Introduction
We are excited to review the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, a powerful yet compact switch that offers impressive features for networking needs. With its four SFP+ ports, each capable of reaching speeds of up to 10 Gbps, this switch is designed to handle high-speed connections with ease.
Versatility and Silent Operation
One of the standout features of the CRS305 switch is its ability to run on either RouterOS or SwOS operating systems. If you prefer a simplified operating system with specific switch features, SwOS is the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you require more advanced layer 3 features, routing, or additional functionalities, RouterOS will suit your needs. This flexibility ensures that the switch caters to a wide range of user preferences and requirements.
Reliability and Ease of Use
We have found that the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch is not only reliable but also remarkably user-friendly. The switch has been known to operate flawlessly for extended periods of time, which is ideal for those who need continuous and uninterrupted connectivity. Its sleek and compact metallic case, along with its lack of fans, ensures silent operation, making it suitable for any environment.
Impressive Performance on a Budget
The CRS305 delivers excellent performance without breaking the bank. With 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for management access and impressive data transfer speeds, it is ideal for home and small office setups. This switch provides the perfect solution for individuals and businesses that require a powerful, yet budget-friendly, 10 Gigabit LAN setup.
In the following sections, we will delve deeper into the notable features and benefits of the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, highlighting the experiences of users who have already benefited from its capabilities.
Product Overview
Compact yet powerful switch
The MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch (CRS305-1G-4S+IN) is a compact and stylish switch that packs a punch. Despite its small size, it is equipped with four SFP+ ports, allowing for up to 10 Gbit per port, making it a powerhouse in terms of network speed and performance.
1 Gigabit copper ethernet port
In addition to its impressive SFP+ ports, this switch also features a 1 Gbit copper ethernet port, which provides easy access for management purposes. This allows users to efficiently monitor and control their network.
Dual boot feature for choice of operating systems
One standout feature of the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch is its dual boot capability. This means that users can choose between two operating systems – RouterOS or SwOS. SwOS is a simplified operating system that focuses on switch-specific features, while RouterOS offers advanced routing and Layer 3 features. The ability to select the desired operating system provides flexibility and customization options for different network setups.
Sleek and compact metallic case
The metallic case of this switch not only gives it a sleek and stylish appearance but also serves a practical purpose. The absence of fans allows for silent operation, making it suitable for various environments. Its compact design further contributes to its versatility, as it can fit seamlessly into any workspace.
the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch impresses with its compact yet powerful design, multiple SFP+ ports, choice of operating systems, and sleek metallic case. It is a reliable and feature-packed switch at an affordable price point. Don’t just take our word for it, here are some reviews from satisfied customers:
- “I had never even heard of MikroTik prior to getting this switch. I just searched for the top-rated 10gb capable switch with more than 2 ports and I am quite glad I did.”
- “Using it with SwOS, very straightforward to get up and customized.”
- “4 PCs with 12 disks each (they need to talk with each other a lot) connected via DAC cables to 10gbe SFP+ ports + 1gbe RG45 CAT6 uplink to the external world. Bought exactly 3 years ago. Not a single hiccup. Flawless.”
- “It is a really tiny 10 gig capable network device that is sold as a switch. Capable of running with a dual power supply. If you don’t know networking really well, it can be just used as a 10G dumb switch.”
Initial Setup
Ease of setup out of the box
When it comes to setting up the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, we were pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. Right out of the box, the initial setup went smoothly, allowing us to start using the switch without any hassle. The device comes with clear instructions and intuitive controls that make the setup process a breeze, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Learning curve for advanced features
While the basic setup is straightforward, there is a learning curve to fully utilize all the advanced features of the MikroTik 5-Port Switch. However, this learning curve is manageable, and with a little time and effort, users can unlock the full potential of this device. The switch offers a “Dual boot” feature, allowing users to choose between two operating systems – RouterOS or SwOS. RouterOS provides a complete management experience, while SwOS offers a simplified operating system with switch-specific features. This versatility allows users to tailor the switch to their specific needs.
We were impressed by the vast range of features offered by RouterOS, including firewall configurations, routes, VLANs, OpenVPN Server, NAT, ACL, and more. The GUI interface is user-friendly, and for those who prefer a command-line interface, the switch also offers SSH access.
the initial setup of the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch is straightforward, and while there is a learning curve for advanced features, the device offers a comprehensive range of options for network customization. Whether you are a networking enthusiast or a small business owner, this switch provides the flexibility and functionality you need at an affordable price.
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Features and Performance
Complete management with RouterOS
The MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch comes with the popular RouterOS operating system, providing users with a comprehensive and feature-packed management experience. With RouterOS, you have the ability to configure everything from firewall settings to VLANs and OpenVPN servers. Whether you are a networking novice or an experienced user, RouterOS offers a user-friendly interface that allows for easy configuration and customization.
Superb GUI and SSH enabled command line
In addition to the intuitive GUI, the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch also features an SSH enabled command line for advanced users. This allows for greater flexibility and control in configuring the switch to meet your specific networking needs. The combination of the GUI and command line interface makes it easy to manage and optimize your network performance.
Impressive performance for the price
Customers rave about the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch’s exceptional performance considering its affordable price point. With the ability to connect to 10G ethernet through fiber optic or UTP cable, this switch is a versatile option for both home and business offices. Additionally, the switch offers dual power supply options for added redundancy.
Reviewers have praised the switch’s reliability, with one user stating that their MikroTik switch has been running continuously for almost two years without any issues. The silent operation and compact size of the switch make it a convenient choice for any space.
the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, with its powerful features, ease of use, and impressive performance, offers exceptional value for the price. Whether you are looking to upgrade your home network or set up a small office environment, this switch is a reliable and cost-effective choice.
User Experiences
Positive experiences with 10GBe setup
One user shared their positive experience with the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, stating that they needed a low-cost and quiet switch for their solution development. They were impressed with the switch’s 10G SFP+ capability and its silent operation, as most 10G switches are designed for datacenters and are noisy. They easily connected the switch to their Intel X722 NICs using budget-friendly 10G SFP+ DAC cables and immediately achieved a link at 10Gbps. The user also mentioned that the RJ45 gigabit port was perfect for connecting to the rest of their network, and they found VLAN tagging to be working as expected. They praised the switch’s ease of management through various interfaces, including WinBox, CLI via SSH, and WebFig.
Smooth operation as a dumb switch
Another user bought the MikroTik switch to use it as a dumb switch and had a positive experience. They mentioned that the initial setup took some troubleshooting, but after a firmware update, the switch operated as expected. They changed the password, IP address, and enabled switch functionality for all ports. Although they hadn’t fully loaded the switch or conducted speed tests yet, they were satisfied with its performance and were planning to test it further.
Firmware update and initial configuration
One user shared their experience with updating the firmware and configuring the MikroTik switch. They mentioned that the initial DHCP setup did not work as expected, but after performing a hard reset, the switch came up with the latest firmware and configured itself as a bridge. They made some further changes to passwords, IP addresses, and enabled switch functionality. Although they had concerns about switching to the SwOS operating system and the possibility of bricking the device, they had reached out to MikroTik for more information.
users have had positive experiences with the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch. They have praised its 10G capability, silent operation, ease of management, and overall performance. While some users encountered minor issues during the initial setup, they were able to resolve them and are satisfied with the switch’s functionality.
Usage with SwOS
Straightforward setup and customization
When it comes to setting up and customizing the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch with SwOS, our experience has been smooth and hassle-free. The initial setup process may vary depending on your network configuration, but overall, we found it to be straightforward.
One user shared, “For setup, the instructions said I would get an address from the device via DHCP. That didn’t happen. And when I logged in, it was set as a router. I went ahead and had it download and update the firmware from the Quick settings screen. It didn’t seem to reboot properly after installing the firmware, so I did a hard-reset and it came up at its default address, and with the firmware up to date. This time it had set itself up as a bridge, as expected.”
Once the initial setup is complete, you can easily customize various settings according to your specific requirements. Whether it’s changing the password, adjusting the IP address to match your LAN, or enabling the switch to handle all ports, the process is intuitive and user-friendly.
Great online resources
If you ever find yourself in need of assistance or looking for additional information regarding the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch and its usage with SwOS, you’ll be pleased to know that there are plenty of online resources available. From user forums to official documentation, you can find answers to your questions and troubleshoot any issues you may encounter.
One satisfied user mentioned, “RouterOS is so easy to configure, and there are literally tons of info on the web on how to configure it for any thinkable scenario.” This emphasis on ease of configuration and vast resources provides a level of confidence to users, ensuring they have the support they need.
Considerations for updating to the latest version
While updating to the latest version of SwOS can improve performance and potentially enhance your overall experience, it’s essential to exercise caution to avoid any potential issues. One user expressed concerns about the consequences of updating, asking, “Does anyone know if the performance will change (for the better) if I load this? And is there a chance of bricking it if anything goes wrong?”
To mitigate these concerns, we recommend thoroughly researching the update process and understanding the potential risks before proceeding. It’s also advisable to reach out to MikroTik customer support for guidance and expert advice to ensure a successful update.
our experience using the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch with SwOS has been positive, with straightforward setup and customization, great online resources for support, and considerations for updating to the latest version. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, this switch provides the functionality and convenience you need for your networking needs.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Cost-effective solution for 10GBe setup
The MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch offers a cost-effective solution for users looking to upgrade to a 10GBe setup without breaking the bank. With its four SFP+ ports, this switch provides up to 10 Gbps of speed per port, making it ideal for high-speed data transfers and bandwidth-intensive applications. Additionally, the 1 Gbit copper Ethernet port allows for easy management access.
Pros: Versatile and customizable features
One of the standout features of the CRS305 is its versatility. It offers a “Dual boot” feature that allows users to choose between two operating systems – RouterOS and SwOS. RouterOS provides advanced routing and Layer 3 features, while SwOS offers a simplified operating system with switch-specific features. This gives users the flexibility to select the operating system that best suits their needs.
Pros: Solid and capable device
Customers have mentioned that the CRS305 is a solid and capable device. It is compact yet powerful, housed in a sleek and compact metallic case that operates silently without any fans. The device also supports power redundancy with two DC jacks, ensuring uninterrupted performance. Moreover, users have reported that the switch performs well as a small router and firewall, offering additional functionalities beyond switch capability, such as diagnostics and cable tests.
Cons: Initial DHCP setup issues
Some users experienced initial DHCP setup issues when configuring the CRS305. The device did not provide an address via DHCP as expected, resulting in a need for manual configuration. However, once configured, customers reported that the switch worked as intended.
Cons: Limited documentation for advanced features
While the CRS305 offers versatile features, some users have mentioned a lack of comprehensive documentation for advanced functionalities. This can make it challenging for those less familiar with networking to fully leverage the switch’s capabilities. However, users have found online resources and community forums to be helpful in navigating and troubleshooting these advanced features.
the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, with its cost-effective 10GBe solution, versatility, and solid performance, is a recommended choice for users seeking to enhance their network speed and capabilities. However, some initial setup challenges and a lack of extensive documentation for advanced features may require additional effort and research.
Conclusion
We have reviewed the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, and we are impressed with its performance and features. It is a compact yet powerful switch that offers four SFP+ ports, providing up to 10 Gbit per port. The device also has a 1 Gbit copper ethernet port for management access and two DC jacks for power redundancy.
One of the standout features of this switch is the “Dual boot” capability, allowing users to choose between two operating systems – RouterOS or SwOS. RouterOS offers a comprehensive operating system with routing and Layer 3 features, while SwOS provides a simplified operating system with switch-specific features.
The MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch is easy to configure and offers excellent performance. It is suitable for both home and business offices, especially for those who require 10G ethernet connectivity through fiber optic or UTP cable.
Additionally, users have praised the switch for its comprehensive and feature-packed RouterOS software. It offers a wide range of functionalities and tools, making it a highly versatile device. Despite some concerns about heating when using certain RJ45 transceivers, the switch is well-ventilated and can remain cool with adequate airflow.
Overall, the MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch impresses with its performance, versatility, and affordable price. It is a reliable and capable option for those looking to upgrade their network to 10Gbe. With its compact size and powerful features, it is a worthwhile investment for both home and small office environments.
