MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) vs Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch)
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 Good
- Offers exceptional value for its feature set, especially the 10Gb SFP+ connectivity.
- Hardware is generally considered solid, stable, and well-built by many owners.
- Operates silently due to its fanless design and consumes very little power.
- Provides comprehensive managed switch features like VLANs, LAG, and port isolation.
The Bad
- The SwOS web interface has a learning curve and lacks advanced features like HTTPS and a command-line interface (CLI).
- Some users reported initial setup difficulties, including DHCP bugs and issues with device detection.
- A minority of owners experienced reliability problems, such as overheating under load or random traffic interruptions.
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 →This switch offers an outstanding entry point into advanced networking with its SFP+ ports and managed features at a compelling price. Buyers should be prepared for a learning curve with the SwOS interface and consider potential thermal management in enclosed spaces, but for many, its performance and value are unmatched.
Read the full Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) consensus →Our pick: MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) · 8.0/10
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM (24-Port Gigabit PoE Switch) wins on points (8.0 vs 7.7), but the Mikrotik CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24-Port Gigabit Switch) costs $329 less for a near-identical owner consensus. Pay for the edge, or pocket the difference.
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