Question 1

Is this a router and switch? Or just a switch.

Accepted Answer

It is a layer 3 switch. A L3 switch is a switch with routing features, so his performance as a switch is equal or better than a layer 2 switch with similar features; the difference is in the routing performance: his performance is a bit lower than a pure router (with the same features). This is because the main motherboard hardware of the L3 switches is built to be a high performance switch. The main motherboard hardware of the routers is built to execute routing tasks, so a router is better than a L3 switch in these tasks. To compare their routing software performance, just see their software routing features (L3 protocols, etc). The performance of a router is mainly measured by his routing hardware capacity, not by his routing software features because the software features are added just buying/installing/enabling a software license and/or changing the NOS (Network Operating System). You can compare their routing hardware performance (between a L3 switch and a Router), looking for the packet throughput (measured in pps
 (packets per second)) and the total BW
 throughput (in Gbps
) in each brochure/datasheet
. The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM has a packet throughput of 178 Mpps
 (is called forwarding rate) and a BW
 throughput of 120 Gbps
. The switching performance is measured by the switching throughput also called switching capacity, 240 Gbps
 for the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM =>
 it is good as router and very good as high speed switch. L3 Switches are good "
cheap"
 solution for small enterprises or SOHO networks, because they replace the router and switch functions, all in one box. If you really need more performance, then you go for a separate real router and a high speed L2 or L3 switch.

Question 2

Does this have the typical loud/jet engine fans in it?

Accepted Answer

The fans do "ramp up" when passing packets and it is noticeable.

Question 3

Is this a smart managed switch?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is

Question 4

Can this support vlans between 1 - 4094 like with cisco?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and lots of info online how to do this. Configuration can be complicated and I've not sorted it yet - but this is my operational setup so have to be cautious. Watch YouTube, buy routers by example and be careful

ASIN	B07VS1XJZ6
Best Sellers Rank	#331 in Computer Networking Switches
Brand	MikroTik
Built-In Media	Hardware
Case Material Type	Metal
Color	white
Compatible Devices	Devices with Ethernet ports
Current Rating	1 Amps
Customer Reviews	4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars (88)
Data Transfer Rate	12 Gigabits Per Second
EU Spare Part Availability Duration	2 Years
Interface	Gigabit Ethernet, SFP+
Item Dimensions L x W x H	1.1"L x 9.7"W x 6.5"H
Item Type Name	Network Switches
Item Weight	2.3 Kilograms
Lower Temperature Rating	1 Degrees Celsius
Manufacturer	Mikrotik
Mfr Part Number	CRS312-4C8XG-RM
Model Number	CRS312-4C8XG-RM
Number of Ports	12
Switch Type	Network Switch
UPC	600168150205
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Upper Temperature Rating	70 Degrees Celsius
Voltage	220
Warranty Description	No Warranty

MikroTik CRS312-4C+8XG-RM – Network Switch L3, 10G, Ethernet (100/1000/10000), 1U, White

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