Newsletter #120 | September 2024

Thu Sep 26, 2024 4:16 pm

Read our latest newsletter and learn more about:

- the new WinBox 4 - available now!
- CRS304 10G Ethernet switch (no modules needed!)
- open frame replacement PSUs for the CRS328 and CRS354;
- in-depth reviews of PoE++ and 100G devices by ServeTheHome;
- RouterOS 7.16;
- your chance to become a MikroTik trainer;
- free 3D files by our amazing community;
- #MikroTips, tricks, Spotted In The Wild submissions, and more!

https://mt.lv/news120

erlinden · Thu Sep 26, 2024 4:31 pm

I absolutely love Winbox 4, have it running on both Windows and Debian!

gigabyte091 · Thu Sep 26, 2024 4:31 pm

Thank god... You put more than 16MB of flash in CRS304, love the new design :D

Maybe there will be more new switches in this form factor ?

lilianmoraru · Thu Sep 26, 2024 5:07 pm

I absolutely love Winbox 4, have it running on both Windows and Debian!

I'll double that. Using WinBox 4 on macOS and Linux( https://flathub.org/apps/com.mikrotik.WinBox ) - I personally like this version more.

olivier2831 · Thu Sep 26, 2024 6:57 pm

CRS304 mounting options are perfect, specially side DIN-rail mounting !

I hope we'll also find an 8 ports PoE switch with the same mounting options, when you need to connect and power a couple of PoE devices (APs, cameras) from a short dept, short width space.

wispmikrotik · Thu Sep 26, 2024 7:09 pm

Hi,

CRS304 switching results are they correct?

Regards,

jgellis · Thu Sep 26, 2024 8:34 pm

Where is Saved connection Group and RoMon address columns in Winbox 4 ?

rushlife · Thu Sep 26, 2024 8:48 pm

@jgellis
it's new, give it a time

rushlife · Thu Sep 26, 2024 10:00 pm

I absolutely love Winbox 4, have it running on both Windows and Debian!

+1
I am also using it everywhere. Linux, Mac, Win. It's still a little raw and undercooked but it'll get better with time.

sinisa · Thu Sep 26, 2024 10:53 pm

Where is wAP AX?

yllwfsh · Thu Sep 26, 2024 11:26 pm

Where is wAP AX?

Agree! Desperately waiting for the wAP ax as well ;)

Bit more patience required i suppose...

infabo · Fri Sep 27, 2024 12:52 am

It is has not been officially announced yet.

Fri Sep 27, 2024 1:30 am

Where is wAP AX?

Still baking

Techknow · Fri Sep 27, 2024 7:35 am

7.16 Blew out my 2.4 GHz Wifi configurations and channel. Only Seeing 5 GHz on RB4011iGS+5HacQ2HnD. Anyone seeing this issue?

lilianmoraru · Fri Sep 27, 2024 8:55 am

Hi,

CRS304 switching results are they correct?

Regards,

Those results do look very bad

mkx · Fri Sep 27, 2024 9:34 am

CRS304 switching results are they correct?
Those results do look very bad

As if they, somehow, only tested the 1Gbps MGMT port?

fox1047 · Fri Sep 27, 2024 9:42 am

Also can't find a block diagram for CRS304.Is it's MGMT port connected to a switch switch chip or directly to CPU?

Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:15 am

Those results do look very bad
As if they, somehow, only tested the 1Gbps MGMT port?

... and didn't pay attention that those test results are not what they were expected to be ?
I mean, why have 4x10Gb ports if the device is only capable of moving 2Gbps in total ?

wispmikrotik · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:28 am

That's what I meant when I asked about the test results... it's like having a Ferrari with a 90 HP Renault engine.

infabo · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:39 am

https://cdn.mikrotik.com/web-assets/pro ... 240945.png

mseidler · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:47 am

I personally don't understand why they were not implementing 2 additional SFP+ ports next to the 4x 10G RJ45, or at least 1 SFP+ port. Why always use RJ45 SFP+ modules for uplink. They are expensive and create a lot of heat.

Due to this it is not usable for me.

BR, Michael

infabo · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:50 am

Why always use RJ45 SFP+ modules for uplink. They are expensive and create a lot of heat.

Due to this it is not usable for me.

BR, Michael

I can't follow your argument. Discussion is on this device: https://mikrotik.com/product/crs304_4xg_in
It does not even have any SFP+ port at all.

lilianmoraru · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:57 am

@normis, the CRS304 YouTube video is still unlisted.

bratislav · Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:20 am

Hi,

CRS304 switching results are they correct?

Regards,

It seems they are missing a zero there (it should be at least 20000Mbps although block diagram suggests wirespeed switch and should give 40Gbps throughput and 80Gbps capacity), otherwise old RB260GS gigabit switch would be 6 times faster:

CSS106-5G-1S	
Mode	Configuration	1518 byte	512 byte	64 byte
kpps	Mbps	kpps	Mbps	kpps	Mbps
Switching	Non blocking Layer 2 throughput	487.6	5,922.0	1,409.8	5,774.4	8,928.6	4,571.4
Switching	Non blocking Layer 2 capacity	487.6	11,844.0	1,409.8	11,548.9	8,928.6	9,142.9
Switching	Non blocking Layer 1 throughput	487.6	6,000.0	1,409.8	6,000.0	8,928.6	6,000.0
Switching	Non blocking Layer 1 capacity	487.6	12,000.0	1,409.8	12,000.0	8,928.6	12,000.0

Fri Sep 27, 2024 11:36 am

Also (but that's my controlling nature)
test results with nice round figures (ending on all 0's), are usually an indication it hasn't been tested at all.
These are no real test results as far as I can see. Too bad someone did not notice this before publishing them.

wispmikrotik · Fri Sep 27, 2024 12:01 pm

They have already modified it, now these are the real results.

CRS304-4XG-IN	CRS304-4XG all port switching results
Mode	Configuration	1518 byte	512 byte	64 byte
kpps	Mbps	kpps	Mbps	kpps	Mbps
Switching	Non blocking Layer 2 throughput	3251	39,480.1	9,398.5	38,496.3	59,523.8	30,476.2
Switching	Non blocking Layer 2 capacity	3251	78,960.2	9,398.5	76,992.6	59,523.8	60,952.4
Switching	Non blocking Layer 1 throughput	3251	40,000.0	9,398.5	40,000.0	59,523.8	40,000.0
Switching	Non blocking Layer 1 capacity	3251	80,000.0	9,398.5	80,000.0	59,523.8	80,000.0

rushlife · Fri Sep 27, 2024 12:03 pm

I really need some wsAP lineup upgrade folks....

Fri Sep 27, 2024 1:47 pm

Copy mistake with the test results. Fixed!

templeos · Fri Sep 27, 2024 2:24 pm

Where is wAP AX?

On FCC currently: https://fccid.io/TV7WAPGR52AX

4L3xN3t · Fri Sep 27, 2024 2:55 pm

maybe I can't understand the typical scenarios on which the project of the CRS304 is based on....
but if I would be interested in buying one I would ask myself "why they put POE in on the 1gbit port?
If I was interested in expanding my 10G router ports capabilities, maybe I would be interested in connecting the router to the switch being able to give it power and having 10G link with just 1 cable at the same time, even considering this is not a 48ports switch and this way you'll end up having just 3 free ports (or being obliged to use external power supply, which could be difficult or impossible to have).

mbovenka · Fri Sep 27, 2024 2:57 pm

Why is the CRS304 not called the CRS305? It has 5 wired interfaces, just like the existing CRS305 does. And there are already two CRS326es, so that can't be the reason.

Fri Sep 27, 2024 3:11 pm

Why is the CRS304 not called the CRS305? It has 5 wired interfaces, just like the existing CRS305 does. And there are already two CRS326es, so that can't be the reason.

Because reasons

Amm0 · Fri Sep 27, 2024 3:53 pm

Another newsletter, and still looking some new products in your nifty "half rack, half U" form form factor(RB5009/L009/...) – like a PoE switch or SFP-only RB5xxxx (to interconnect with other RB5009s in a rack).

- CRS304 10G Ethernet switch (no modules needed!)

That is a nifty device. But spec show a "Max power consumption without attachments: 15 W" and another just "Max power consumption: 21W" — but there is no USB/etc so what attachments are possible that use power?

Fri Sep 27, 2024 4:02 pm

I absolutely love Winbox 4, have it running on both Windows and Debian!
I'll double that. Using WinBox 4 on macOS and Linux( https://flathub.org/apps/com.mikrotik.WinBox ) - I personally like this version more.

Please be careful with installing software from 3rd party sources. This version is not published by MikroTik!

lilianmoraru · Fri Sep 27, 2024 4:09 pm

I'll double that. Using WinBox 4 on macOS and Linux( https://flathub.org/apps/com.mikrotik.WinBox ) - I personally like this version more.
Please be careful with installing software from 3rd party sources. This version is not published by MikroTik!

The contents of the package and the original source is openly available and reviewed: https://github.com/flathub/com.mikrotik ... ox.yml#L32
The builds of the package are also in the open: https://buildbot.flathub.org/#/builders/6/builds/149461 ( https://github.com/flathub/com.mikrotik.WinBox/pull/3 )

Fri Sep 27, 2024 4:19 pm

Thank you for the clarification and links

Fri Sep 27, 2024 5:34 pm

Why is the CRS304 not called the CRS305? It has 5 wired interfaces, just like the existing CRS305 does.

Management-only ports are excluded from the count, as they aren’t meant for general-purpose I/O. Prior art: CRS312, with 4× combo ports, 8× 10GigE, and a 100M management port.

In both cases, the management port is connected to the CPU, not the switch chip, thus does not enjoy wire-speed switching.

mbovenka · Fri Sep 27, 2024 5:42 pm

Management-only ports are excluded from the count, as they aren’t meant for general-purpose I/O. Prior art: CRS312, with 4× combo ports, 8× 10GigE, and a 100M management port.

I have after my previous mail seen the block diagram. I guessed it would be something like that.

Matta · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:14 pm

Why is the CRS304 not called the CRS305? It has 5 wired interfaces, just like the existing CRS305 does.

Management-only ports are excluded from the count, as they aren’t meant for general-purpose I/O. Prior art: CRS312, with 4× combo ports, 8× 10GigE, and a 100M management port.

In both cases, the management port is connected to the CPU, not the switch chip, thus does not enjoy wire-speed switching.

Still, management port is included in the name of CRS305-1G-4S+IN...

mbovenka · Fri Sep 27, 2024 10:49 pm

In the CRS305 that port is connected to the switch chip. In the CRS304 it's connected to the CPU.

Paternot · Sat Sep 28, 2024 2:38 am

That is a nifty device. But spec show a "Max power consumption without attachments: 15 W" and another just "Max power consumption: 21W" — but there is no USB/etc so what attachments are possible that use power?

Each ethernet port draws a little more current with a cable attached. The difference is, probably, how much it would use with 100% CPU without cables attached (weird for a switch, but...) and how much it would use with 100% CPU AND all 5 ports connected and passing traffic.

bratislav · Sat Sep 28, 2024 12:43 pm

In the CRS305 that port is connected to the switch chip. In the CRS304 it's connected to the CPU.

Similar to CRS312-4C+8XG-RM which is therefore not called CRS313...

Rafale30 · Mon Sep 30, 2024 11:39 am

Where is Saved connection Group and RoMon address columns in Winbox 4 ?

Same ! Is very usefull ! Not found

sch · Mon Sep 30, 2024 12:18 pm

Another newsletter, and still looking some new products in your nifty "half rack, half U" form form factor(RB5009/L009/...) – like a PoE switch or SFP-only RB5xxxx (to interconnect with other RB5009s in a rack).

- CRS304 10G Ethernet switch (no modules needed!)
That is a nifty device. But spec show a "Max power consumption without attachments: 15 W" and another just "Max power consumption: 21W" — but there is no USB/etc so what attachments are possible that use power?

10Gbps PHYs consumes more power with longer ethernet cables. Also PoE-In counts as an attachment and usually, the device consumes more power when powered through PoE-In.

Tue Oct 01, 2024 8:02 am

"With attachments" usually means all cables and possible accessories are plugged in and used. If the particular model has no external attachments, we don't change the wording on the webpage.

marekm · Tue Oct 01, 2024 5:35 pm

Why no SFP+ port (or two)?

mkx · Tue Oct 01, 2024 7:49 pm

Why no SFP+ port (or two)?

There are comparable all-SFP+ devices available. I see this one as device for those who don't have SFP+ interconnects in their LAN. This is an "office switch" and not very often there's fiber on the office desk. And not many times office desk is next to closet with core switch (where a DAC would be handy). In such use case, having one or two SFP+ ports would be a waste (even worse if SFP+ ports would be instead of already scarce RJ45 ports).

Amm0 · Tue Oct 01, 2024 8:17 pm

Why no SFP+ port (or two)?

My guess: the additional heat from SFPs requires fan/more complex cooling. See CRS304 (plastic) vs CRS305 (metal).
(& reason alone for the nomenclature variance IMO)

Tue Oct 01, 2024 10:11 pm

CRS304 (plastic)

Check the other pics: the plastic shell overlays a bottom-half heat sink.

The true distinction here is on price: the CRS304 retails for the cost of a CRS305 plus one copper 10GigE module. Add anything more and the 304 wins.

marekm · Tue Oct 01, 2024 11:56 pm

SFP+ DAC cables produce no heat at all, fiber SFP+ modules usually aren't very hot either. It would be nice to have additional SFP+ even with the restriction, no support for copper modules because of power/cooling constraints.

sch · Wed Oct 02, 2024 9:35 am

SFP+ DAC cables produce no heat at all, fiber SFP+ modules usually aren't very hot either. It would be nice to have additional SFP+ even with the restriction, no support for copper modules because of power/cooling constraints.

Users often use copper SFP+ (S+RJ10) modules in passively cooled devices and then write to support complaining that the modules are overheating...

marekm · Wed Oct 02, 2024 10:31 am

Are there (supported by SFP+ slots in MT devices) modules similar to S+RJ10 but limited to 2.5Gbps, cooler, less power-hungry, and cheaper? 10Gb over copper is really pushing the limits, but 2.5Gb is often a nice compromise if 1Gb is not enough.

Rafale30 · Wed Oct 02, 2024 12:17 pm

But, were are the external 5G devices ?
September 2024, watched in the 2019/2020 roadmap and no new about a ATL/LHGM 5G, or, most adapted on a wAP form factor.

Very curious, no ?

abbio90 · Thu Oct 03, 2024 11:59 am

The side din mount of the CRS304 is phenomenal. It would be interesting to make a LTE router with at least 4 ports, sma connectors for external antennas and the side din mount. It would be a great revolution for din rail installation inside electrical panels.

olivier2831 · Thu Oct 03, 2024 2:29 pm

The side din mount of the CRS304 is phenomenal. It would be interesting to make a LTE router with at least 4 ports, sma connectors for external antennas and the side din mount. It would be a great revolution for din rail installation inside electrical panels.

I agree.

For 24 ports or more, 19'' rack mounting is the standard.
For 10 ports or less, DIN mount capability is a major feature.

bratislav · Mon Oct 07, 2024 12:15 pm

SFP+ DAC cables produce no heat at all, fiber SFP+ modules usually aren't very hot either. It would be nice to have additional SFP+ even with the restriction, no support for copper modules because of power/cooling constraints.
Users often use copper SFP+ (S+RJ10) modules in passively cooled devices and then write to support complaining that the modules are overheating...

I see people doing this to cool down RJ45 SFP+ modules in a passively cooled case like CRS305...

Anyways if you need small switch and optic fiber 10Gbps CRS305 with SFP+ is the way to go, if you need copper than this (actually much larger with a huge heatsink) CRS304 seems perfect.

Amm0 · Mon Oct 07, 2024 5:52 pm

That's one way of enforcing the spacing requirements for the SFPs.

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