What is the CRS804 DDQ?

The CRS804 DDQ is a high-density network switch designed for modern infrastructures, including research labs, small data centers, and edge installations. Its quiet 1U design and energy efficiency make it suitable for racks where traditional 400G equipment is too bulky, noisy, or expensive. It is configured to operate as a core or aggregation switch, ensuring wire-speed performance on all ports thanks to the Marvell 98DX7335 switching chip.

What are the main technical features?

The key specifications of the CRS804 DDQ include:

  • Network ports: 4 400G QSFP56-DD ports (with support for lower speeds and breakout) and 2 1G/10G Ethernet ports.
  • Processor: ARM quad-core AL52400 CPU at 2000 MHz.
  • Memory: 4 GB DDR4 RAM and 512 MB NAND storage.
  • Operating system: RouterOS v7 with a level 6 license.
  • Power supply: Redundant hot-swap dual power supply (included), 100-240 V AC input, adapter nominal voltage 12 V at 27.5 A.
  • Power consumption: Maximum 92 W without accessories, 123 W with optics installed.
  • Dimensions and mounting: 1U form factor; includes the RMK-2×10/19 accessory to mount two units in a standard 19-inch 1U slot.
  • Operating temperature: From -10°C to +60°C.

Who is it for and in which scenarios does it make sense?

This device is ideal for network administrators who need to manage GPU traffic, AI compute nodes, or all-flash storage fabrics. It is particularly suitable for:

  • AI and GPU clusters: Maintains data flow between GPU nodes and storage without bottlenecks, offering low latency and predictable performance.
  • High-speed storage: Perfect for fast storage uplinks or for splitting ports into dual 200G links, useful in media production environments or scientific workloads.
  • Racks with limited space: Thanks to its compact form factor and low power consumption, it integrates easily into existing racks or edge installations where space and noise are critical constraints.

What to know before choosing it?

Before purchasing, it is important to consider the flexibility of the QSFP-DD ports: each port consists of eight independent data lanes, allowing breakout to lower speeds (1G/2.5G/5G/10G/25G/50G) or dual 200G links. This allows you to integrate the CRS804 DDQ into existing networks with devices of different generations, using appropriate breakout cables. Additionally, the hot-swap power supplies are included in the package, along with power cables and the rack mounting kit.

Frequently asked questions

Does the MikroTik CRS804 DDQ support speeds lower than 400G?

Yes, the CRS804 DDQ natively supports 40G, 50G, 100G, and 200G speeds on the QSFP-DD ports. Additionally, thanks to the eight independent lanes per port, you can configure breakout to even lower speeds such as 1G, 2.5G, 5G, 10G, and 25G.

How many MikroTik CRS804 DDQ units can be mounted in a 1U slot?

You can mount two CRS804 DDQ units in a single 1U slot of a standard 19-inch rack. This is made possible by the RMK-2×10/19 accessory, which is included in the product package.

Does the MikroTik CRS804 DDQ include redundant power supplies?

Yes, the CRS804 DDQ comes with dual hot-swap redundant power supplies included in the package. This ensures operational continuity and reduces long-term ownership costs.

What operating system does the MikroTik CRS804 DDQ use?

The CRS804 DDQ runs on RouterOS v7, with a level 6 license. This provides a familiar management environment for MikroTik users, with advanced traffic control features and high-performance switching.

Learn more on the MikroTik website: CRS804 DDQ page and official datasheet (PDF).