? Message us on When it comes to building small to medium networks that require reliability, cost-effectiveness, and intelligent features, MikroTik RB260GSP is one of the most popular solutions available. This mikroTik switch is specifically designed for setups that need Gigabit performance, PoE-Out capability, and fiber connectivity through an SFP cage – all packed into a compact form factor. At ITMan, we have seen a huge demand for this model because it perfectly fits environments like small offices, retail shops, surveillance systems, and even home labs where power delivery and smart management matter.
In today’s networks, a simple unmanaged switch is often not enough. Businesses need features like VLANs, port isolation, traffic prioritization, and easy web management – without breaking the bank. This is where MikroTik RB260GSP shines. It combines the simplicity of a plug-and-play switch with enough intelligence to optimize traffic flow and support modern devices. Whether you are powering IP cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points, this switch can supply both data and power using its passive PoE-Out feature, reducing the need for additional power adapters and messy cabling.
Complete Overview of MikroTik RB260GSP
The MikroTik RB260GSP is part of MikroTik’s CSS (Cloud Smart Switch) series. It is a compact desktop switch featuring five Gigabit Ethernet ports and one SFP port for fiber connectivity. All five Ethernet ports support PoE-Out, allowing you to power other MikroTik devices or any compatible passive PoE equipment. It runs MikroTik’s SwitchOS, a lightweight but powerful operating system designed specifically for easy switch management.
One of the biggest advantages of this switch is its ability to provide intelligent Layer-2 features at a very affordable price point. You can configure VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q), port isolation, traffic mirroring, link aggregation, and bandwidth limits directly from its user-friendly web interface. This makes the RB260GSP ideal for network administrators who want control over their network without the complexity of full RouterOS.
Additionally, this switch supports port-to-port forwarding, MAC filtering, and secure management access. The SFP cage allows you to connect to your backbone network using fiber, which is especially useful if you need to extend the network over longer distances or maintain high-speed uplinks.
Practical Applications of MikroTik RB260GSP
The MikroTik RB260GSP is perfect for many scenarios:
- IP Surveillance Networks – Power multiple IP cameras directly from the switch using PoE-Out, while keeping traffic segmented using VLANs.
- Small Office Networks – Connect PCs, printers, and VoIP phones while prioritizing voice traffic to avoid call quality issues.
- Wireless Infrastructure – Power access points such as MikroTik cAP or UniFi APs without needing separate power injectors.
- Home Labs & Enthusiasts – Experiment with VLAN setups, port mirroring for packet capture, and fiber connectivity in a small form factor.
- Retail and Hospitality – Simplify cabling by powering POS devices, kiosks, and cameras all from one central location.
This versatility is why ITMan customers choose this model so frequently – it reduces equipment clutter and allows for a cleaner, more professional network setup.
Ports and Connectivity
MikroTik RB260GSP features five Gigabit Ethernet ports with passive PoE-Out on all of them. This means each port can deliver power to compatible devices (up to 30W total) as long as the switch itself is powered by a sufficient power adapter. In addition, there is one SFP cage, which is ideal for connecting to fiber uplinks or long-distance copper modules.
Having both copper and SFP options gives you flexibility in network design. For instance, you can connect all your local devices using the five Gigabit ports, and use the SFP port to connect to a core switch in another room or even another building.
Setting Up VLANs on MikroTik RB260GSP
One of the most useful features of MikroTik RB260GSP is VLAN support. Here’s a quick, real-world example:
- Log into the web interface by typing the switch IP in your browser.
- Navigate to the VLAN tab in SwitchOS.
- Create VLAN ID 10 for office PCs and VLAN ID 20 for IP cameras.
- Assign ports 1-3 to VLAN 10 and ports 4-5 to VLAN 20.
- Tag the SFP uplink port so both VLANs are carried upstream.
This simple setup allows you to isolate camera traffic from office traffic, improving security and preventing unnecessary congestion.
Using PoE-Out Effectively
PoE-Out can save money and space by reducing the need for additional power adapters. To use it safely:
- Ensure the power adapter connected to the switch provides enough wattage.
- Only connect compatible passive PoE devices.
- Monitor power usage in SwitchOS to make sure you are not exceeding the budget.
- Use high-quality Ethernet cables (Cat5e or better) to avoid voltage drop.
Following these best practices will give you a stable and reliable power delivery solution.
Comparison with Similar MikroTik Models
| Feature | RB260GSP | RB260GS | CRS106-1C-5S | CRS112-8P-4S-IN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ethernet Ports | 5x Gigabit (PoE-Out) | 5x Gigabit (No PoE) | 1 Combo + 5 SFP | 8x PoE-Out |
| SFP Ports | 1x SFP | 1x SFP | 5x SFP + 1 Combo | 4x SFP |
| PoE-Out | Yes (Passive) | No | No | Yes (802.3af/at) |
| Management OS | SwitchOS | SwitchOS | RouterOS Lite | RouterOS |
| Best Use Case | Small networks needing PoE + fiber uplink | Simple fiber uplink without PoE | SFP-heavy setups | Larger setups with 8x PoE ports |
This comparison shows why MikroTik RB260GSP is often the go-to choice for small PoE networks – it gives you the right balance of features without paying for unnecessary complexity.
Technical Specifications Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | MikroTik RB260GSP |
| Ethernet Ports | 5x Gigabit Ethernet with PoE-Out |
| PoE Type | Passive PoE-Out |
| Total Power Output | Up to 30W (depends on PSU) |
| SFP Port | 1x SFP Cage (1.25G) |
| Switching Capacity | 12 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate | 8.9 Mpps |
| Operating System | MikroTik SwitchOS |
| Power Input | 8–30 V DC |
| Dimensions | 113 x 139 x 28 mm |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +70°C |
| Management | Web Interface |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the maximum power output per port?
Each port supports passive PoE-Out with a combined total of up to 30W, depending on the power adapter used.
2. Can RB260GSP power UniFi APs?
Yes, if the UniFi AP supports passive PoE (24V). Make sure to check compatibility.
3. Is SwitchOS difficult to use?
No, SwitchOS is very user-friendly with a clean web interface suitable for beginners.
4. Can I use the SFP port for long-distance fiber links?
Yes, you can use 1.25G SFP modules for single-mode or multi-mode fiber.
5. Is this switch fanless?
Yes, it is fanless and completely silent, ideal for offices or home environments.
6. Can it be rack-mounted?
It is a desktop device, but you can place it on a shelf or use third-party rack trays.
7. Does it support link aggregation?
Yes, you can configure port trunking in SwitchOS.
8. What is the power consumption of RB260GSP?
Typically around 5W without PoE load, more if powering devices.
9. Is it suitable for ISP deployments?
Yes, many ISPs use it for small PoE distribution points.
10. Where can I buy it in Dubai/UAE?
You can purchase it directly from ITMan.ae, with fast delivery across UAE.
Conclusion
The MikroTik RB260GSP is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a compact, intelligent switch with PoE-Out and SFP capabilities. It strikes a perfect balance between affordability and functionality, offering VLANs, port isolation, and fiber connectivity in a fanless desktop design. Whether you are powering cameras, access points, or other network devices, this switch makes your setup cleaner and more efficient. At ITMan, we highly recommend the RB260GSP for small businesses, home offices, and even advanced home users who want more control over their network.
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