What is the CRS328-24P-4S+RM?

The CRS328-24P-4S+RM is a 28-port standalone switch that combines Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and 10Gbps uplinks in a compact rackmount format. Unlike a standard switch, it integrates a 500 W power supply that provides power to connected devices via PoE. Its distinguishing feature is the ability to alternate between two operating systems: RouterOS for routing and Layer 3 features, or SwOS for simplified management focused exclusively on switching.

What are the main technical features?

The key specifications of the CRS328-24P-4S+RM include:

  • Ports: 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports (10/100/1000) and 4 SFP+ ports for connectivity up to 10 Gbps.
  • PoE Power: Support for IEEE 802.3af/at (Type 1/2) and low-voltage Passive PoE. Guaranteed total budget of 450 W, with per-port output selectable between 26 V and 53 V.
  • Performance: Non-blocking throughput of 64 Gbps, switching capacity of 128 Gbps, and forwarding rate of 95.2 Mpps.
  • Hardware: 98DX3236 CPU at 800 MHz, 512 MB DDR3 RAM, 16 MB Flash memory.
  • Management: RJ45 serial port for console, temperature-based fan control, dimensions 443 x 300 x 44 mm.
  • Advanced features: Support for up to 4K simultaneous VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q), 10218-byte jumbo frames, IGMP snooping, link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad), and ACLs.

Who is it for and in which scenarios does it make sense?

This device is ideal for WISPs and businesses that need to power numerous access points or IP phones via PoE without using external power adapters for each device. The presence of 4 SFP+ ports makes it suitable as a core switch or aggregator in environments where high uplink bandwidth is required towards the main router or network infrastructure. The Dual Boot function is particularly useful if you want to maintain the simplicity of SwOS for daily management but have the ability to switch to RouterOS for complex routing configurations without replacing the hardware.

What to know before choosing it?

It is important to note that SFP+ modules are not included in the package. The maximum power consumption of the switch is 44 W when no PoE devices are connected, leaving a residual budget of 450 W for powering clients. The PoE budget distribution is guaranteed at 150 W for each group of 8 Ethernet ports. Additionally, the tested operating temperature range is from -20°C to +60°C, making it suitable even for environments that are not strictly climate-controlled, provided they stay within these limits.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CRS328-24P-4S+RM support Passive PoE?

Yes, the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM supports both the IEEE 802.3af/at standard and low-voltage Passive PoE. The per-port power output is selectable between 26 V and 53 V, allowing you to power devices that do not support traditional PoE standards.

What is the difference between SwOS and RouterOS on this switch?

On the CRS328-24P-4S+RM, SwOS provides a simplified interface with switching features only, while RouterOS adds routing capabilities and Layer 3 features. Thanks to the Dual Boot function, you can switch from one system to the other via the bootloader settings or directly from the operating systems themselves.

How many PoE devices can I power with the CRS328-24P-4S+RM?

The total guaranteed PoE budget of the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is 450 W. This means you can power up to 15 devices of 30 W each, or a combination of devices with lower power requirements, respecting the limit of 150 W for each group of 8 ports.

Are the SFP+ ports of the CRS328-24P-4S+RM included?

No, the 4 SFP+ ports of the MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM are present on the hardware, but the 10 Gbps optical or copper modules are not included in the box and must be purchased separately.

Learn more on the MikroTik website: CRS328-24P-4S+RM page and official datasheet (PDF).