MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch

MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch : HighPerformance 10G Networking in a Compact Form Factor

MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch is a compact, high performance networking marvel designed for small to medium enterprises, home labs, and MRHPE grade infrastructures. With its four SFP+ 10G ports and dualboot capability between RouterOS and SwOS, this switch effortlessly combines flexibility, speed, and intelligent management.

At the heart of the CRS3044XGIN lies a dualcore 800 MHz CPU (98DX3236A1), complemented by 512 MB RAM and 16 MB of Flash storage, ensuring smooth routing, switching, VLAN segmentation, and firewall operations without compromise. Its small footprint of 141 x 115 x 28 mm belies its powerful performance, making it ideal for deskmounted setups, wallmounted configurations, or integration into compact rack units.

The fanless design provides passive cooling, making the switch whisper quiet while remaining energy efficient. Dual power options—including a DC jack and PoEin (802.3af/at)—enable flexible deployment scenarios, from urban office environments to remote network nodes. With a maximum power consumption of just ~18W, the CRS3044XGIN is remarkably efficient for a 10Gcapable switch.

Its dualboot OS system offers both RouterOS Level 5 and SwOS, giving network administrators the choice between sophisticated routing features and simple, intuitive Layer 2 switching. Whether for highspeed NAS aggregation, uplink expansion, or experimental MRHPE setups, the CRS3044XGIN presents a compelling combination of portability, power, and versatility.

Use Cases for MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch

MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch excels across a variety of networking scenarios:

• HighSpeed NAS Aggregation:
  Ideal for small server rooms or home labs needing fast data transfers between multiple storage devices.
• 10G Uplink Expansion:
  Provides rapid uplink connections for larger switches or aggregation points, ensuring minimal bottlenecks.
• Compact Data Centers:
  Its small form factor and fan less design make it perfect for microdata center racks or edge computing setups.
• MRHPE Labs:
  Ideal for testing, development, and demonstration of multiGigabit networking in enterprisegrade setups.
• Power Constrained Environments:
  Low consumption and PoEin capabilities allow flexible installation in locations with limited electrical infrastructure.
• Hybrid Home/Office Setups:
  Perfect for content creators, tech enthusiasts, or small offices requiring highspeed connectivity without noise pollution.

Port Configuration and Connectivity

MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch features a carefully curated port layout:

• 4 × SFP+ 10G Ports:
  Highspeed uplinks or device interconnects with support for fiber or DAC modules. Each port handles up to 10 Gbps fullduplex traffic, providing ultralow latency for storage, compute, or uplink aggregation.
• 1 × RJ45 Console Port:
  Simplifies initial setup, troubleshooting, and command line configuration. Essential for MRHPE and advanced networking labs.
• Dual Power Options:
  Includes a DC jack for standard power and PoEin (802.3af/at) to draw power from compatible switches or injectors. This flexibility is ideal for wall mounted or remote deployments without direct access to power outlets.

The combination of highspeed ports and versatile power options enables a variety of deployment topologies, from single unit high performance desktops to multinode microdata centers.

Build Quality, Design, and Reliability

MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch is crafted for durability and reliability:

• Fanless Passive Cooling:
  Eliminates moving parts, reducing mechanical failure and maintenance requirements.
• Rugged Compact Chassis:
  Designed for desk, wall, or small rack environments. Its durable housing withstands operational temperatures from 40°C to +70°C, suitable for extreme environments.
• EnergyEfficient Architecture:
  With ~18W maximum power consumption, it maintains high performance while minimizing operational costs.
• Mounting Flexibility:
  Includes rubber feet for desktop setups and wallmount options, allowing deployment in various environments.

The unit balances industrial grade performance with aesthetic minimalism, making it unobtrusive yet reliable in professional and home settings.

Useful Scenario: Aggregating Multiple NAS Units

For storage heavy environments, the CRS3044XGIN shines:

• Scenario: A small office or home lab with multiple NAS units requiring highspeed transfers.
• Solution: Connect each NAS to an SFP+ port using DAC or fiber modules. Utilize SwOS for simple VLAN segregation or RouterOS for advanced traffic shaping and QoS.
• Benefit: Eliminates bottlenecks, ensures highthroughput backups, and maintains low latency across the storage network.

This makes the CRS3044XGIN a compelling choice for content creators, video editors, or IT teams managing multiple highspeed storage devices.

RealWorld Use: Extending Uplink Capabilities

The CRS3044XGIN also excels as a compact uplink expansion switch:

• Scenario: A mediumsized office with 1G switches requiring a 10G uplink to the main aggregation switch.
• Solution: Deploy the CRS3044XGIN as a 10G aggregation node. Connect multiple 1G switches to NAS or compute nodes. Use RouterOS for traffic prioritization or failover strategies.
• Benefit: Dramatically reduces latency, improves network stability, and supports high band width applications like virtualization, cloud storage, and video conferencing.

Its ability to serve both as a simple Layer 2 switch or a sophisticated Layer 3 router makes it flexible for MRHPEclass deployments.

Comparison with Similar MikroTik Switches

The CRS3044XGIN stands out for its compact size, low power consumption, and versatile OS options, ideal for small labs or highspeed uplink expansion.

Technical Specifications of MikroTik CRS304-4XG-IN Ethernet Switch

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can this switch handle 10G uplinks for multiple NAS units?

Yes. All four SFP+ ports support 10G fullduplex, perfect for highspeed storage aggregation.

Q2: Is the fanless design reliable for longterm use?

Absolutely. Passive cooling reduces moving parts, minimizing failure and ensuring quiet operation.

Q3: Can it function as a Layer 3 switch?

Yes, using RouterOS Level 5, it supports routing, VLANs, QoS, and firewalling.

Q4: Does it support PoE devices?

It can receive PoEin (802.3af/at), but it does not provide PoEout on other ports.

Q5: What deployment environments are ideal?

Perfect for MRHPE labs, microdata centers, home labs, and smalltomedium enterprise uplinks.

Q6: How does it compare to CRS312 or CRS326?

It’s smaller, more energyefficient, and ideal for scenarios where four 10G ports are sufficient.

Q7: Can I switch between RouterOS and SwOS easily?

Yes. Dual boot allows switching based on desired management style or scenario.