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MikroTik RB760iGS hEX S 5×Gigabit Ethernet SFP Dual Core 880MHz CPU
Key Features
Brand: MikroTik
Five Gigabit Ethernet ports
1G SFP cage for fiber
Dual-core 880 MHz CPU
RouterOS v7 with advanced features
USB 2.0 and PoE-in support
1 Year Warranty
MikroTik RB760iGS hEX S 5x Gigabit Switch & Router Review
The MikroTik RB760iGS hEX S 5x Gigabit Switch (widely utilized as a highly capable desktop wired router) is an advanced, pocket-sized networking powerhouse designed for small business layouts, remote office installations, and sophisticated home labs. While it retains the ultra-compact plastic form factor of the standard hEX model, the hEX S steps up performance by introducing a dedicated fiber connection and a specialized power passthrough port.
Driven by the enterprise-ready RouterOS operating system, this multi-port device gives network engineers complete control over advanced routing, traffic shaping, and security configurations on a highly economical budget.
Enhanced Hardware Architecture & Fiber Connectivity
At the center of the MikroTik hEX S is a dual-core, four-thread MT7621A MIPSBE processor running at 880 MHz. Backed by 256 MB of RAM and 16 MB of Flash storage, this device effortlessly handles high-speed data distributions and secure tunnel distributions.
The physical and hardware architecture features:
- 5x Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Delivers full line-rate wire-speed copper connectivity across your local office components.
- 1x 1.25G SFP Cage: Provides a dedicated fiber uplink path, allowing you to establish long-distance fiber connections directly to the device without external media converters.
- Hardware IPsec Acceleration: Supports full cryptographic hardware offloading (~470 Mbps maximum throughput), ensuring your secure site-to-site VPN tunnels do not choke the main CPU.
- MicroSD & USB Storage Expansion: Features a MicroSD card slot and a USB Type-A port, ideal for running local network monitoring tools (like The Dude) or storing extensive system logs.
Technical Specifications Checklist
For accurate network mapping, power budgets, and layout designs, precise technical data is vital. Below is the official specification breakdown for the RB760iGS:
| Feature | Specification Details |
|---|---|
| Product Code | RB760iGS |
| CPU Architecture | MMIPS (Dual-Core 880 MHz, 4 Threads) |
| Memory & Storage | 256 MB RAM / 16 MB Flash (Expandable via microSD/USB) |
| Ethernet Interfaces | 5x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 Ports |
| Fiber Interface | 1x 1.25G SFP Cage |
| Operating System | RouterOS (Level 4 License) |
| Power Inputs | DC Jack & Passive/802.3af/at PoE-In (12-57V) |
| PoE Out Capability | Passive PoE out on Ether5 (Max load: 500mA) |
| Physical Dimensions | 113 mm x 89 mm x 28 mm |
Advanced Software Control with RouterOS v7
Running on a Level 4 RouterOS license, the hEX S bypasses the software blockades common in traditional consumer-grade networking hardware, giving you full access to enterprise tools.
Advanced Traffic Engineering
Administrators can configure robust multi-WAN load balancing across several internet links, manage stateful firewall policies, and implement precise bandwidth queues (like FQ-CoDel or CAKE) to completely eliminate local network bufferbloat.
High-Efficiency VPN Tunnels
With built-in hardware IPsec engine support and native compatibility with modern, fast protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, setting up secure remote connections for branch offices or remote employees is direct and low on latency.
Key Limitations to Consider Before Buying
While the hEX S offers unparalleled value for its small footprint, ensure its physical parameters match your infrastructure layout:
- No Integrated Wi-Fi: The hEX S is a strictly wired device. To connect smartphones, laptops, or smart home devices wirelessly, you must deploy independent external access points.
- Passive PoE Out Restrictions: Port 5 supports PoE Output, but it is strictly Passive PoE matching the input voltage. If you power the router with a 24V supply, Port 5 will output 24V—it will not step up to standard 48V 802.3af/at to run an enterprise IP camera unless you feed the router 48-57V directly.
- Main Memory Limits: The 256 MB RAM is highly optimized for small-to-medium offices, but it is not intended to store full global BGP internet routing tables.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between the hEX (RB750Gr3) and the hEX S (RB760iGS)?
A: The hEX S adds an extra 1.25G SFP fiber cage for fiber uplinks, includes a Passive PoE output capability on Port 5, and supports standard 802.3af/at PoE input (whereas the standard hEX only accepts Passive PoE input).
A: The hEX S adds an extra 1.25G SFP fiber cage for fiber uplinks, includes a Passive PoE output capability on Port 5, and supports standard 802.3af/at PoE input (whereas the standard hEX only accepts Passive PoE input).
Q: Can the hEX S handle a full 1 Gbps internet fiber package?
A: Yes. By leveraging the native RouterOS FastTrack feature, the device can bypass unnecessary CPU processing for standard internet packets, allowing it to route near 1 Gbps line-rate traffic cleanly.
A: Yes. By leveraging the native RouterOS FastTrack feature, the device can bypass unnecessary CPU processing for standard internet packets, allowing it to route near 1 Gbps line-rate traffic cleanly.
