What is the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM?

The CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM is a standalone 28-port switch with a combo group, designed for standard 1U racks. The device integrates twenty-two SFP ports, four SFP+ ports for 10G modules, and four combo ports that allow you to choose between using RJ45 or SFP. This configuration enables you to manage a mix of copper and fiber optic connections on a single compact device.

What are the main technical features?

The key specifications of the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM include:

  • CPU: 98DX3236A1 at 800 MHz
  • RAM: 512 MB
  • Storage: 16 MB Flash
  • Ports: 20 SFP, 4 SFP+, 4 Combo (Ethernet/SFP)
  • Performance: Non-blocking throughput of 64 Gbps, switching capacity of 128 Gbps, forwarding rate of 95.2 Mpps
  • Power supply: Dual PSU with failover, 100-240 V input
  • Maximum power consumption: 43 W
  • Dimensions: 443 x 194 x 44 mm (1U rackmount)
  • Operating system: SwOS or RouterOS (Dual boot)
  • Management: RJ45 console port, customizable mode button
  • L2 features: IEEE 802.1Q VLANs (up to 4K simultaneous), STP/RSTP/MSTP, ACLs, IGMP snooping, link aggregation (IEEE 802.3ad and static)
  • Other features: Jumbo frames up to 10218 bytes, 16K host table, broadcast storm control, port isolation

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

This switch is suitable for WISPs and network administrators who need to aggregate fiber optic traffic with a high port density. The presence of four SFP+ ports makes it suitable for 10G uplink connections, while the twenty-two SFP ports cover most backhaul or distribution needs. Dual boot is useful in scenarios where you want to separate roles: SwOS for pure and stable switching, and RouterOS when you need Layer 3 functions such as routing or firewalling directly on the switch.

What to know before choosing it?

Before purchasing, it is fundamental to consider that the combo ports are shared: if you use all eight connections (4 RJ45 + 4 SFP), you must use scripting to decide which four combo ports are active. Additionally, the maximum power consumption of 43 W and the need for 1U rack space must be verified against your existing infrastructure. The tested operating temperature ranges from -20°C to +60°C, with fan control based on temperature.

Frequently asked questions

Does the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM support dual boot?

Yes, the MikroTik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM offers the dual boot feature, allowing you to choose between RouterOS and SwOS. You can select the desired operating system from RouterOS, from SwOS, or from the RouterBOOT loader settings.

How many SFP+ ports does the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM have?

The device has 4 dedicated SFP+ ports for 10G modules, in addition to 20 standard SFP ports and 4 combo ports that can operate as SFP or RJ45.

What is the maximum power consumption of the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM?

The maximum power consumption of the MikroTik CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM is 43 W, powered by two redundant power supplies with an input range of 100 to 240 V.

Does the CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM support jumbo frames?

Yes, the switch supports jumbo frames up to 10218 bytes, a feature useful for optimizing data transfer efficiency in high-bandwidth environments.

Learn more on the MikroTik website: CRS328-4C-20S-4S+RM page and official datasheet (PDF).