MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)
The Good
- Provides excellent value for money, making 10 Gigabit networking affordable for home and small office setups
- Delivers high 10 Gigabit per second (10Gbps) data transfer speeds, performing reliably as a Layer 2 switch
- Features a compact, fanless design for silent operation, suitable for various environments
- Offers robust management capabilities and dual operating systems (RouterOS/SwOS) for advanced configurations like VLANs
The Bad
- The device frequently runs hot, especially when using copper SFP+ modules, often requiring external cooling to maintain optimal performance and stability
- Initial setup and configuration, particularly when switching between RouterOS and SwOS or managing advanced features, can be complex and non-intuitive for many users
- Its routing capabilities are generally considered underpowered, leading to significant performance degradation if used as a router
The Good
- Exceptional value for money, offering enterprise-grade features at a competitive price.
- Robust connectivity with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, versatile PoE, and four 10Gbps SFP+ uplinks.
- Solid stability and performance, with many users reporting reliable operation over extended periods.
- Comprehensive feature set including advanced routing, VLANs, LACP, and CAPsMAN for experienced users.
The Bad
- Initial setup presents a steep learning curve, requiring advanced networking knowledge.
- Concerns about quality control, with reports of loose internal screws on arrival.
- Some users experienced fan cycling issues or found the default fans noisy.
- Security hardening is essential and not straightforward, requiring manual firewall rule configuration.
- A few reports of units failing prematurely after a few months of use.
The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in is an outstanding choice for those seeking an affordable and high-performing 10 Gigabit SFP+ switch. While its advanced configuration and thermal management may present initial challenges, its core switching functionality and value are difficult to beat.
Read the full MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) consensus →For experienced network administrators or prosumers seeking powerful, feature-rich switching and routing capabilities at an outstanding price, this device is a strong contender, provided they are prepared for a challenging initial configuration.
Read the full MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) consensus →Our pick: MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) · 8.2/10
It's close. The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+in (10G SFP+ Switch) edges it, 8.2/10 to 8.0/10, on the strength of Ease of Assembly and Reliability & Endurance.
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