MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+in (8-Port 10G SFP+ Switch) vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch)
The Good
- Exceptional value for money, offering enterprise-grade 10G SFP+ switching at a consumer-friendly price point.
- Provides robust 10G SFP+ connectivity, compatible with a wide range of fiber, copper, and DAC modules from various brands.
- Operates silently due to passive cooling, making it suitable for noise-sensitive environments like home labs or offices.
- Delivers solid and stable Layer 2 switching performance, with many owners reporting near line-speed throughput.
The Bad
- Initial setup and configuration can be challenging, particularly with the default RouterOS, which has a complex interface and requires networking expertise.
- Copper SFP+ (RJ45) modules can generate significant heat, potentially leading to performance issues or port instability if not adequately managed or if the switch is PoE powered.
- Some owners experienced hardware reliability issues over time, including ports failing or the unit becoming unresponsive after several months of use.
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.
For network enthusiasts or small businesses seeking an affordable and powerful 10G SFP+ switch, the MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+in delivers outstanding performance and flexibility. Be prepared to invest time in its initial configuration, especially if leveraging its advanced features, but the reward is a highly capable and silent network core.
Read the full MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+in (8-Port 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 CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) · 8.0/10
Owners rate the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) meaningfully higher — 8.0/10 against 7.5/10 for the MikroTik CRS309-1G-8S+in (8-Port 10G SFP+ Switch). It wins where it counts: Connectivity & Ports and Stability.
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