Your Silent Entry into the 10-Gigabit World
No more noisy fans in the server rack or office. The MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN is a compact 10Gb Ethernet Switch that consistently relies on passive cooling. Its robust metal casing acts as a huge heatsink, dissipating heat efficiently and absolutely silently. This makes it the ideal choice for noise-sensitive environments such as your home office, recording studio, or a demanding home lab. Experience full 10G power without ever hearing a hum again, and at a price-performance ratio that is unmatched in this class for a Network device.
Maximum Flexibility: Power Supply, Mounting & Software
This MikroTik Switch adapts to your environment, not the other way around. With four Power Supply options, you are prepared for any situation. Use the two DC barrel jack inputs, the 2-pin terminal, or conveniently power the Switch via Power over Ethernet (PoE-In) through the management port. This redundancy is golden and ensures uninterrupted operation of your Network. The CRS304 also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of Mounting Systems: place it on the table, screw it to the wall, or attach it to a DIN rail with the clever adapter. Such flexible Mounting Systems are rare.
Plug & Play Performance with Multi-Gigabit RJ45-Ports
Forget the complexity and additional costs of SFP+ Modules. The CRS304-4XG-IN makes the transition to 10 Gigabit easier than ever. The four RJ45 ports are not only designed for 10G but also support Multi-Gigabit speeds of 2.5G and 5G as well as classic Gigabit Ethernet. The Ethernet Switch automatically negotiates the best possible speed, so you can simply continue to use your existing Cabling (Cat 6a recommended for 10G). This is true Plug-and-Play for your high-speed Network and a prime example of a modern Ethernet Switch.
RouterOS vs. SwOS: The Choice is Yours
Whether you're a Network professional or a beginner, the CRS304 has the right operating system for you. In dual-boot mode, you decide: Start SwOS for an extremely simple, web-based interface that focuses on the core functions of a Switch – ideal if you just need fast ports. Or boot into the fully equipped RouterOS v7 and unleash its full potential with advanced Layer-3 functions, firewalls, VPN, and countless configuration options. This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile MikroTik Switches on the market.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Offers four native 10GBASE-T ports at an unbeatable price-performance ratio for cost-efficient entry into 10-Gigabit Networks.
- Pro: The completely fanless, passive cooling concept ensures absolutely silent operation, perfect for offices, studios, and home applications.
- Pro: Four redundant Power Supply options (2x DC, terminal, PoE-In) and flexible Mounting Systems (desktop, wall, DIN rail) offer maximum integration freedom.
- Pro: The RJ45 ports simplify setup, as no additional transceiver modules are needed and speeds are automatically negotiated, making it a user-friendly Ethernet Switch.
- Note: CPU performance for complex, non-hardware-accelerated routing tasks is limited to approx. 2 Gbit/s, which does not make it a full-fledged high-performance MikroTik Router.
- Note: The powerful RouterOS can present a steep learning curve for Network beginners, although the simpler SwOS mode is available as an alternative.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | MikroTik |
| Model: | CRS304-4XG-IN |
| EAN: | 4752224008954 |
| Product Code: | CRS304-4XG-IN |
| CPU Architecture: | ARM 64bit |
| CPU: | 98DX2528 |
| Number of CPU Cores: | 2 |
| CPU Clock Frequency: | 1200 MHz |
| Switch Chip Model: | Marvell Prestera 98DX2528 |
| PHY Chip: | Marvell Alaska |
| RAM: | 512 MB DDR4 |
| Storage Size: | 32 MB |
| Storage Type: | FLASH |
| 10G Multi-Gigabit Ports: | 4 x RJ45 |
| Supported RJ45 Speeds: | 10M / 100M / 1G / 2.5G / 5G / 10G |
| Management Ethernet Port: | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbit/s RJ45 |
| Switching Capacity: | approx. 82 Gbit/s (Layer 1) |
| Layer-2 Throughput (1518-byte): | up to 39.5 Gbit/s |
| Number of DC Inputs: | 4 (redundant) |
| DC Input 1 & 2: | DC Barrel Jack (5.5mm / 2mm) |
| DC Input 3: | 2-Pin Terminal |
| DC Input 4: | PoE-In (on Management Port) |
| Input Voltage (Barrel Jack/Terminal): | 12 - 57 V |
| PoE-In Standard: | 802.3af/at |
| PoE-In Input Voltage: | 36 - 57 V |
| Max. Power Consumption (with Peripherals): | 21 W |
| Max. Power Consumption (without Peripherals): | 15 W |
| Typical Power Consumption (Idle): | approx. 8 W |
| Operating System: | Dual-Boot RouterOS / SwOS (SwitchOS) |
| RouterOS Version: | v7 |
| RouterOS License Level: | 5 |
| Management: | WebFig, WinBox, CLI |
| Dimensions: | 176 x 128 x 35 mm |
| Cooling: | Passive, fanless |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to +70°C |
| Mounting Options: | Desktop, Wall Mount, DIN Rail |
| Certifications: | CE |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN 10G Switch |
| 1 x 24V 1.2A Power Supply |
| 1 x DIN Rail Mounting Kit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN suitable for a home Network?
Yes, absolutely. Thanks to its silent operation, compact design, and affordable price, it is ideal for demanding home users and home labs looking to upgrade their Network infrastructure to 10 Gbit/s, for example, for fast NAS connections or powerful workstations.
Do I need special SFP / SFP\+ Modules for the 10G ports?
No, that's one of the main advantages of this Ethernet Switch. It features four native 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports, allowing you to use standard Ethernet Cables (Cat 6a or better recommended) directly and without additional SFP / SFP\+ Modules.
Can I also use the Ethernet Switch as a Router?
Yes, that is possible. Thanks to the dual-boot system, you can start RouterOS, which offers full routing functions (Layer 3). For basic tasks, the performance is sufficient. However, for intensive routing or high speeds above 2 Gbit/s, a dedicated MikroTik Router should be used.
Does the device get very hot during operation?
The device gets warm during operation, which is normal for a passively cooled 10G device. The Enclosures are designed to dissipate heat efficiently. Reports confirm that it remains touchable even after extended use and does not overheat.
Which operating systems can I use on the CRS304-4XG-IN?
The Ethernet Switch supports a dual-boot system. You can choose between the very simple, switching-focused SwOS and the fully functional, but more complex Network operating system RouterOS v7, depending on your requirements.
How is the Ethernet Switch powered?
The Ethernet Switch offers four different power supply options for maximum redundancy: two separate DC barrel jack inputs, a 2-pin terminal block, and the option to power it via the 1G management port using PoE Injectors / Power Supplies.
Homepage: http://www.mikrotik.com/
