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MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM 24 Gigabit Port Switch with 2 x SFP+ Cages (CRS326-24G-2S+RM)
Key Features
Brand: MikroTik
Non-blocking Layer 2 switching capacity
16K host table
IEEE 802.1Q VLAN
Supports up to 4K VLANs
Port isolation
Port security
Broadcast storm control
Port mirroring of ingress/egress traffic
Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol
Access Control List
1 Year Warranty
MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM 24 Gigabit Port Switch Review
The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM 24 Gigabit Port Switch is a highly efficient, budget-friendly rackmount switch designed to act as the reliable backbone for small-to-medium business networks, school labs, and expanding corporate environments. Housed in a clean, 1U metal rackmount chassis, this device combines a dense row of copper access ports with high-speed fiber uplinks, providing enterprise-grade wire-speed switching without the steep price tag.
Equipped with MikroTik’s versatile Dual Boot feature, the CRS326 allows network administrators to choose between a simplified, web-managed switching platform or a complete enterprise-grade routing operating system on the exact same hardware footprint.
Wire-Speed Hardware Architecture & 10G Fiber Uplinks
At the center of the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+RM is an efficient 98DX3236 800 MHz single-core ARM processor, backed by 512 MB of RAM and a powerful Marvell switching chip. This specialized hardware layout guarantees non-blocking, wire-speed performance across all physical interfaces simultaneously.
The connectivity configuration includes:
- 24x Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Delivers full line-rate 10/100/1000 Mbps copper connections for local workstations, access points, and servers.
- 2x 10G SFP+ Cages: Provides two high-capacity 10 Gbps fiber slots, perfect for lightning-fast uplink connections to a core router, network storage arrays, or neighboring switches.
- Passive PoE-In: Port 1 can accept standard Passive PoE power input (10-30V), giving you deployment flexibility if localized AC wall outlets are unavailable near the rack.
- Silent Passive Cooling: The chassis operates entirely fanless, ensuring completely silent performance in open-office environments or shared equipment spaces.
Technical Specifications Checklist
For accurate server room planning, power calculation matrixes, and network layouts, clear engineering data is crucial. Below is the official technical breakdown for the CRS326-24G-2S+RM:
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Product Code | CRS326-24G-2S+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 | 2x 10G SFP+ Cages (Backwards compatible with 1.25G SFP modules) |
| Operating System Options | Dual Boot: RouterOS (Level 5 License) / SwOS |
| Power Inputs | DC Barrel Jack & Passive PoE-In (10-30V) |
| Max Power Consumption | Highly economical 24W maximum draw |
| Physical Dimensions | Standard 1U Rackmount (443 mm x 144 mm x 44 mm) |
Layer 2 Management Flexibilities & Dual Boot Control
The CRS326-24G-2S+RM stands out from ordinary unmanaged patch panel switches by offering dynamic control over local data streams via its Dual Boot operating configuration.
Seamless Dual Boot Capabilities
Administrators can choose their preferred network environment directly from the boot menu:
- SwOS: Boots into a fast, highly intuitive web-based interface tailored purely for Layer 2 management. From here, you can seamlessly configure port isolation, manage VLANs, mirror traffic for diagnostic packet captures, apply basic MAC filters, and enforce port speed limits.
- RouterOS: Boots into a full Level 5 enterprise software layer. This allows you to deploy advanced routing schemes, access standard access lists, run diagnostic scripts, or handle basic inter-VLAN routing policies.
Hardware-Accelerated Switching Features
When running modern RouterOS variants, the onboard Marvell switch chip handles core Layer 2 functions directly in the silicon. Features like IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, IGMP Snooping, and Port Bonding (Link Aggregation) run seamlessly at hardware wire-speed, keeping your main CPU completely free for management tasks.
Key Limitations to Consider Before Buying
While the CRS326 delivers incredible value for dense network expansions, match its specifications with your power and processing needs:
- No Power over Ethernet (PoE) Output: This switch does not supply power to connected devices. It can receive power via PoE on Port 1, but it cannot run downstream IP cameras, VoIP phones, or wireless access points. For a PoE version, look at the CRS328-24P-4S+RM.
- Layer 3 Performance Restrictions: Although RouterOS lets you configure full routing, NAT, and complex firewalls, the 800 MHz CPU will bottleneck under heavy Layer 3 routing loads. For complex routing tasks, deploy a dedicated hardware router (like the RB4011) alongside this switch.
- Standard Single AC Input: The unit relies on an external 24V DC power brick and does not feature built-in redundant internal power modules or dual hot-swappable AC bays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use standard 1.25G SFP fiber modules in the 10G SFP+ cages?
A: Yes. The two integrated SFP+ ports are completely backwards-compatible and smoothly accept standard 1.25 Gbps SFP modules alongside high-speed 10 Gbps SFP+ transceivers and active DAC cables.
A: Yes. The two integrated SFP+ ports are completely backwards-compatible and smoothly accept standard 1.25 Gbps SFP modules alongside high-speed 10 Gbps SFP+ transceivers and active DAC cables.
Q: Is this switch completely silent during operation?
A: Yes. Because it features a highly efficient design with a maximum power draw of just 24W, it relies completely on passive heatsink cooling. It has no internal cooling fans, making it perfectly silent.
A: Yes. Because it features a highly efficient design with a maximum power draw of just 24W, it relies completely on passive heatsink cooling. It has no internal cooling fans, making it perfectly silent.
