For my home network I have an RB-450G and I like it. It's running for almost 3 years already without problems. A friend of mine running a small ISP service in the town. His actual server it's an old PC and it seems to fail. I make him proposal to replace it with a Mikrotik Routerboard.
We need a router able to support a external bandwidth of ~150 mbs and ~ 200 clients, each one with shaping (simple queues) and basic global firewall.
Ok, for future-proof let's say 300 megabits per second and 300 clients. No wireless required, no need for sfp port, 2-3 gigabit port it's enought. Of course, if there is wireless, more gigabits ports or sfp port I won't reject the proposal - just saying the requirements.
If it is cheaper than an small PC based on Athlon XP 5350 (~250€ top) it would be great.

What would you recommand ? It's ok 2 recomandations - one for 150 mbs and one for 300 mbs.
Thank you and please forgive my bad English.

1100ahx2.

Ok, RB1100AHx2-LM - no need for rack mount.

From routerboard.com:
Routing 25 simple queues 654.0 429.0 616.0 2,611.8 258.0 3,170.3
Routing 25 ip filter rules 278.0 182.4 262.0 1,110.9 243.0 2,986.0

How much 250 simple queues will slow down throughput ? Also 250 mac filter rules ? Will it handle that load ?

Don't take LM as it has small memory compared to normal version. It doesn't worth the discount.

Ok, 1100ahx2.
Should I worry about 200 mac/ip rules and 200 simple queues or it is able to handle that load ?

Thank you!

With reserve. Don't forget to come back with your results.

If the budget allows, a CCR1009 might have more future-proofing.

The RB1100AHx2 is probably enough for now. But, it is old tech when the CCRs are new tech. You can see old tech as well tested or on its way out.

The choice would come down to budget and individual preference.

Well, I have to convince my friend first. How do I see things: mikrotik has a higher price that a small pc, but: OS is already installed, I can handle configurations (dhcp, simple queues and basic firewall) and it is more fiable. Overall administration time it is much, much lower - something like set it and forget-it. Wish me luck!

Thank you very much for support!

Your welcome. Please keep us informed.