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MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN vs TP-Link TL-SG108S

Researched, not hands-on tested.How we review ›

all judged against network switches at a similar price

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN scores 7.8/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-SG108S at 5.9/10.

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN leads on port speeds, management, port count and uplinks and firmware and support.

The TP-Link TL-SG108S leads on noise and efficiency.

They score the same on poE.

The biggest difference is management, where the MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN scores 9/10 to the TP-Link TL-SG108S's 5/10.

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

7.8/10verdict: buy

The MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN is for homelabbers and sysadmins who need a few 10G SFP+ links on a small, silent switch. It suits anyone who wants to link a server, NAS or workstation at 10G and is happy to configure RouterOS or SwitchOS. It is not aimed at buyers who need many ports, PoE output or fast routing for a gigabit internet connection.

Typically about £121.19 in the UK when we researched itSearch Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

TL-SG108S

TP-Link TL-SG108S

5.9/10verdict: good, not the best

The TL-SG108S is for anyone who needs eight more wired Gigabit ports with no setup. It suits desks, living-room cabinets and small home networks where quiet running matters. It is not for anyone who needs VLANs or a web interface.

Typically about £17.99 in the UK when we researched itCheck price at Amazon UK (opens in a new tab, affiliate link)

Affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Details

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INTP-Link TL-SG108S
Port speeds30%9/106/10
Management20%9/105/10
Port count and uplinks15%6/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%7/105/10
Overall7.8/105.9/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INTP-Link TL-SG108S
PortsFour SFP+ ports plus one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port8 RJ45 ports (8 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, Auto-MDI/MDIX)
Port speedsGigabit copper port; SFP+ cages support up to 10 Gbit per port; 1.25 Gbit SFP modules also supported10/100/1000 Mbps per port, auto-negotiated
ManagementRouterOS or SwitchOS selectable via dual boot; configurable through WebFig or WinBoxUnmanaged, plug and play
PoE budgetNo published PoE output budget; accepts PoE (802.3af/at) input on its Gigabit port with 12–57 V input; maximum consumption 18 W, or 10 W without attachmentsnot listed
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)Four SFP+ cages; modules not includednot listed
Switching capacity82 Gbps switching capacity; 41 Gbps non-blocking throughputPacket forwarding rate 11.9Mpps
CoolingPassive, fanless, metal caseFanless

Strengths and weaknesses

MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN

  • + Four SFP+ cages with up to 10 Gbit per port
  • + Fanless metal case; owners praise silent, low-power running
  • + Choice of RouterOS or SwitchOS via dual boot
  • − Only five ports, and SFP+ modules are not included
  • − Owners report weak routing for gigabit internet
  • − Copper SFP+ modules reportedly run hot in the fanless case

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE output to power cameras or access points
  • Anyone who wants to route a gigabit internet connection
  • Buyers who need many ports or copper multi-gig without SFP+ modules
Read the full MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN review ›

TP-Link TL-SG108S

  • + Fanless and quiet in owner reports
  • + Metal build and plug-and-play setup
  • + Eight Gigabit ports with auto-negotiation
  • − No VLANs or web management listed
  • − No SFP uplink or PoE listed
  • − Gigabit only on every port

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need VLANs or a web management interface
  • Anyone who wants to power cameras or access points over PoE
  • Users with 2.5GbE or 10GbE devices or who need SFP uplinks
Read the full TP-Link TL-SG108S review ›

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