MikroTik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is a versatile and powerful addition to MikroTik’s CRS series, designed for network professionals and enterprises that require efficient and robust network infrastructure solutions. This MikroTik switch delivers a high degree of flexibility and performance with its array of ports and reliable build, making it an ideal choice for a variety of network setups, from small businesses to large enterprise environments. In this review, we will provide an in-depth look at the features, performance, and overall value of the Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch, and explain why it’s a highly regarded product in its category.

Product Overview : MikroTik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is designed to meet the needs of users seeking to deploy high-performance networking hardware. With 4 Gigabit Ethernet (GigE) ports and 20 SFP+ ports, this switch provides exceptional scalability for both high-speed data transfer and fiber-based networking setups. The inclusion of SFP+ ports enables the switch to handle long-distance fiber connections, making it ideal for both local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN).

In addition to its powerful hardware, the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is housed in a 1U rackmount form factor, ensuring it integrates seamlessly into server racks and data centers. The switch’s compact design belies its high throughput capabilities, offering a combination of functionality, efficiency, and reliability. Furthermore, it supports both Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching, providing greater flexibility in network management and routing.

The CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM comes with a range of management options, including RouterOS, MikroTik’s powerful routing operating system, which supports advanced configuration, security features, and network monitoring. This feature set enables administrators to tailor the switch’s performance and capabilities to their specific network requirements.

Key Features and Benefits

• High Port Density: With 4 Gigabit Ethernet and 20 SFP+ ports, this switch offers an excellent balance between speed and connectivity options. The SFP+ ports provide a pathway to integrate fiber optic connections for even greater scalability and performance.
• Rackmount Design: Its compact 1U form factor makes it an excellent choice for installations in rack-mounted environments. Whether you are operating in a data center or an enterprise network, the CRS328 fits into standard server racks without taking up excessive space.
• RouterOS Integration: The switch runs on MikroTik’s RouterOS, a highly customizable and feature-rich operating system that allows users to configure their network to meet specific needs. This includes features like traffic shaping, VLAN management, advanced routing protocols, and more.
• Advanced Networking Capabilities: The switch supports advanced Layer 3 routing, including static routing and RIP, providing flexibility and robust functionality for complex network designs.
• Redundant Power Supply Option: This model includes the option for a redundant power supply, offering additional reliability for mission-critical deployments.

Application Scenarios

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is designed for use in a wide range of applications. It is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, network service providers, and large enterprises that require high-performance switching with scalability. Here are a few examples of its typical use cases:

• Data Center Networks: With 20 SFP+ ports, the CRS328 is perfectly suited to data centers that need to handle large-scale data traffic while maintaining reliability and uptime.
• Enterprise LAN: For enterprise networks, this switch can be used to manage internal network traffic, connecting multiple devices across a large office or campus.
• Fiber Networks: The SFP+ ports make it an excellent choice for fiber optic networking, especially for long-distance connections between different locations.
• ISP Networks: Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can use the CRS328 to route traffic efficiently across their networks while offering customers high-speed fiber connectivity.

Ports and Connectivity

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is equipped with the following ports:

• 4 Gigabit Ethernet Ports (GigE): These ports are ideal for connecting devices that require high-speed, reliable Ethernet connections.
• 20 SFP+ Ports: These are high-performance, fiber-optic ports supporting speeds up to 10Gbps. They are perfect for long-distance connections and offer greater bandwidth than traditional copper Ethernet ports.
• 1U Rackmount Design: The compact size of the switch allows it to be easily mounted in a standard 19-inch server rack, saving valuable space in your data center or server room.

These ports ensure the CRS328 can handle both copper and fiber connections, offering flexibility and scalability as your network grows.

Performance and Quality

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch stands out in terms of performance and build quality. With a powerful CPU and sufficient RAM, it handles high traffic loads with ease, ensuring minimal latency and maximum throughput. The switch’s hardware is built to last, designed to perform efficiently under load and in harsh environments, which is critical for enterprise and service provider deployments.

Additionally, the build quality is exceptional, with robust construction that ensures durability. The unit’s fanless design adds to its reliability, ensuring quiet operation in noise-sensitive environments. With a fanless design, the CRS328 operates silently, making it ideal for office and network rooms where noise can be a concern.

Comparison with Similar MikroTik Products

When comparing the Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch to other MikroTik switches, such as the Mikrotik CRS317-1G-16S+RM and the Mikrotik CRS226-24G-2S+RM, there are some clear distinctions:

• Mikrotik CRS317-1G-16S+RM: While both the CRS328 and CRS317 offer high-density SFP+ ports, the CRS328 provides 20 ports, compared to the 16 in the CRS317. This makes the CRS328 a better choice for larger networks that require more fiber-optic connections.
• Mikrotik CRS226-24G-2S+RM: The CRS226 features a combination of 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 SFP+ ports, making it suitable for networks that do not require as many high-speed fiber connections. However, the CRS328’s larger number of SFP+ ports makes it more suitable for high-performance, fiber-based networks.

Overall, the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM offers a better balance of fiber-optic connectivity and scalability for growing networks.

Specifications Table

FAQ

1. What is the maximum speed for the SFP+ ports?
   The SFP+ ports support speeds up to 10Gbps.
2. Can I use copper cables with the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM?
   Yes, it has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports that support copper cables.
3. Does the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM support VLANs?
   Yes, the CRS328 supports VLANs for network segmentation.
4. Can I use fiber optic cables with the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM?
   Yes, the switch has 20 SFP+ ports for fiber optic connections.
5. What is the power supply wattage?
   The CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM comes with a 250W power supply with an optional redundant power supply.
6. Is the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM rack-mountable?
   Yes, it has a 1U rackmount design.
7. Can I configure the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM remotely?
   Yes, the switch can be configured via RouterOS, MikroTik’s operating system.
8. How do I update the software on the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM?
   Software updates are done through the RouterOS interface.
9. Does it have Layer 3 support?
   Yes, the CRS328 supports Layer 3 features like static routing.

Conclusion

The Mikrotik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM Switch is a high-performance, scalable solution for enterprise and data center networks. With its mix of Gigabit and SFP+ ports, advanced RouterOS features, and solid build quality, it stands out as a versatile switch for modern network infrastructures. Whether you’re expanding a data center, deploying fiber-optic connections, or simply need a reliable and scalable switch for your business, the CRS328 is an excellent choice.