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MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+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 CRS310-8G+2S+IN scores 7.2/10 overall, ahead of the TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 at 6.0/10.

The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN leads on port speeds, management and port count and uplinks.

The TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 leads on noise and efficiency.

They score the same on poE and firmware and support.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the TP-Link TL-SG105-M2 scores 9/10 to the MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN's 3/10.

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

7.2/10verdict: buy

The MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN is for homelabbers and small-office admins who want 2.5GbE access ports with 10G SFP+ uplinks. It suits people who are happy to configure VLANs, link aggregation and ACLs in RouterOS. It is a poorer fit for anyone who needs PoE or wants a low-power, set-and-forget switch.

Typically about £185.57 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 CRS310-8G+2S+INTP-Link TL-SG105-M2
Port speeds30%9/107/10
Management20%9/104/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/105/10
Noise and efficiency15%3/109/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%5/105/10
Overall7.2/106.0/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+INTP-Link TL-SG105-M2
Ports8 x 2.5GbE RJ45 plus 2 x SFP+, and one USB type-A port5 RJ45 ports
Port speedsRJ45 ports 2.5G; SFP+ cages support 1G, 2.5G and 10G100Mbps / 1Gbps / 2.5Gbps, auto-negotiated, auto MDI/MDIX
ManagementRouterOS v7 or SwitchOS; VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules on RouterOSUnmanaged
PoE budgetnot listedNo
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)2 x SFP+not listed
Switching capacityNon-blocking Layer 1 capacity 80000 Mbps; Layer 2 about 78,959.7 Mbps at 1518-byte frames25 Gbps switching capacity; 18.6 Mpps forwarding rate; 16K MAC table; 1.5 Mb packet buffer
Cooling1 fanFanless

Strengths and weaknesses

MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN

  • + Eight 2.5GbE ports plus two 10G-capable SFP+ cages
  • + RouterOS offers VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules
  • + Wide 18–57 V DC input and -40°C to +60°C range
  • − One fan, and owners report higher power draw than expected
  • − Owners report 2.5G link negotiation problems
  • − No PoE listed

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need PoE for access points, cameras or phones
  • Anyone who wants a quiet, low-power switch for a living space
  • Buyers who want a simple unmanaged switch with no configuration
Read the full MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+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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