CRS106-1C-5S Switch Overview

Mikrotik CRS106-1C-5S is a compact Layer 3 managed switch, the device is designed for use in enterprise networks using long distance communication channels. The model is driven by a single-core central processor manufactured by Qualcomm Atheros QCA8511 with a clock frequency of 400 MHz. The amount of DDR2 RAM is 128MB. Additionally, the router is controlled by the RouterOS Level 5 operating system, which allows to use it as programmable router.

On the front panel of the CRS106-1C-5S, there are 5 SFP slots for 1.25G optical modules and a DC slot for the network adapter. On the back, there is an RJ-45 console connector and one combo Gigabit Ethernet/SFP port that supports passive PoE technology. Thus, the equipment can be powered with twisted-pair cable (maximum allowable voltage is 30V). One significant advantage of this model is its compatibility with legacy 100BASE-LX, 100BASE-SX and 100BASE-BX SFP modules, making it a convenient solution for expanding and scaling existing IT infrastructure. The device is delivered in a modest carton typical for Mikrotik. Apart from the device itself and the power supply for it (24V, 0.8A), the box contains only a leaflet with a brief description of the switch and connection recommendations. Further instructions are suggested on the company wiki.

The performance of the processor itself allows to generate the stream and receive them at the level:

• Rx: UDP 350Mbps
• Tx: UDP 100Mbps
• Rx: TCP 23Mbps
• Tx: TCP 14Mbps

NOTE: The above tests do not reflect the actual performance of this switch, but are only a guide for evaluating performance in routing mode.

In conclusion, Mikrotik CRS106-1C-5S is a decent switch for its price. The device has many management options via Router OS, although one should be careful during configuration and not overload the device with unnecessary functions. In our opinion, it is an ideal switch for distributing optical fiber installations in small LANs or simply for carriers. In fact, the only thing Mikrotik can be accused of nowadays is not releasing a model with 1 SFP port and 4-5 SFP ports, as a last mile switch.

Disadvantages:

• Factory enabled Hotspot, PPP, Wireless software packages.
• No support for 48V "industrial" power or at least 802.3at/af.
• No IGMP Snooping support per VLAN (the whole CRS1xx series).
• DHCP Snooping possible only on one VLAN ID.

Advantages:

• Power supply via PoE IN.
• Price.
• RouterOS features.