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MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN vs TP-Link TL-SG105-M2

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-SG105-M2 at 6.0/10.

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

The TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 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-SG105-M2's 4/10.

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

TP-Link TL-SG105-M2

TP-Link TL-SG105-M2

6.0/10verdict: good, not the best

The TL-SG105-M2 is for people who want a simple five-port switch with 2.5GbE on every port. It suits a desk, a small home network or a homelab that needs faster links but no VLANs or PoE. It is a plug-in switch with no management interface listed.

Typically about £43 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

Scores, criterion by criterion

CriterionWeightMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INTP-Link TL-SG105-M2
Port speeds30%9/107/10
Management20%9/104/10
Port count and uplinks15%6/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%8/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%7/105/10
Overall7.8/106.0/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+INTP-Link TL-SG105-M2
PortsFour SFP+ ports plus one 10/100/1000 Ethernet port5 RJ45 ports
Port speedsGigabit copper port; SFP+ cages support up to 10 Gbit per port; 1.25 Gbit SFP modules also supported100Mbps / 1Gbps / 2.5Gbps, auto-negotiated, auto MDI/MDIX
ManagementRouterOS or SwitchOS selectable via dual boot; configurable through WebFig or WinBoxUnmanaged
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 attachmentsNo
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)Four SFP+ cages; modules not includednot listed
Switching capacity82 Gbps switching capacity; 41 Gbps non-blocking throughput25 Gbps switching capacity; 18.6 Mpps forwarding rate; 16K MAC table; 1.5 Mb packet buffer
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-SG105-M2

  • + 2.5GbE on all five RJ45 ports
  • + Fanless, so no fan noise
  • + Auto-negotiates down to 100Mbps and 1Gbps
  • − Unmanaged, with no VLAN support listed
  • − No PoE and no SFP uplink
  • − Manufacturer page didn't state the warranty term

Skip it if:

  • Anyone who needs VLANs or a web management interface
  • Buyers who need PoE for access points or cameras
  • Anyone who wants 10GbE or an SFP uplink
Read the full TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 review ›

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