What is the ROSE Data Server (RDS)?

The ROSE Data Server (RDS) is a data server based on a special version of RouterOS called “RouterOS Edition for Storage & Compute” (ROSE). Unlike traditional routers or generic servers, this device natively integrates advanced storage features, such as NVMe-TCP block export, encryption, and modular RAID configurations, alongside the routing and virtualization capabilities typical of RouterOS. The specific model is the RDS2216-2XG-4S+4XS-2XQ, designed to host up to 20 NVMe U.2 drives and handle high-speed network traffic.

What are the main technical specifications?

The key specifications of the ROSE Data Server (RDS) include:

  • CPU: AL73400 ARM 64-bit, 16 cores at 2000 MHz.
  • RAM: 32 GB DDR4 ECC.
  • Storage: 20 U.2 NVMe slots (PCIe Gen3, max height 7 mm) and 2 M.2 SATA slots.
  • Network ports: 2x 100G QSFP28, 4x 25G SFP28, 4x 10G SFP+, 2x Ethernet ports (1G/2.5G/5G/10G) and 1x 1G port.
  • Power supply: Redundant hot-swap dual power supply, AC input 100-240 V.
  • Power consumption: Maximum 286 W (with accessories), 105 W without accessories.
  • Operating system: RouterOS v7 with level 6 license.
  • Other connections: SFF-8644 interface, 2 USB ports (3.0 and 2.0).
  • Switching chip: 98DX4310 with hardware Layer 3 offloading.

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

The ROSE Data Server (RDS) is intended for enterprise environments that require high performance in storage and networking without infrastructure fragmentation. It is suitable for hosting private cloud services such as MinIO or Nextcloud, for high-speed database clusters (PostgreSQL, MariaDB), for enterprise backups with hardware encryption (TCG-Opal), and for storage expansion at remote sites where MikroTik routers can directly mount NFS, SMB, or NVMe-TCP. It also supports running OCI-compliant containers for specific applications such as Shinobi or Frigate.

What to know before choosing it?

Before purchasing, it is important to consider that the system uses PCIe Gen3 for U.2 drives, with a total bandwidth of 128 Gbps towards the CPU. In practice, the CPU may become the bottleneck before the PCIe bandwidth, especially with parallel multi-disk workloads. However, the device supports M.2 adapters to reuse existing SSDs. Redundancy is guaranteed by dual power supplies and the possibility of clustering between multiple RDS units, but sudden drive failures can still impact operations if not managed with RAID or distributed NVMe-TCP.

Frequently asked questions

Does the ROSE Data Server (RDS) support data encryption?

Yes, the ROSE Data Server (RDS) supports TCG-Opal self-encrypting drives for hardware security and also offers block-level encryption integrated into the operating system to protect data without compromising performance.

What network ports does the ROSE Data Server (RDS) have?

The ROSE Data Server (RDS) features 2 100G QSFP28 ports, 4 25G SFP28 ports, 4 10G SFP+ ports, 2 multi-rate Ethernet ports (up to 10G), and 1 1G port, along with an SFF-8644 interface for flexible connectivity.

Can I use M.2 drives in the ROSE Data Server (RDS)?

Yes, the ROSE Data Server (RDS) includes 2 M.2 SATA slots and supports adapters that allow you to use existing M.2 drives, offering flexibility compared to using only U.2 NVMe drives.

Does the ROSE Data Server (RDS) have Layer 3 offloading?

Yes, the ROSE Data Server (RDS) integrates the 98DX4310 switching chip, which provides hardware offloading capabilities for Layer 3 routing, improving network performance.

Learn more on the MikroTik website: ROSE Data Server (RDS) page and official datasheet (PDF).