Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM, a router that's been making waves in the networking world. Whether you're a seasoned network engineer or just a tech enthusiast looking to level up your home network, this review is for you. We'll break down everything from its features and performance to its pros and cons, so you can make an informed decision. Let's get started!

What is MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM?

So, what exactly is the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM? At its core, it's a Cloud Router Switch (CRS) designed for small to medium-sized businesses and demanding home networks. It combines the functionality of a router and a switch, offering a versatile solution for managing network traffic and connecting multiple devices. Imagine it as the central hub of your digital life, efficiently directing data packets where they need to go.

This particular model comes packed with 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and 2 SFP+ ports for high-speed fiber connections. This makes it suitable for environments needing both numerous wired connections and the option for lightning-fast uplinks. Think about a small office with dozens of computers, printers, and servers all needing reliable network access – the CRS326 can handle it with ease. The 'RM' in the name signifies that it is rack-mountable, making it easy to integrate into server racks. One of the standout features of MikroTik devices, including this one, is RouterOS, their powerful and highly configurable operating system. RouterOS gives you granular control over every aspect of your network, from firewall rules and VPN configurations to traffic shaping and quality of service (QoS) settings. However, this power comes with a learning curve, as RouterOS can be quite complex for beginners. Don't worry, we'll touch on that later! In short, the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM is a robust and feature-rich device that offers a lot of bang for your buck, especially if you're comfortable diving into the technical details of network management.

Key Features and Specifications

Let's break down the key features and specifications of the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM. Understanding these will give you a clearer picture of what this router is capable of. First off, it boasts 24 Gigabit Ethernet Ports. These ports provide standard wired connections for most of your devices, ensuring reliable data transfer speeds. Gigabit Ethernet is the workhorse of modern networks, providing ample bandwidth for everyday tasks like web browsing, file sharing, and streaming video. Then there are Two SFP+ Ports. These are the real game-changers for high-speed connectivity. SFP+ ports support fiber optic connections, allowing you to achieve speeds of up to 10 Gbps. This is particularly useful for connecting to a high-speed internet service or creating a fast backbone between switches in a larger network. Under the hood, the CRS326 is powered by a Marvell 98DX3236 CPU. While it's not the fastest processor on the market, it's more than capable of handling the routing and switching tasks required for a small to medium-sized network. It also has 512 MB of RAM. This provides ample memory for storing routing tables, configurations, and other data necessary for smooth operation. The inclusion of RouterOS is a major selling point. This operating system is incredibly powerful and flexible, offering a wide range of features including: Advanced routing protocols (like BGP and OSPF), Firewall and security features, VPN support (including IPsec, PPTP, and L2TP), Quality of Service (QoS) for prioritizing traffic, VLAN support for segmenting your network, and comprehensive monitoring and logging tools. The device supports a wide input voltage range of 100-240V. Finally, the CRS326 is designed for rack mounting, with a 1U form factor that fits standard server racks. This makes it easy to integrate into existing infrastructure in a professional setting.

Performance and Testing

Alright, let's talk about performance – arguably the most critical aspect of any router. The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM generally delivers solid performance, but it's important to understand its limitations. In basic routing and switching scenarios, the CRS326 performs admirably. It can handle Gigabit Ethernet speeds without breaking a sweat, making it suitable for most home and small business networks. File transfers, web browsing, and streaming video all work smoothly. The SFP+ ports, when connected to a compatible device, provide blazing-fast speeds. This is where the CRS326 really shines, allowing you to create a high-speed backbone for your network or connect to a fiber internet connection. To get a more detailed view, we can consider real-world testing results. In various tests, the CRS326 has demonstrated that it can handle routing traffic at near line-rate speeds for Gigabit Ethernet. However, when you start enabling more advanced features like firewall rules, QoS, and VPNs, the CPU load increases and performance can be affected. The Marvell 98DX3236 CPU is not the most powerful, so it can become a bottleneck if you're pushing it to its limits. For example, if you're running a complex firewall with many rules and simultaneously using a VPN with heavy encryption, you might see a decrease in throughput. The amount of RAM (512MB) is generally sufficient, but it can become a limiting factor if you're dealing with very large routing tables or running multiple resource-intensive services. In terms of latency, the CRS326 typically introduces minimal delay in packet transmission. This is crucial for applications like online gaming and video conferencing, where even small delays can be noticeable. Overall, the performance of the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM is good for its price point, but it's important to be aware of its limitations, especially if you plan to use advanced features extensively. If you need higher performance, you might want to consider a more powerful router with a faster CPU and more RAM.

Pros and Cons

Every piece of tech has its ups and downs, and the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM is no exception. Let's weigh the pros and cons to give you a balanced view.

Pros:

• Versatile Functionality: Combines routing and switching in a single device, simplifying your network setup.
• High-Speed SFP+ Ports: Offers two 10 Gbps SFP+ ports for lightning-fast connectivity, perfect for uplinks or fiber internet.
• Affordable Price: Provides excellent value for its features, making it accessible to small businesses and tech-savvy home users.
• Rackmountable Design: The 1U form factor allows easy integration into server racks for organized setups.
• RouterOS Flexibility: Grants extensive control over network settings with its powerful and customizable operating system.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve: RouterOS can be complex for beginners, requiring time and effort to master.
• Limited CPU Power: The Marvell CPU can become a bottleneck when using advanced features or handling heavy traffic.
• Complicated Initial Setup: Setting up the router can be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with networking concepts.
• Can be Overkill: Its advanced features are unnecessary for smaller networks with minimal needs.

Who is This Router For?

So, who exactly is the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM ideal for? This router is best suited for small to medium-sized businesses that need a reliable and versatile networking solution. With its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports and two SFP+ ports, it can easily handle the demands of a growing office, connecting numerous devices and providing high-speed connectivity. It's also a great fit for tech-savvy home users who want more control over their network. If you're the type of person who likes to tinker with settings, set up VPNs, and monitor network traffic, RouterOS will be right up your alley. The CRS326 is particularly useful for those who need to connect to a fiber internet connection or create a high-speed backbone for their home network. The SFP+ ports allow you to take full advantage of those blazing-fast speeds. However, if you're a beginner with no networking experience, the CRS326 might be overkill. RouterOS can be quite complex, and the initial setup can be challenging. In that case, you might be better off with a simpler, more user-friendly router. Similarly, if you have a very small network with only a few devices, the CRS326's advanced features might be unnecessary. You could save money by opting for a less powerful router. In short, the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM is a powerful and versatile router that's best suited for small businesses and tech-savvy home users who need advanced features and high-speed connectivity.

Alternatives to Consider

If the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM doesn't quite fit your needs, don't worry! There are several alternatives to consider, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. If you're looking for something more user-friendly, the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X is a popular choice. It offers a graphical user interface that's easier to navigate than RouterOS, making it a good option for beginners. However, it doesn't have as many advanced features as the CRS326. For those who need higher performance, the MikroTik CCR1009-7G-1C-1S+PC is a step up. It features a more powerful CPU and more RAM, allowing it to handle more demanding workloads. However, it's also more expensive. If you're on a tight budget, the TP-Link TL-SG1024DE is a decent option. It's a basic unmanaged switch that provides Gigabit Ethernet connectivity without the advanced features of a router. It's easy to set up and use, but it doesn't offer any routing or firewall capabilities. Another alternative is the Netgear GS324T. It's a good option for small businesses that need basic switching functionality with some management features. It offers a web-based interface for configuring VLANs, QoS, and other settings. Finally, if you're looking for something with Wi-Fi capabilities, the Ubiquiti AmpliFi HD is a popular choice. It's a mesh Wi-Fi system that provides excellent coverage and performance. However, it doesn't have as many wired ports as the CRS326. Ultimately, the best alternative depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider what features are most important to you, and then compare the options to find the best fit. Each of these offer different levels of performance and features, catering to different scales of networking needs.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final verdict on the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM? Overall, it's a solid and versatile router that offers a lot of value for its price. Its combination of Gigabit Ethernet ports, SFP+ ports, and RouterOS makes it a great fit for small to medium-sized businesses and tech-savvy home users. The high-speed SFP+ ports are a standout feature, allowing you to create a lightning-fast network backbone or connect to a fiber internet connection. However, it's important to be aware of its limitations. The Marvell CPU can become a bottleneck when using advanced features or handling heavy traffic, and RouterOS can be complex for beginners. If you're willing to invest the time to learn RouterOS, the CRS326 offers a level of control and customization that's hard to find in other routers in its price range. You'll be able to fine-tune your network to your exact specifications, set up complex firewall rules, and monitor traffic in real-time. On the other hand, if you're a beginner or you need a router that's easy to set up and use, you might be better off with a simpler option. There are plenty of user-friendly routers on the market that offer basic functionality without the complexity of RouterOS. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your individual needs and technical expertise. If you're looking for a powerful and versatile router that offers a lot of bang for your buck, the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S-RM is definitely worth considering. It provides a robust foundation for you to configure to your exact needs.