Your Powerhouse in the Network: 24 Ports with 450W PoE+
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is more than just a simple Ethernet Switch – it's the command center for your Network. With 24 Gigabit ports, all supporting the PoE+ standard (802.3at), and a massive total budget of 450 watts, you can power a variety of devices directly via the Network cable. Whether you're building a system of IP Cameras, operating multiple WiFi Access Points, or distributing VoIP phones throughout the office – this Switch reliably and intelligently delivers the necessary power. Automatic detection of the PoE standard ensures maximum security and compatibility.
The Choice is Yours: Dual Boot with RouterOS and SwOS
What makes this Switch truly unique is its flexibility. MikroTik equips the CRS328 with the ingenious Dual-Boot function. For quick and uncomplicated setups, simply start SwOS – a lean, pure Layer-2 operating system that you configure conveniently via a web interface. Here you manage VLANs, port mirroring, and Link Aggregation in no time. However, if you need full control and advanced Layer-3 functions, you boot into RouterOS (license level 5). This transforms the Switch into a powerful Network tool that masters Inter-VLAN routing, firewall rules, DHCP server, and much more.
High-Speed Connection: 10G SFP+ Uplinks for Maximum Performance
While the 24 Gigabit ports are responsible for connecting your end devices, the four 10G SFP+ Ports ensure an ultra-fast connection to the rest of your Network. Connect the Switch directly to a server, a NAS, or a Core Switch without creating a bottleneck. With a Switching Capacity of 128 Gbps and a Forwarding Rate of 95.2 Mpps, your data is guaranteed to flow without delay. For the Uplinks, you only need suitable SFP / SFP\+ Modules or DAC Cable to unleash the full speed.
Who is the CRS328-24P-4S+RM suitable for?
This Switch is the perfect solution for small to medium-sized businesses, system integrators, and demanding home users. It is ideal for building a robust infrastructure for surveillance cameras, comprehensive WiFi, or modern office environments. Thanks to its Rackmount capability, it can be neatly integrated into standard 19-Inch Racks. If you are looking for one of the most flexible and powerful MikroTik Switches that offers an unbeatable price-performance ratio, you have found it here.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Excellent price-performance ratio with 24x PoE+, 4x 10G SFP+, and 450W Budget.
- Pro: High flexibility through Dual-Boot between the simple SwOS and the feature-rich RouterOS.
- Pro: Comprehensive PoE compatibility (802.3af/at & Passive PoE) with Auto-Sensing on all ports.
- Pro: Strong Layer-2 performance and 10G-Uplinks to prevent Network bottlenecks.
- Note: The single-core CPU limits performance for complex Layer-3 routing tasks in RouterOS.
- Note: No redundant Power Supply, which represents a Single Point of Failure in high-availability environments.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | MikroTik |
| Model: | CRS328-24P-4S+RM |
| EAN: | 4251028602752 |
| Product Code: | CRS328-24P-4S+RM |
| Architecture: | ARM 32bit |
| CPU: | Marvell 98DX3236 (Single-Core) |
| CPU Clock Speed: | 800 MHz |
| Switch Chip Model: | Marvell 98DX3236 |
| RAM: | 512 MB |
| Storage: | 16 MB FLASH |
| Non-Blocking Throughput: | 64 Gbps |
| Switching Capacity: | 128 Gbps |
| Forwarding Rate: | 95.2 Mpps |
| MTBF: | approx. 200,000 hours at 25°C |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports: | 24 x 10/100/1000 Mbit/s RJ45 |
| SFP+ Ports: | 4 x 10G SFP+ |
| Serial Console Port: | 1 x RJ45 |
| PoE-Out Ports: | Ether1-Ether24 (24 Ports) |
| Supported PoE Standards: | IEEE 802.3af (PoE), IEEE 802.3at (PoE+), Passive PoE |
| PoE Detection: | Auto-Sensing |
| PoE-Out Pins: | Mode B (4,5+) (7,8-) |
| Max. Power per Port (PoE+): | 30 W |
| Total PoE Budget: | 450 W |
| PoE Structure: | 3 groups of 8 ports each (max. 150W per group) |
| Number of AC Inputs: | 1 |
| AC Input Range: | 100-240 V |
| Integrated Power Supply: | 500 W |
| Max. Power Consumption (without PoE): | 44 W |
| Max. Power Consumption (with PoE): | 494 W |
| Cooling: | 2 active, temperature-controlled fans |
| Dimensions: | 443 x 300 x 44 mm |
| Form Factor: | 1U Rackmount |
| Tested Ambient Temperature: | -20°C to +60°C |
| Certificates: | CE, EAC, ROHS |
| Operating System: | Dual Boot (RouterOS License Level 5 / SwOS) |
| Host Table: | 16K entries |
| VLANs: | Up to 4,000 (IEEE 802.1Q) |
| Jumbo Frames: | Up to 10218 Bytes |
| Link Aggregation: | IEEE 802.3ad and static |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM Switch |
| 1 x Rackmount Ears (Set) |
| 1 x IEC Power Cable |
| 1 x Rubber Feet (Set) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM function as the main router for my Network?
Yes, thanks to the RouterOS operating system, this is technically possible. It can handle NAT, firewall, and DHCP server tasks. However, its CPU performance is limited for demanding routing, for example, with Gigabit internet connections and many firewall rules. It is optimized for pure switching tasks; for complex routing, a dedicated MikroTik Router is more performant.
What is the difference between RouterOS and SwOS on this Ethernet Switch?
SwOS is a pure, web-based operating system for Layer-2 switching tasks like VLANs and port configuration. It is simple and fast. RouterOS is a full-fledged Network operating system that also offers Layer-3 functions such as routing, firewall, and VPN. You can choose between both systems at device startup (Dual Boot).
What is the total PoE budget and can each port deliver 30W?
The total PoE budget is 450 Watts. Each of the 24 ports can theoretically deliver up to 30 Watts (PoE+). However, it is important that the total budget is not exceeded. The ports are divided into three banks of 8 ports each, with each bank providing a maximum of 150 Watts.
Is the Ethernet Switch suitable for a home office or living spaces?
The Ethernet Switch is equipped with two temperature-controlled fans. At idle, these are often quiet, but under load, especially with high PoE usage, they can become noticeably audible. Therefore, it is only conditionally suitable for noise-sensitive environments like a living room.
Do I need special SFP / SFP\+ Modules for the 10G SFP+ Ports?
Yes, the SFP+ ports are empty slots. To use them, you need SFP / SFP\+ Modules, for example, fiber optic modules for long distances or Direct-Attach-Copper (DAC Cable) for connecting to nearby servers or other Ethernet Switches.
Does the Ethernet Switch support command-line interface (CLI) configuration?
Yes, but only in RouterOS mode. RouterOS offers a powerful command-line interface (CLI), accessible via SSH or serial console port, enabling detailed configuration. SwOS is configured exclusively via a web interface.
Homepage: http://www.mikrotik.com/