MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch: HighPerformance, Silent, and Flexible Networking

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch is a powerhouse designed to combine silent operation, high performance, and MRHPE grade versatility. With 24 Gigabit RJ45 ports and 2 SFP+ 10G cages, this switch seamlessly connects copper and fiber networks, delivering 52 Gbps switching capacity and 78 Mpps forwarding rate. Its dual switch chips ensure wire speed performance across all ports, making it ideal for demanding small to medium enterprise networks, MRHPE labs, and high density office setups.

Powered by a dual core 800 MHz 98DX3236 CPU, complemented with 512 MB RAM and 16 MB flash storage, the MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch supports both RouterOS and SwOS through dual boot functionality. This allows administrators to choose between full Layer 3 routing capabilities with advanced management or a simplified, streamlined Layer 2 switching experience.

Passive, fan less cooling guarantees silent operation, an unusual but highly desirable feature in noise sensitive environments. Despite its low power consumption of roughly 19W, this switch provides enter prise grade features, including VLAN support (802.1Q and QinQ), basic static routing, and wire speed packet forwarding. Its compact 285 x 144 x 44 mm form factor allows easy integration into desktops, racks, or wallmounted configurations, all while operating efficiently on 18–30 V DC power input.

This switch bridges highspeed connectivity with low noise and energy efficiency, offering a practical MRHPE grade solution for modern network infrastructure.

Use Cases and Applications

The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch excels in a variety of scenarios where performance, noise reduction, and flexibility are essential:

• Small to Medium Enterprise Networks: Handles numerous workstations, VoIP phones, printers, and servers simultaneously, ensuring stable connectivity.
• MRHPE Home Labs: Supports VLAN segmentation, static routing, and highspeed fiber uplinks, making it ideal for network testing and simulations.
• Silent Offices or Studios: Fan less design allows installation in environments sensitive to noise without compromising network performance.
• Fiber Enhanced Networks: SFP+ ports enable long distance uplinks, connecting multiple office floors or remote access switches.
• Branch Offices: Compact footprint and dual boot OS options simplify management while providing enter prise grade reliability.

The MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch thrives in environments where both performance and discretion matter, balancing raw speed with unobtrusive operation.

Ports and Connectivity

Connectivity is one of the defining strengths of this switch:

• 24 × Gigabit RJ45 Ports: Provides fast, reliable connectivity for desktops, access points, and IP cameras.
• 2 × 10G SFP+ Cages: Allows fiber uplinks for highspeed backbone connections or data center aggregation.
• Dual Switch Chips: Wire speed forwarding on all ports ensures traffic moves efficiently without latency.
• VLAN and QinQ Support: Enables traffic segmentation for security and performance optimization in complex networks.

This combination of ports allows seamless integration into mixed copper and fiber environments, supporting scalable growth while maintaining MRHPE grade performance standards.

Ideal for Silent Offices

Unlike conventional enterprise switches that rely on fans and generate ambient noise, MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch uses passive, fanless cooling. This design feature:

• Eliminates distracting operational noise, perfect for libraries, studios, and quiet offices.
• Reduces mechanical failure points, extending device lifespan.
• Enhances energy efficiency, consuming only ~19W, making it cost effective over long term use.

Its silent operation does not compromise performance. Wire speed forwarding across all 24 Gigabit ports and 2 SFP+ uplinks ensures that highspeed traffic is managed efficiently even under full load.

Dual Boot Flexibility

One of the standout features of MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch is it’s dual boot capability:

• RouterOS: Provides advanced Layer 3 routing, firewall, NAT, VLAN management, QoS, and monitoring tools. Ideal for MRHPE setups or networks requiring finegrained control.
• SwOS: Streamlined Layer 2 switching for administrators who prefer simplicity, focusing on VLANs, link aggregation, and basic network monitoring.

This flexibility allows the switch to adapt to different network requirements without hardware modifications, reducing complexity and futureproofing network infrastructure.

Comparison with Similar MikroTik Models

MikroTik CRS326-24G-2S+IN Switch is best suited for environments prioritizing silence and compact deployment, while higherend models offer PoE support and additional uplinks for larger infrastructures.

Technical Specifications Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can the CRS32624G2S+IN operate in MRHPE home labs?

Yes, its dualcore CPU, 512 MB RAM, and dualboot OS make it ideal for lab environments requiring VLAN segmentation and routing.

2. Is it suitable for silent offices?

Absolutely. Its fanless design ensures nearsilent operation, making it perfect for noisesensitive environments.

3. Can the SFP+ ports be used for 10G uplinks?

Yes, the two 10G SFP+ cages support highspeed fiber or copper uplinks for backbone connections.

4. Does it support VLAN and QinQ tagging?

Yes, the switch fully supports 802.1Q VLANs and QinQ, allowing traffic isolation and hierarchical network segmentation.

5. What is the power requirement?

The CRS32624G2S+IN operates on 18–30 V DC and consumes roughly 19W, offering energyefficient deployment options.