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MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM 24 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch-(CRS328-24P-4S+RM)
Key Features
Brand: MikroTik
Non-blocking Layer 2 switching capacity
24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
4 SFP+ ports
RJ45 serial console port
Non-Blocking throughput: 64 Gbps
Switching capacity: 128 Gbps
Forwarding rate: 95.2 Mpps
Maximum power consumption: 44 W (without PoE devices connected)
Supports PoE+ IEEE 802.3at/af and 26 V Passive PoE)
Temperature based fan control
1U rackmount
Selectable power output per port (26 / 53 V)
1 Year Warranty
MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM 24 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch Review
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM 24 Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch is an enterprise-grade, high-density power distribution and distribution layer switch engineered for corporate infrastructure, surveillance hubs, and demanding multi-AP installations. Housed in a heavy-duty, 1U rackmount chassis, this system integrates massive power output potential with lightning-fast fiber uplinks to anchor complex business networks.
As part of MikroTik’s Cloud Router Switch (CRS) lineup, it features a versatile Dual Boot configuration, allowing administrators to choose between an efficient, switching-only system or a full enterprise routing platform without changing hardware.
High-Density Power Infrastructure & Interface Layout
At the core of the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is a specialized 98DX3236 800 MHz single-core processor, supported by 512 MB of RAM and hardware-assisted line-rate switching blocks. This infrastructure is purpose-built to deliver immense electrical loads alongside high-speed data streams.
The physical architecture and connectivity suite features:
- 24x Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Providing massive copper density for server rooms, workstations, and high-capacity network endpoints.
- 4x 10G SFP+ Cages: Enables ultra-high-speed 10 Gbps fiber backplane connectivity to core storage arrays, upstream routers, or neighboring server switches.
- High-Capacity Independent PoE Out: Each of the 24 RJ45 ports features independent, automated power configuration to cleanly manage downstream devices.
- Integrated 500W Power Supply: A robust internal power supply delivers a massive 450W dedicated PoE power budget directly out of the box.
Technical Specifications Checklist
For data-center space allocations, thermal loading projections, and electrical distribution plans, precise engineering statistics matter. Below is the technical breakdown for the CRS328-24P-4S+RM:
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CRS328-24P-4S+RM |
| CPU Architecture | ARM 32-bit (Single-Core 800 MHz) |
| Memory & Storage | 512 MB RAM / 16 MB Flash |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 24x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ports |
| Fiber Interfaces | 4x 10G SFP+ Cages (Backwards compatible with 1.25G SFP) |
| PoE Standards Supported | 802.3af/at (Type 1 & 2) and 24V Passive PoE |
| Total PoE Power Budget | 450 Watts |
| Operating System Options | Dual Boot: RouterOS (Level 5) / SwOS |
| Physical Dimensions | Standard 1U Rackmount (443 mm x 300 mm x 44 mm) |
Enterprise Flexibilities: Dual Boot & Smart PoE
The CRS328-24P-4S+RM distinguishes itself from standard rackmount options through its adaptive control systems and dynamic hardware execution.
Dual Boot Operating System Choice
Network engineers can choose the ideal software environment at startup:
- SwOS: Boot into a lightweight, high-performance web interface designed strictly for lightning-fast Layer 2 switching, VLAN configuration, and basic port mirroring.
- RouterOS: Boot into a full Level 5 environment to implement advanced Layer 3 functionalities like inter-VLAN routing, dynamic OSPF configurations, stateful firewalls, and complex network accounting tools.
Universal, Self-Negotiating PoE Output
The switch simplifies peripheral installations by cleanly supporting multiple power standards simultaneously. It automatically senses the power demands of connected hardware and safely delivers 802.3af/at Mode B (48V) or 24V Passive PoE down the copper line. Each port includes customizable current limits and remote power cycle capabilities.
Key Limitations to Consider Before Buying
While the CRS328-24P-4S+RM offers premier value, keep these integration parameters in mind when finalizing your layout blueprints:
- Layer 3 Routing Throughput Limits: While RouterOS allows you to configure full corporate routing policies, the 800 MHz CPU is optimized primarily for switching. High-bandwidth inter-VLAN routing or heavy NAT rules will place constraints on the processor. For heavy Layer 3 workloads, use a dedicated hardware router alongside this switch.
- Acoustic Profile: Driving a 450W power budget generates heat. The system relies on internal temperature-controlled fans that ramp up under high PoE loads, making it best suited for dedicated IT closets or server cabinets rather than quiet desktop placements.
- No Redundant Power Inputs: The chassis runs on a single integrated 500W power supply and does not feature a secondary hot-swappable AC power bay or external DC backup input.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mix 24V Passive PoE and standard 802.3af/at devices on the same switch?
A: Yes. The onboard controller manages each port independently. You can run high-voltage IP cameras alongside low-voltage legacy access points without worrying about electrical mismatch damage.
A: Yes. The onboard controller manages each port independently. You can run high-voltage IP cameras alongside low-voltage legacy access points without worrying about electrical mismatch damage.
Q: Does it support 10 Gbps speeds on all fiber ports?
A: Yes. All four SFP+ cages operate at full 10 Gbps speeds and comfortably support standard transceivers, active DAC cables, or standard 1.25 Gbps SFP modules.
A: Yes. All four SFP+ cages operate at full 10 Gbps speeds and comfortably support standard transceivers, active DAC cables, or standard 1.25 Gbps SFP modules.
