Switches
MikroTik Switches: High-Performance and Flexible Network Distribution with RouterOS and SwOS
Modern networks require intelligent and high-performance switches to efficiently distribute and manage ever-increasing data traffic. MikroTik, known for its highly configurable and attractively priced network components, offers an impressive range of switches suitable for simple Layer 2 tasks as well as complex Layer 3 routing scenarios. The core of many MikroTik switches, especially the Cloud Router Switch (CRS) series, is the unique choice between the full-fledged RouterOS for maximum functionality or the lean SwOS for pure switch configuration. From compact desktop switches and powerful Gigabit and 10-Gigabit models (SFP/SFP+) to 25G/40G/100G aggregation switches (SFP28/QSFP28) – MikroTik delivers professional features for demanding home users, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), and Internet Service Providers (ISPs). Discover the world of MikroTik switches at etree and optimize the performance and flexibility of your network.
MikroTik switches are characterized by a hardware architecture that often combines dedicated switch chips for line-rate Layer 2 operations with a CPU for management and (with RouterOS) Layer 3 functions.
Why MikroTik Switches? The Convincing Advantages in Detail:
- RouterOS & SwOS – The Power of Choice: Many Cloud Router Switches (CRS) can be operated either with the full-featured RouterOS (for Layer 3 routing, firewall, VPN, etc.) or the pure Layer 2 SwitchOS (SwOS), which offers simple web-based configuration.
- Unbeatable Price-Performance Ratio for L2/L3 Features: MikroTik switches offer a feature set that is often unparalleled in their price class, especially for 10-Gigabit connectivity and beyond.
- High Port Density and Variety: Models with numerous Gigabit Ethernet ports, SFP (1G), SFP+ (10G), SFP28 (25G), and QSFP+/QSFP28 (40G/100G) ports for maximum flexibility in media choice and speed.
- Advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 Functionality: With RouterOS, CRS switches become powerful Layer 3 switches, enabling dynamic routing (OSPF, BGP), extensive ACLs, and firewalling. SwOS provides solid Layer 2 management functions.
- Robust Hardware and Reliable Performance: MikroTik hardware is known for its stability and longevity. Dedicated switch chips ensure high throughput for Layer 2 tasks.
- Versatile PoE Options: Numerous models with Power over Ethernet (PoE-in and/or PoE-out according to various standards) for flexible power supply of end devices or the switch itself.
- Ideal for Demanding Home Networks, SMBs, and ISPs: The scalability and feature set make MikroTik switches a good choice for a broad target audience.
- Extensive Configuration Options: Access via WinBox (graphical tool for RouterOS), WebFig (web interface for RouterOS), Command Line Interface (CLI for RouterOS), or a simple Web GUI (for SwOS).
- Active Community and Detailed Documentation: The MikroTik Wiki and a large user community offer comprehensive assistance.
The World of MikroTik Switches in Detail: CRS, CSS, and Operating Systems
MikroTik offers different switch lines, primarily distinguished by their management capabilities and the operating system used:
Cloud Router Switch (CRS) Series – The Flagship Switches with Dual-Boot Option
The CRS series is the centerpiece of MikroTik's switch portfolio. These devices feature a powerful switch chip for Layer 2 forwarding at hardware speed and a CPU that can run RouterOS with full functionality if needed.
- Concept: Allows operation either as a pure Layer 2 switch with SwOS or as a fully functional router/Layer 3 switch with RouterOS. The choice of operating system is made via configuration.
- Model Variety:
- Gigabit & SFP/SFP+: e.g., CRS326-24G-2S+RM (24xGbE, 2xSFP+), CRS328-24P-4S+RM (with PoE-out).
- High SFP/SFP+ Density: e.g., CRS305-1G-4S+IN (compact 4xSFP+), CRS309-1G-8S+IN (8xSFP+), CRS317-1G-16S+RM (16xSFP+).
- 10G Copper and Fiber: e.g., CRS312-4C+8XG-RM (4xCombo 10G RJ45/SFP+, 8x10G SFP+).
- 25G/40G/100G Solutions: e.g., CRS326-24S+2Q+RM (24xSFP+, 2xQSFP+), CRS504-4XQ-IN (4xQSFP28 for 100G), CRS518-16XS-2XQ-RM (16xSFP28, 2xQSFP28).
Cloud Smart Switch (CSS) Series – Pure SwOS Layer 2 Managed Switches
The CSS series is designed for users who need an easy-to-manage Layer 2 switch without the complexity of RouterOS. These switches run exclusively on SwOS.
- Concept: Offers basic to advanced Layer 2 management functions configured via an intuitive web interface. No routing, no OS-level firewall.
- Examples: CSS326-24G-2S+RM (24xGbE, 2xSFP+), CSS610-8G-2S+IN (8xGbE, 2xSFP+).
Operating Systems on MikroTik Switches:
- RouterOS: Provides the full functionality of a MikroTik router, including Layer 3 routing (OSPF, BGP), firewall, VPNs, QoS, etc. On CRS devices, Layer 2 operations are accelerated by the switch chip, while Layer 3 functions and other services are processed by the CPU. This can become a bottleneck for intensive L3 routing on models with weaker CPUs.
- SwOS (SwitchOS): A lean operating system specifically designed for configuring switch functions. It offers simple web-based management for VLANs, port settings, ACLs, Spanning Tree, Link Aggregation, and more. Ideal for pure Layer 2 applications where maximum simplicity and switching performance are required.
Key Technologies and Features of MikroTik Switches:
Comprehensive VLAN Support (IEEE 802.1Q)
Enables network segmentation into multiple logically separate broadcast domains, enhancing security and organization. Supports port-based VLANs, tagged VLANs (trunks), and management VLANs.
Link Aggregation (LACP - IEEE 802.3ad)
Bundling multiple physical ports into a single logical connection to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, RSTP, MSTP)
Prevents network loops in redundant switch topologies by blocking alternative paths until they are needed.
Port-Based Security and Filtering
Features like Port Isolation (prevents communication between specific ports), Port Security (limits MAC addresses per port), MAC address filtering, and Broadcast Storm Control.
IGMP Snooping and DHCP Snooping
IGMP Snooping optimizes multicast traffic (e.g., for IPTV) by forwarding multicast packets only to ports where interested receivers are located. DHCP Snooping enhances security by blocking unauthorized DHCP servers in the network.
Hardware Offloading for Maximum Switching Performance
Critical Layer 2 switching functions are executed directly by the dedicated switch chip in hardware, enabling wire-speed forwarding without burdening the CPU.
Which MikroTik Switch for Which Use? – Application Examples:
- Demanding Home Network or Small Office: Segmentation with VLANs, connecting a NAS with 10G (e.g., CRS305-1G-4S+IN, CRS326-24G-2S+RM).
- Aggregation of 10G connections from servers, NAS systems, and high-performance workstations: CRS switches with high SFP+ port density (e.g., CRS309-1G-8S+IN, CRS317-1G-16S+RM).
- Distribution of internet and local resources in SMB networks with routing requirements: CRS switches in RouterOS mode (e.g., CRS328-24P-4S+RM).
- PoE supply for WLAN access points, IP cameras, and VoIP phones: MikroTik switches with PoE-out functionality (e.g., CRS328-24P-4S+RM, NetPower series).
- As a core or distribution switch in smaller ISP or campus networks: High-performance CRS models, possibly with 25G/40G/100G uplinks (CRS5xx series).
- Simple Layer 2 network expansion with management: CSS series or CRS switches in SwOS mode.
What to Look for When Buying a MikroTik Switch? A Checklist:
- Management Needs and Operating System Preference: Is the simplicity of SwOS for pure Layer 2 tasks preferred, or is the full functionality of RouterOS for Layer 3 routing, firewalling, etc., needed? Is the dual-boot option of the CRS series important?
- Port Count and Types: How many Gigabit RJ45 ports? How many SFP (1G), SFP+ (10G), SFP28 (25G), or QSFP+/QSFP28 (40G/100G) ports are needed for current and future requirements?
- Performance Requirements: What switching capacity (backplane throughput) and packet forwarding rate are necessary? If RouterOS is used for Layer 3 functions: Is the model's CPU performance sufficient for the expected routing throughput?
- Required Layer Functions: Which specific Layer 2 features (VLANs, LACP, STP variants, IGMP Snooping, etc.) are mandatory? Are Layer 3 routing capabilities (static, OSPF, BGP) needed directly on the switch?
- PoE Requirements: Is PoE-out needed to power other devices? If so, how many ports, which PoE standard (e.g., 802.3af/at/bt), and what total PoE budget? Is PoE-in used to power the switch itself?
- Form Factor and Environment: Is a desktop device, a rackmount model (19-inch), or a fanless design for noise-sensitive environments needed? Are there models for outdoor use?
- Own Technical Knowledge and Willingness to Learn: Configuring MikroTik switches, especially in RouterOS mode, requires a certain technical understanding. Are you prepared to work with WinBox, WebFig, or the command line?
- Budget: MikroTik offers a very wide price range, from very inexpensive smart switches to high-performance core switches.
At etree, you will find a wide selection of MikroTik switches. Our detailed product descriptions and the extensive information on the MikroTik Wiki will help you find the switch that is perfectly tailored to your network requirements.