Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S IN switch overview

There are a few products that we can wholeheartedly recommend, one of them undoubtedly is the eponymous Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S IN. This is a reliable compact switch with four SFP ports at 10GB/s per port. Additionally, the device is equipped with one 1GB/s Ethernet port for access control. Also note the 2 independent DC IN (12-57V) inputs, where one of them acts as a backup power source. All this is complemented by very elegant and compact casing that does not contain a fan, which ensures even quieter operation of the device.

Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S is equipped with an efficient ARM 32bit 98DX3236A1 processor with a clock frequency of 800MHz. Data storage is provided by 512MB of RAM and 16MB of Flash memory, which guarantees reliable operation of the CRS305-1G-4S. To control the device the manufacturer has provided the proprietary RouterOS operating system, which has an intuitive graphical interface for quick configuration of the switch. Both installation and organization is relatively easy even for novice customers, thanks to a quick installation kit. In addition to the RouterOS, the manufacturer also provides us with a second operating system, SwOS, which we can use when using the device in non-routing switch mode.

On the front of the Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S IN or "business end" we find 5 ports. On the far left there is a Gigabit Ethernet port that we can use to connect to the Gigabit network. Usually it will be used in our network for management, it is worth to emphasize that this port has a special power supply function through PoE. The device itself requires so little power that we can power it through the PoE input itself, minimizing the number of unnecessary cables. The remaining 4 ports are SFP ports.

On the side of the switch Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S we can see LED indicators of the device (ports, network operation), and a RESET button - restoring factory settings. It is a pity that the manufacturer has not applied them next to the SFP+ connections, it would definitely make recognizing which LED indicators correspond to which ports easier, but in this price range it is a fully acceptable solution.

On the back of the device we find one of the most unique features of this switch. Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S is equipped with two power inputs (DC 12-57V). We must admit that the manufacturer has taken care to allow for an uninterrupted operation of the switch, thanks to the two options of emergency power supply you do not have to worry about the device disconnecting at the most inappropriate moment.

The device is supplied in a compact metal enclosure (141 x 115 x 28 mm), equipped with a passive cooling system - the vents are located throughout the case. With such a solution, one should remember to place the switch in a place where it is not exposed to flooding. It is also worth noting that the device heats up during operation, so make sure that no one touches it.

The following tests do not reflect the actual performance of this switch, but are only a guide for evaluating performance in routing mode. The performance of the processor alone can generate a stream of data and receive it up to a level:

• Rx: UDP 976Mbps
• Tx: UDP 941Mbps
• Rx: TCP 370Mbps
• Tx: TCP 279Mbps

Technical Specifications MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S :

1G Ethernet	-
10G Ethernet	-
1G combo	-
10G Combo	-
SFP	-
SFP	4
Redundant PoE	Yes, 3
PoE IN	802.3af/at
Power supply	18-57V
PoE OUT	-

CPE btest

Rx UDP	976Mbps
Tx UDP	941Mbps
Rx TCP	370Mbps
Tx TCP	279Mbps
Jumbo	10218
Switch Chip	98DX3236

HW-OFF

STP/RSTP	+
MSTP	+
IGMP Snooping	+
DHCP Snooping	+
Vlan Filtering	+
Bonding	+

Mikrotik CRS305-1G-4S IN in design is an ideal device for those who need to provide fiber retransmission point on 10G inserts. In this price range, having a low-voltage, inexpensive, and low-noise 10GbE switch is something that definitely makes bonding direct connections easier. By adding other inexpensive Mikrotik devices such as 24x1GbE switches that also support SFP networking we can create an inexpensive and still reasonably fast network. Of course, you have to keep in mind that this is just a switch with good management, which is unlikely to perform the function of routing actual traffic, but is only required to work at the management layer or in moments of diagnostics.

Disadvantages:

• Factory enabled Hotspot, PPP, Wireless software packages

Pros:

• RouterOS access.
• Relatively efficient processor.
• PoE IN 802.3af/at.
• the power cord mount is secured against sliding out.
• Metal case and case grounding.
• Dual Boot (RouterOS and SwitchOS).
• Hardware support for: IGMP Snooping, STP/RSTP/MSTP, VLAN Filtering, Bonding.