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MikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+IN vs Zyxel XGS1210-12

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 Zyxel XGS1210-12 at 6.9/10.

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

The Zyxel XGS1210-12 leads on noise and efficiency.

They score the same on poE and firmware and support.

The biggest difference is noise and efficiency, where the Zyxel XGS1210-12 scores 8/10 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

Zyxel XGS1210-12

Zyxel XGS1210-12

6.9/10verdict: buy

The Zyxel XGS1210-12 is for homelabbers and small offices that want a quiet, fanless switch with a couple of faster links. It suits someone connecting a server or NAS over 2.5GbE copper or 10G SFP+ while the other devices stay on Gigabit. It is a poor fit if you need PoE or LACP bonding.

Typically about £125 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+INZyxel XGS1210-12
Port speeds30%9/108/10
Management20%9/106/10
Port count and uplinks15%8/107/10
Noise and efficiency15%3/108/10
PoE10%5/105/10
Firmware and support10%5/105/10
Overall7.2/106.9/10

Specifications

SpecMikroTik CRS310-8G+2S+INZyxel XGS1210-12
Ports8 x 2.5GbE RJ45 plus 2 x SFP+, and one USB type-A port12 total: 8 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps, 2 x RJ-45 100/1000/2500 Mbps, 2 x SFP+
Port speedsRJ45 ports 2.5G; SFP+ cages support 1G, 2.5G and 10G8 copper ports 10/100/1000 Mbps; 2 copper ports 100/1000/2.5G; SFP+ cages take 1G or 10G optics
ManagementRouterOS v7 or SwitchOS; VLANs, link aggregation and ACL rules on RouterOSWeb-managed; port-based VLAN, 802.1p and port-based QoS, IGMP snooping, static link aggregation, port mirroring, management VLAN, HTTP/HTTPS
PoE budgetnot listedNo PoE
Uplinks (SFP/SFP+)2 x SFP+2 x SFP+ (1G/10G)
Switching capacityNon-blocking Layer 1 capacity 80000 Mbps; Layer 2 about 78,959.7 Mbps at 1518-byte frames66 Gbps switching capacity; 49 Mpps forwarding rate
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 ›

Zyxel XGS1210-12

  • + Two SFP+ cages take 1G or 10G optics
  • + Fanless, and owners praise it as quiet and compact
  • + Two 2.5GbE copper ports alongside eight Gigabit ports
  • − Static link aggregation only; no LACP
  • − Owners report heat under heavy load
  • − No PoE

Skip it if:

  • Buyers who need LACP link aggregation
  • Anyone who needs PoE for access points or cameras
  • Buyers putting it in a warm, unventilated cupboard under heavy load
Read the full Zyxel XGS1210-12 review ›

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