to simplify their network infrastructure with reliable wired connectivity and integrated PoE functionality.
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