Introduction: What the Ruijie RG-CS86-12XMG4VS-UP delivers
The Ruijie RG-CS86-12XMG4VS-UP is a 1U cloud-managed Multi‑Gigabit PoE++ campus/access switch built for modern campus networks, high‑density Wi‑Fi deployments and power‑hungry edge devices. With 12 auto‑negotiating Multi‑Gig RJ45 access ports and four SFP28 uplinks capable of 10G or 25G, the RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP aims to simplify deployment while providing the throughput and power needed for Wi‑Fi 6E/7 access points, surveillance, conferencing systems and dense IoT installations. Key highlights include PoE/PoE+/PoE++ up to 90 W per port, Ruijie Cloud management for zero‑touch provisioning, robust L2/L3 features and VSU virtualisation for managing multiple switches as one logical unit.
- 12× 100M/1G/2.5G/5G/10GBASE‑T (RJ45) Multi‑Gig access ports
- 4× 10G/25G SFP28 uplinks (all SFP28 ports operate at the same rate)
- PoE/PoE+/PoE++ (IEEE 802.3af/at/bt) with up to 90 W per port
- Cloud management via Ruijie Cloud plus CLI, web GUI, SNMP and RMON
- VSU virtual switch unit for simplified multi‑switch management
- Advanced L2/L3, QoS, ACLs, multicast and security features suitable for campus environments
Detailed specifications and benefits
The RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP combines a compact 1U form factor with a feature set tailored to edge and access layer requirements. Below are the most relevant technical details and the practical benefits they provide.
- Access ports:12 Multi‑Gig RJ45 ports supporting speeds from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps. Benefit: native support for modern APs and devices that need more than 1 Gbps without requiring separate multi‑gig converters.
- Uplink ports:4 SFP28 slots capable of 10G or 25G. Benefit: flexible, high‑capacity uplinks to aggregations or data centre fabrics—ideal when consolidating traffic from multiple Multi‑Gig access ports.
- Management:Dedicated MGMT RJ45, console port and USB for local troubleshooting and backup configs.
- Standards:IEEE 802.3af/at/bt (PoE/PoE+/PoE++).
- Per‑port power:Up to 90 W per port—sufficient for high‑power APs, PTZ cameras and other PoE++ devices.
- Total budget:Resellers report ≈370 W total PoE budget; customers should confirm the official total with their supplier. Benefit: supports multiple high‑power devices on a single switch, reducing the need for external power injectors.
- Switching capacity:Approximately 440 Gbps and a forwarding rate around 327 Mpps. Benefit: more than enough capacity to aggregate traffic from all access ports at multi‑gig speeds.
- MAC/ARP tables:MAC 32K, ARP 16K—suitable for medium‑to‑large access deployments.
- Resiliency features:STP/RSTP/MSTP, ERPS, LACP. Benefit: standard mechanisms to ensure network availability and prevent loops.
- IPv4/IPv6 routing, ECMP and common L3 features for routing at the access/aggregation layer.
- VLAN support (4K 802.1Q), IGMP/MLD snooping and PIM for multicast environments such as IPTV or large‑scale video distribution.
- Security: 802.1x, MAB, portal authentication, IP/MAC/port binding, RADIUS/TACACS+ and CPU protection features (CPP, NFPP). Benefit: strong access control and mitigation of common edge threats.
- Management: Ruijie Cloud for zero‑touch provisioning and fleet oversight, plus CLI, web GUI, SNMP and RMON for on‑premises control.
- Dimensions: 442 × 220 × 43.6 mm (1U), weight ≈ 3.65 kg.
- Fans: 2 fixed fans for predictable airflow and acoustics in rack installations.
- Power: Built‑in fixed AC power module. Typical power consumption < 120 W (no PoE); full PoE load reported < 370 W. Confirm regional AC input and certification with supplier before purchase.
Use cases and scenarios where the RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP excels
This switch is aimed squarely at edge and campus access environments where multi‑gig connectivity and high PoE power density are priorities.
- High‑density Wi‑Fi deployments:For Wi‑Fi 6E or upcoming Wi‑Fi 7 access points that require multi‑gig links and higher power, the RG‑CS86 delivers native Multi‑Gig RJ45 ports and PoE++ to power APs without external injectors.
- Enterprise access layer:Small to medium campus buildings or floors can use this switch to connect users, IP phones, access points and cameras while maintaining L3 routing and QoS for voice and video.
- Surveillance and IoT:PTZ cameras and specialised IoT devices that need higher wattage are supported by the 90 W per port capability—streamlining deployments that would otherwise require dedicated power.
- Small aggregation/core:With 25G uplinks available, the switch can serve as a compact aggregation point for several access switches in smaller networks.
- Edge digital signage and conferencing:Powering and connecting media devices that need both bandwidth and PoE simplifies room and retail installations.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When selecting an access switch, buyers often compare Multi‑Gig options across vendors such as Cisco, HPE/Aruba, Juniper and other branded campus switches. Here is how the RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP generally compares:
- Versus Cisco Catalyst series:Cisco Catalyst switches offer deep enterprise feature sets and a large partner ecosystem. Ruijie’s RG‑CS86 can be more cost‑competitive while offering cloud management and 25G uplinks; however, organisations heavily invested in Cisco leadership features or specific licensing models may prefer staying within the Cisco ecosystem.
- Versus Aruba CX / HPE:Aruba CX platforms are often chosen for their programmability and integration with Aruba Central. Ruijie competes strongly on price and PoE power per port, while Aruba may offer broader programmability and advanced telemetry in some lines.
- Versus Juniper/others:Juniper EX switches focus on performance and consistent Junos OS experience. Ruijie’s strengths are in straightforward cloud management, strong PoE++ support and VSU virtualisation that simplifies multi‑switch management in campus access deployments.
- Distinctive points for the RG‑CS86:12 Multi‑Gig RJ45 ports in a 1U form with up to 90 W per port and 25G uplinks make it particularly attractive for AP and camera‑heavy deployments. The bundled Ruijie Cloud option provides simple lifecycle management and zero‑touch provisioning that speeds rollouts.
Customer feedback and field impressions
There are no official, attributable customer testimonials included with the product data provided here. That said, field feedback and installer commentary commonly seen for switches with this specification profile highlight a few recurring themes:
- Simplicity of cloud management:Installers appreciate zero‑touch provisioning and centralised monitoring, which reduces on‑site configuration time and ongoing troubleshooting.
- PoE performance:The ability to deliver PoE++ and up to 90 W per port is repeatedly cited as a major convenience for powering high‑end APs and cameras without additional infrastructure.
- Value:When compared to legacy enterprise brands, Ruijie often presents a competitive price/performance ratio—attractive for organisations wanting enterprise features without premium vendor costs.
- Caveats raised by users:Confirming total PoE budget, regional certifications (CE/UKCA) and warranty/support terms is essential before purchase; these details vary by reseller and region.
Conclusion: Why choose the RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP?
The Ruijie RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP is a focused, capable Multi‑Gig PoE++ access switch designed for modern campus and high‑density Wi‑Fi deployments. It combines flexible multi‑gig access ports, high‑capacity 10/25G uplinks, substantial per‑port PoE power and cloud management in a compact 1U chassis. For organisations that need to power and connect bandwidth‑hungry APs, cameras and conferencing devices while keeping operations simple with centralised cloud management, this switch represents a pragmatic balance of features and value.
Pricing reference: suggested price approximately $2,490 (please confirm with your supplier). Important pre‑purchase checks include confirming the official total PoE budget (resellers report ≈370 W), regional certifications and warranty/support terms. When those checks are complete, the RG‑CS86‑12XMG4VS‑UP is a strong candidate for enterprises, education campuses and service providers looking to modernise their access layer with Multi‑Gig and PoE++ capabilities.
