The MikroTik CSS318-16G-S+IN is straightforward in its approach. It is a 16 port 1GbE switch with two SFP+ 10G ports making it a bit less exciting than some of the recent 2.5GbE and PoE offerings we have seen from MikroTik. At the same time, it is designed to be less costly and to fit in 10″ racks as you may have seen from our recent Kenuco SOHO Mini 10in Rack Review. If you are looking for low-cost 1GbE connectivity in a half-rack 10″ form factor, for devices like the Raspberry Pi or NVIDIA Jetson Orin kits, then this might just be the best option out there.
As always, we have a video for this one:
We suggest watching the video in its own browser, tab, or app for the best viewing experience. Also, MikroTik sent us this unit before we could buy it so we have to say this is sponsored.
MikroTik CSS318-16G-S+IN External Hardware Overview
The switch itself is a desktop switch and comes with rubber feet, but it is also a 1U rack height switch designed to fit side-by-side in a 19″ rack or alone in the confines of a 10″ rack. We are going to have a section on that 10″ rack installation in this review.
On the left side we get a reset button along with sixteen 1GbE ports.
On the right side, we get our two SFP+ ports for 10G connectivity.
Something missing from the front is a lower-speed management port or a PoE-in port. Those are part of the cost optimization regime.
On the sides, we get vents.
On the rear, we see more vents.
We also get a three-prong AC power input. This switch does its AC-DC conversion internally.
On the bottom, we get a label and we stuck on the included rubber feet.
Next, let us get inside the switch.
MikroTik CSS318-16G-S+IN Internal Hardware Overview
The lid pops off using only a few screws.
Inside we can see a compact layout with the switch PCB taking up almost the entire interior of the chassis.
The switch chip is a Marvell Prestera 98DX2518.
At the top, we can see our AC input.
In the center is the Pairui AC-DC converter.
This is different from many of MikroTik’s other switches that have an internal power supply that is on a different assembly than the main switch PCB. Here it is all integrated.
Next, let us discuss management.
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Needs 2.5Gb
If they release this with 4 SFP+ and 2.5GbE it’s going to be a best seller I think. Should easily be possible with the new Marvell Prestera chips that Mikrotik uses.
Why do companies keep releasing new products with 1GbE ports? Very frustrating when I see something that checks all but one box. Feels like I’m back in 2003 when looking for gigabit devices and running into 100Mbit products everywhere.
I agree with David – if they were to release this with 4x SFP+ ports AND 2.5GbE on the rest of the switch, it would hands-down be one of if not THE most flexible and desirable home/small-business switches on the market. 10 inch rack compatibility or not.
A bunch of gigabit jacks and just two SFP+ ports though? Meh, pass.