At a time when companies are increasingly relying on hybrid and private cloud solutions, the demand for high-performance, scalable and, above all, controllable infrastructure is also increasing. The MikroTik RDS2216 is designed precisely for such requirements – a modular server that has proven itself as the heart of modern data centers.

In our previous blog post on the RDS2216, we presented the device in detail and explained why it is an attractive alternative to conventional cloud or data center servers. Now there are new, essential accessories that further improve the system: the DPS-550AB-36G hot-swap power supply unit and the practical CADDY bays for NVMe SSDs.

Review: What makes the RDS2216 so special?

The MikroTik RDS2216 is more than just a simple server. With its combination of routing functionality, powerful hardware and sophisticated storage architecture, it is particularly appealing to IT managers who operate their own cloud services or want to process large volumes of data locally.

Briefly summarized:

• 16-core ARM processor (AL73400, 2 GHz)
• 32 GB DDR4 RAM
• 20× U.2 NVMe PCIe Gen3 slots
• 2× 25G, 2× 100G QSFP28 + additional network ports
• Full integration in RouterOS v7 (ROSE Edition)

This makes the RDS2216 ideal as a storage server, container platform (e.g. for MinIO, Nextcloud, Shinobi) or even as a basis for virtualization.

DPS-550AB-36G – Reliability through hot-swap

Servers in continuous operation must be one thing above all: fail-safe. The new DPS-550AB-36G power supply unit supports precisely this goal. It is a hot-swappable power supply unit that can be replaced during operation – without shutting down the server.

Technical highlights:

• Power: 550 W
• Voltage: 12 V DC output
• Function: Hot-swappable (ideal for redundant configurations)
• Compact design: perfect fit for the RDS2216

If you want to ensure an uninterruptible infrastructure, there is no getting around this power supply unit – especially with a redundant power supply.

CADDY – Fast and secure SSD management

Another practical accessory are the new CADDYs – modular NVMe plug-in units that have been specially developed for the 20 U.2 NVMe slots of the RDS2216.

Why is this important?

Installing NVMe SSDs in data centers can be time-consuming and fiddly – especially if they are frequently changed or upgraded. The CADDYs eliminate this problem. The slide-in units allow the drives to be mounted cleanly and without tools, which makes installation and maintenance much easier.

Details:

• 10-pack for complete server configuration
• Compatible with all standardized U.2 NVMe SSDs
• Robust, easy to handle, can be installed without tools

Anyone who works with large amounts of data or wants to set up high-availability solutions (e.g. via RAID or NVMe-TCP) will quickly appreciate the ease of use.

Complete package for modern IT environments

The combination of a powerful server and sophisticated accessories makes the MikroTik RDS2216 a serious alternative to expensive brand solutions in the enterprise sector. Medium-sized companies, IT start-ups and educational institutions in particular benefit from this:

• Cost efficiency compared to conventional cloud and data center solutions
• Full data sovereignty, as no external infrastructure is required
• High flexibility, for example through container or virtualization environments

The new accessories (DPS-550AB-36G and CADDY) round off the system perfectly – for greater reliability, better scalability and easier maintenance.

Our conclusion

The MikroTik RDS2216 was already a real powerhouse without additional components. But it only reveals its full potential with the right accessories – whether in continuous operation, in a storage cluster or as a private cloud platform.

If you are already using the RDS2216 or are planning to buy one, the DPS-550AB-36G power supply unit and the CADDYs are definitely a worthwhile investment.