The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN, indeed, is a compact, high-performance Cloud Router Switch designed specifically to introduce 10 Gigabit connectivity at an accessible price point; consequently, it’s ideal for small offices and home labs.

Hardware and Ports

Regarding its physical design, this desktop unit features four SFP+ cages, thus supporting up to 10 Gbps per port for high-speed fiber or copper (with SFP-to-RJ45 modules) uplinks and server connections. Furthermore, it also includes one dedicated Gigabit Ethernet port, which means users typically use it for management access or standard 1 Gbps traffic. Moreover, its fanless, sleek metallic case ensures silent operation. In addition to this, dual DC power jacks along with PoE-in on the Gigabit port offer power redundancy and flexible deployment options.

Dual-Boot Functionality and Flexibility

Crucially, a key feature is its Dual Boot capability, thereby giving users a choice of operating systems. Therefore, you can run the simplified, Layer 2-focused SwOS for pure switching functions and high wire-speed performance. Alternatively, you can boot into the full-featured RouterOS (Level 5 license) to effectively unlock advanced Layer 3 routing, firewall, and VPN capabilities, thus transforming the powerful switch hardware into a robust, versatile router. Ultimately, this flexibility offers exceptional value and comprehensive network control.