MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM 12-Port 10G SFP+ Switch Price in Kenya

MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM 12-Port 10G Managed Switch Price in Kenya

The MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM is a managed rack-mounted switch for networks that need high-speed copper connections with flexible fibre options. It suits offices, production studios, server installations and businesses transferring large files between capable devices.

The CRS312 has eight dedicated 10G RJ45 ports and four 10G combo interfaces—not twelve SFP+ ports. Each combo interface offers an RJ45 socket and an SFP+ cage, with only one connection active at a time. This provides up to twelve simultaneous 10G connections. CRS312-4C+8XG-RM

For Kenyan organizations upgrading a network, it offers a practical way to connect compatible workstations, storage systems and switches while choosing copper or fibre for selected links.

MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM Price in Kenya

Contact Network Switch Kenya for a quotation covering the switch and the accessories required for your installation.

Confirm:

• The exact CRS312-4C+8XG-RM model.
• Endpoint interface speeds.
• Copper cable requirements.
• SFP+ modules or direct-attach cables.
• Rack space, ventilation and power arrangements.
• Configuration, delivery, applicable taxes and warranty terms.

Browse networking equipment at Network Switch Kenya when planning the wider installation.

Key Features and Benefits

High-Speed Copper Connectivity

The dedicated Ethernet interfaces support compatible 1G, 2.5G, 5G and 10G equipment. This helps accommodate a network containing devices with different interface speeds.

Performance depends on the endpoints, cable installation and negotiated link rate. A switch upgrade alone will not make a Gigabit-only computer operate at 10Gbps.

Flexible Combo Connections

The four combo interfaces allow selected links to use copper or suitable SFP+ equipment. This flexibility is useful when nearby devices use Ethernet while another connection requires fibre.

The paired connectors share an interface. Connecting both does not create two independent network ports.

RouterOS or SwOS Management

Choose RouterOS for broader configuration requirements or SwOS for switch-focused administration.

Plan the operating-system choice before installation. Management methods and configuration procedures differ between the two.

Hardware Switching

Supported traffic can be forwarded by the switch chip rather than processed through the CPU. Configuration choices therefore matter when seeking high throughput.

Routing and firewall workloads require separate performance assessment; switching capacity does not represent equivalent CPU routing capacity.

Redundant Power

Two power supplies support a more resilient installation. Where appropriate independent feeds are available, they can reduce dependence on a single upstream power source.

Watch the MikroTik CRS312 product video on YouTube

Key Specification

SpecificationMikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RMDedicated copper interfaces8 × 1G/2.5G/5G/10G RJ45Combo interfaces4 × 10G RJ45/SFP+Active connections per combo interfaceOneSeparate management Ethernet1 × 10/100MbpsSwitching capacity240GbpsNon-blocking throughput120GbpsForwarding rateApproximately 178MppsOperating systemsRouterOS / SwOSProcessorQCA9531, single-core 650MHzRAM64MBFlash storage16MBRouterOS licenceLevel 5Switch chip98DX8212Dimensions443 × 183 × 44mmForm factor1U rack mountPower inputsTwo AC inputsInput voltage100–240V AC, 50–60HzMaximum listed consumption60WCoolingFour fansTested ambient temperature−30°C to 70°CAdditional interfacesUSB Type-A and RJ45 serial consolePoE outputNone

Specifications follow MikroTik’s product documentation. CRS312-4C+8XG-RM

Understanding the Combo Ports

Each combo interface has two physical connection options:

OptionTypical useRJ45Compatible copper Ethernet connectionSFP+Compatible optical module or direct-attach cable

Only one option works at a time on each pair.

MikroTik documents automatic selection, with SFP taking priority when both connections are present under the default automatic setting. The active medium can also be selected in software. RouterOS Manual

Plan the four combo interfaces carefully if several fibre links are required. A switch with more dedicated SFP+ interfaces may better suit a fibre-heavy installation.

Typical Applications

Large-File Workflows

Connect capable workstations and storage equipment used for editing, design or other large-file tasks. Check storage performance as well as network speed before estimating transfer times.

Server and Storage Connections

Provide high-speed connections between compatible systems. Endpoint interfaces and the application workload determine the benefit obtained.

Network Aggregation

Connect switches and other equipment through suitable high-speed uplinks. Design capacity around simultaneous traffic and avoid introducing slower bottlenecks elsewhere.

Mixed Copper and Fibre Installations

Use copper connections where practical and allocate combo interfaces to optical links where needed.

For a different access-switch arrangement, review the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM at MikroTik Kenya. It is a separate model to assess against your port requirements.

Where dedicated routing is required, the MikroTik CCR2216-1G-12XS-2XQ router at Tawa is another product to evaluate. Its role and interface arrangement differ from this switch.

How to Set Up the MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM

1. Prepare a Connection Schedule

List each device, required speed, cable type and network assignment.

Identify which combo interfaces will use copper and which will use SFP+ equipment. Verify accessories against both endpoints before purchasing.

2. Install in a Suitable Location

Fit the rack brackets and mount the switch securely. Allow airflow and cable clearance, and keep the enclosure in a dry indoor environment.

The fans make this an actively cooled device. Consider noise and ventilation when choosing its location.

3. Connect Power

Connect the supplied cords to appropriate grounded supplies.

For genuine upstream power resilience, assess independent feeds or UPS arrangements. Connecting both supplies to one extension socket leaves that socket as a common failure point.

4. Establish Initial Access

Follow the instructions supplied with the unit. MikroTik’s guide documents a computer address of 192.168.88.2/24 and an initial management address of 192.168.88.1.

For RouterOS, use WebFig or WinBox. If IP access is unavailable, WinBox’s Neighbors discovery may help. Check the device sticker for credentials where applicable and set a strong password. RouterOS Manual

5. Choose the Operating System

Confirm whether RouterOS or SwOS meets the installation requirements.

In RouterOS, the documented boot selection is under System → RouterBOARD → Settings → Boot OS. Changing the operating system causes interruption, so complete this before production use. RouterOS Manual

6. Secure Management

Set a recognizable identity and an unused management address suitable for the network.

Restrict administration appropriately and record the access details. Keep a working management path while changing other settings.

7. Check Firmware

Use firmware intended for the model and chosen operating system. Back up any existing configuration first.

Maintain stable power during updates and confirm access afterward.

8. Configure Switching and VLANs

Inspect the existing configuration before changing it.

For RouterOS, use a suitable bridge design and verify hardware offload on intended switching ports. Plan VLAN membership, access ports and tagged uplinks before enabling filtering.

Coordinate settings with connected equipment and preserve management access.

9. Connect Links Gradually

Attach one connection at a time and check its negotiated speed.

For copper connections, investigate cabling and endpoint capability if a link negotiates below the intended rate. For optical links, verify module compatibility, fibre type and remote settings.

Keep the serial-console socket separate from Ethernet connections.

10. Configure Aggregation or Redundancy

Use a supported design at both ends before adding parallel links.

Link aggregation can distribute traffic across connections, but it does not automatically multiply the speed available to one flow.

11. Test Actual Applications

Measure transfers between capable endpoints rather than relying only on tests generated by the switch’s CPU.

Review link errors, CPU usage, temperatures and hardware-offload status. Save configuration backups and document the port layout.

Advantages

• Numerous high-speed copper connections.
• Flexible fibre options through combo interfaces.
• Supports mixed endpoint speeds.
• RouterOS and SwOS choices.
• Dual power supplies.
• Compact rack installation.

Disadvantages and Limitations

• Only four SFP+ connection options.
• Combo connectors cannot operate independently.
• No PoE output.
• Requires suitable cabling and capable endpoints.
• Active cooling can produce noise.
• Configuration affects forwarding performance.
• CPU routing is substantially different from hardware switching.

Package Contents

MikroTik lists two IEC power cords, rack ears and a fastening kit. Confirm the seller’s complete package.

Optical modules, fibre leads, direct-attach cables and Ethernet cables should be specified separately. CRS312-4C+8XG-RM

Frequently Asked Questions

Does it have twelve SFP+ ports?

No. It has eight dedicated copper interfaces and four copper/SFP+ combo interfaces.

Can both connectors in a combo pair work together?

No. They share one interface, with one active medium at a time.

Does it supply PoE?

No. Connected PoE equipment needs another suitable power source.

Can it increase internet speed?

It cannot increase the service supplied by your provider. It can improve suitable local-network connections.

Can it replace a dedicated router?

Assess the routing workload separately. Its main strength is hardware switching.

Order from Network Switch Kenya

Contact Network Switch Kenya for a quotation. Provide endpoint models, connection distances and copper or fibre requirements so compatible equipment can be selected.