MikroTik just announced its first 2.5GbE and 10GbE switch. The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN sports 8x 2.5GbE ports and two SFP+ ports that can run in either 10GbE or 2.5GbE modes. What is more, MikroTik is using a well-known Marvell switch chip inside of this unit.
The New MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN Finally Joins 2.5GbE Switch Revolution
We have been asking for a 2.5GbE switch from MikroTik, and we finally got it. The new MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN is a familiar form factor for the company. The new switch has 8x 2.5GbE ports and two SFP+ ports. While the SFP+ ports run at 10GbE speeds, they are also supposed to run at 2.5Gbps speeds
Something we are a bit nervous about is the power consumption. The spec sheet says the maximum power consumption, without attachments, is 21W and the maximum power consumption is 34W. While this is managed, it is also a lot higher power than some of the other solutions we have tested. It also includes a fan so it is not a fanless model.
Inside there is a Marvell switch chip. This is the same chip that is in switches like the MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN, MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN, MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM, and more.
Here are the key specs:
Specifications
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Product code | CRS310-8G+2S+IN |
| Architecture | ARM 32bit |
| CPU | 98DX226S |
| CPU core count | 2 |
| CPU nominal frequency | 800 MHz |
| Switch chip model | 98DX226S |
| RouterOS license | 5 |
| Operating System | RouterOS v7 |
| Size of RAM | 256 MB |
| Storage size | 32 MB |
| Storage type | FLASH |
| Tested ambient temperature | -40°C to 60°C |
| Suggested price | $219.00 |
MikroTik previously had the MikroTik CSS610-8G-2S+IN. That traded RouterOS for Switch OS. It actually has been running as a simple L2 switch in one of our labs since that review. It was always one that felt like it needed a bit more.[Editor’s note: This was one of my favorite Pandemic-era cover images from the California studio so we are putting the video in here.]
In case you were wondering, that image uses two Aputure P300c lights (Amazon Affiliate link) set to blue with a Nanlite Pavotube set to yellow in the middle on the black table from the STH Blue Door Studio. You can see some of the banding of the blue LED lights in the photo. Those are out-of-camera like that. Hopefully, the new Scottsdale studio will let us take these kinds of images again as we transition to that studio in October!
Final Words
These are exciting times. We have been waiting for MikroTik to come out with new products. It is a bummer that it appears as though 2.5GbE ports are going to be “G+” instead of something like “M” for multi-Gig since that makes things a bit more clear. Still, put these on a list of switches we cannot wait to test.
At $219 MSRP, it is far from cheap, but again, MikroTik is a brand that gets regulatory approvals and has known firmware. Now MikroTik, please make the higher port count and PoE++ versions!
We just updated our Ultimate Cheap Fanless 2.5GbE Switch Buyers Guide today with nine new models with a total of 32 models tested and included thus far. Here is the original video with an initial set. The goal of that Buyer’s Guide is to be an index to all of the switches we have tested and we will link to the reviews of individual units from there.
Of course, if we can get a MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN we will add it to the Buyer’s Guide.
I might consider getting one of these. I’ve got a couple machines with 2.5GB ethernet and have been looking for something to take advantage of it but didn’t want to buy one of the other 2.5G switches because a lot of them were unmanaged.
This just needs POE and I’d have a great switch for deploying Wifi 6/6E to customer sites.
21W with no connections? Yow. My coffee cup heater is only 15W, so I could probably brew a whole pot on that switch.
If it had full multi gig they’d have to stop me from throwing my money at it. And of course it has a fan, copper > gig gets HOT.
Scottsdale for a studio location? Sounds like pricey digs to me.
Nice photography.
@Oracles that’s the stated max power consumption without connections, I would be surprised if these switches use more than a couple watts in idle, but since it runs RouterOS you can run additional stuff on the CPU explaining the extra power consumption needs.
Pretty much all my mikrotik gear is POE powered from my CRS328. I’m guessing this isn’t an option on this switch? That is really disappointing.
As the barrel jack take sup to 57V they will sell you a PoE to Barrel Jack adapter serparately (or you can buy a 3rd party one).
Sucks, but better than nothing.
@wm you can even make your own. A regular passive PoE injector is also a PoE-dejector. Just need cut off DC-plug and repalce it with DC-jack.
Any dimensions on these yet, or is it the same chassis as the other CRS310?
It’s going be interessting to see how it compares to the TP-Link TL-SG3210XHP-M2. Same ports but the TP-Link has PoE
The older MikroTik CSS610-8G-2S+in is currently retailing for $120, and this new model will go on sale for $220, almost double the cost. This is a really heavy price increase, and IMO this is not competitive pricing. There are many sub $100 2.5gb/10gb unmanaged switches that use only a few watts of power. I don’t understand why this switch is double the price, is needs to replace the older model at $120 to stay competitive with the cheapo 4 port 2.5gb 2 port 10gb switches that are $70. It is hard to justify that 3x price for having 4 extra 2.5gb ports and management. For a switch this size, I doubt many will use much of the features of this switch. I just plan to run one vlan, so this switch really doesn’t make much sense.
Jack – stay tuned for our full review of the new model. I think pricing will be a big part of the discussion. You are right that MikroTik is using a significantly higher-end switch chip.
maybe finally I will have something to use as in-between for the low cost 10G and other 1G networks. the crs305 and crs309 – both have problems with the 1G port that when fully saturated resets periodically. I probably could get a media converter for the sfp+ to get a true 1G link on those models but this new one feels like more future-proof solution for mixing 10G fiber and 2.5G…