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MikroTik CCR2116-12G-4S+ 16-Core Cloud Core Router with Layer 3 Hardware Offload for ISPs

Brand MikroTik

Model Number CCR2116-12G-4S

EpicRise Warranty 1 Year

Product Highlights

• 16-core 2GHz ARM CPU delivers double the performance of 36-core predecessors with 6x faster BGP processing

• Layer 3 hardware offload and independent full-duplex connections eliminate CPU bottlenecks for switch-level throughput

• 4x 10G SFP+ ports with dedicated Marvell Aldrin switching and 12x Gigabit Ethernet ports plus 1x dedicated management port

• Dual redundant 100-240V AC power supplies and 200,000-hour MTBF ensure ISP-grade reliability

• M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot supports NVMe SSDs with no capacity limit, tested up to 8TB for containerized applications

Overview
Specifications
FAQ
User Guides
Reviews

The MikroTik CCR2116-12G-4S+ Cloud Core Router addresses the performance ceiling enterprise networks face when running CPU-intensive operations like per-connection queuing, dynamic routing, and large-scale BGP configurations. Built on the Amazon Annapurna Labs Alpine v3 AL73400 processor with 16 cores running at 2GHz, this router establishes the highest single-core performance in the CCR series while supporting Layer 3 hardware offload to eliminate traditional CPU constraints.

Engineered for ISPs and enterprise network operators managing complex routing environments, the CCR2116-12G-4S+ delivers twice the throughput of its 36-core predecessor with 6x improved BGP performance. Each group of ports features independent full-duplex connections to the Marvell Aldrin family switching chip, ensuring no bottlenecks in high-throughput scenarios. With 16GB DDR4 RAM, IPsec hardware acceleration, and RouterOS Level 6 licensing, this 1U rackmount router handles dynamic routing protocols, complex firewall rule sets, and sophisticated QoS configurations without performance degradation.

Best For

The CCR2116-12G-4S+ excels in environments requiring high-performance routing combined with CPU-intensive per-connection processing. This router targets ISPs and enterprise network operators managing large-scale deployments where CPU limitations have historically restricted throughput.

Internet Service Provider Core Routing: Handles dynamic routing protocols, large BGP tables, and complex traffic shaping policies for regional ISP networks with hundreds of concurrent sessions.

Enterprise Data Center Aggregation: Serves as aggregation layer router for data centers requiring Layer 3 hardware offload and 10G uplinks with comprehensive firewall and QoS capabilities.

Carrier-Grade Network Edge: Deploys at network edge locations requiring dual redundant power, IPsec acceleration, and containerized application support via M.2 NVMe storage.

Multi-Tenant Service Provider Infrastructure: Manages complex VLAN configurations, per-customer queuing, and policy-based routing for colocation facilities and managed service providers.

Key Features

16-Core 2GHz Performance Architecture: Amazon Annapurna Labs Alpine v3 AL73400 processor delivers 15% higher performance than CCR2004 with exceptional single-core speed for queue-heavy operations.

Layer 3 Hardware Offload: Marvell Aldrin 98DX3255 switching chip handles Layer 3 forwarding in hardware, freeing CPU resources for complex routing protocols and traffic management.

Independent Port Group Design: Each 4-port group connects to switching chip via dedicated full-duplex links, eliminating internal bottlenecks and achieving switch-level throughput in most configurations.

High-Speed Uplink Capacity: 4x 10G SFP+ ports provide independent full-duplex connections for fiber uplinks, while 12x Gigabit Ethernet ports handle customer connections alongside 1x dedicated CPU management port.

Enterprise Storage Expansion: M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot accommodates NVMe SSDs with no capacity limit, with MikroTik testing confirming support up to 8TB for container applications, extensive logging, and traffic analysis data retention.

IPsec Hardware Acceleration: Dedicated cryptographic acceleration handles VPN workloads without impacting routing performance or adding CPU overhead.

Carrier-Grade Redundancy: Dual 100-240V AC power supplies with automatic failover ensure continuous operation, while 200,000-hour MTBF rating supports mission-critical deployments.

RouterOS v7 Advanced Capabilities: Level 6 license includes free software updates for product lifetime or at least 5 years from purchase, with full BGP, OSPF, MPLS, and advanced firewall features for comprehensive network control.

Quick Specs

Processor	Amazon Annapurna Labs Alpine v3 AL73400, 16-core ARM 64-bit, 2000 MHz
Memory	16 GB DDR4 RAM, 128 MB NAND storage
Switching	Marvell Aldrin 98DX3255 with Layer 3 hardware offload
Ethernet Ports	13x 10/100/1000 Mbps (1x dedicated CPU management port, 12x switched)
SFP+ Ports	4x 10G SFP+ with independent full-duplex connections
Expansion	1x M.2 PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 slot (supports NVMe 2280mm M key SSDs, no capacity limit, tested up to 8TB)
Management	Serial console port (RJ45), dedicated Gigabit management port
Power Supply	Dual redundant 100-240V AC (47-63 Hz), 83W max consumption, 60W without accessories
Cooling	4x internal fans, active thermal management
Operating System	RouterOS v7+ (Level 6 license included, free updates for product lifetime or minimum 5 years)
Hardware Acceleration	IPsec cryptographic acceleration, Layer 3 forwarding offload
Dimensions	443 x 199 x 44 mm (1U rackmount), 3000g with accessories
Operating Temperature	-20°C to 60°C (tested range)
Reliability	200,000 hours MTBF at 25°C

What's Included

- 1x CCR2116-12G-4S+ Cloud Core Router

- 2x IEC power cables (EU/US compatible, 1.83m)

- 1x White 1U rackmount bracket set

- 1x Fastening hardware kit (K-57)

Product Details
Power Source	AC-powered

What network environments and ISP operations is the CCR2116-12G-4S+ designed to support?

This router serves ISPs and enterprises running dynamic routing protocols, large-scale BGP deployments, complex firewall configurations, and sophisticated QoS policies. It handles per-connection queuing and CPU-intensive traffic management that would bottleneck lower-performance routers. The 16-core architecture with Layer 3 hardware offload makes it suitable for regional ISP core routing, data center aggregation layers, and carrier-grade edge deployments requiring both high throughput and processing power.

How does the CCR2116-12G-4S+ compare to other MikroTik Cloud Core Router models in the series?

The CCR2116-12G-4S+ delivers double the performance of the 36-core CCR1036 despite having fewer cores, achieving 6x faster BGP processing through superior per-core performance. Compared to the CCR2004, it provides at least 15% higher throughput with the same Amazon Annapurna Labs CPU architecture but running at 2GHz versus lower speeds. This router sets the highest single-core performance standard in the CCR lineup and adds Layer 3 hardware offload that earlier models lack.

Is the CCR2116-12G-4S+ worth the investment for networks currently using lower-tier routing hardware?

This router justifies its cost for operations where CPU limitations currently restrict network performance or force simplified configurations. Networks experiencing performance degradation with per-connection queuing, large routing tables, or complex rule sets will see immediate throughput gains. The dual redundant power supplies, 200,000-hour MTBF, and free software updates for product lifetime or at least 5 years reduce long-term operational costs. Smaller networks with simple routing needs can achieve adequate performance with less expensive models.

What systems and equipment does the CCR2116-12G-4S+ work with in existing network infrastructure?

The router requires RouterOS v7 or later and works with standard 10G SFP+ transceivers in its fiber ports and shielded Cat5/Cat6 cabling for Gigabit Ethernet connections. It integrates with existing BGP, OSPF, and MPLS networks through standard routing protocols. The M.2 slot accepts NVMe 2280mm M key SSDs from any manufacturer with no capacity limit, tested up to 8TB. Dual 100-240V AC inputs accommodate global power standards without additional equipment.

What processing architecture and memory configuration does the CCR2116-12G-4S+ use?

The router uses the Amazon Annapurna Labs Alpine v3 AL73400 processor with 16 ARM 64-bit cores running at 2000 MHz. It includes 16GB of DDR4 RAM for routing tables and session management, plus 128MB NAND storage for the operating system. The Marvell Aldrin 98DX3255 switching chip handles Layer 3 forwarding in hardware, offloading this work from the main CPU.

How many network connections and what speeds does this router support?

The CCR2116-12G-4S+ provides 4x 10G SFP+ fiber ports with independent full-duplex connections to the switching chip and 13x Gigabit Ethernet ports total. One Gigabit port connects directly to the CPU for dedicated management access, while 12 ports are switched. Each group of 4 ports has separate full-duplex links to the switch chip to prevent internal bottlenecks. The router also includes one serial console port for out-of-band management.

What storage expansion options does the router offer for logging and applications?

The unit includes one M.2 slot with PCIe Gen 3.0 x4 connectivity supporting NVMe 2280mm M key SSDs with no capacity limit. MikroTik testing confirms support for drives up to 8TB. This storage accommodates container applications, extensive traffic logging, NetFlow data retention, and other storage-intensive network monitoring functions without impacting routing performance.

What power configuration and redundancy features does this router include?

The CCR2116-12G-4S+ has dual redundant 100-240V AC power supplies that accept 47-63 Hz input frequencies for global compatibility. Maximum power consumption reaches 83W with all accessories or 60W for the base unit. Active cooling uses 4 internal fans. The dual power supply design allows hot-swap replacement and automatic failover if one supply fails, meeting carrier-grade availability requirements.