Question 1

Is this a router and switch? Or just a switch.

Accepted Answer

It is a layer 3 switch. A L3 switch is a switch with routing features, so his performance as a switch is equal or better than a layer 2 switch with similar features; the difference is in the routing performance: his performance is a bit lower than a pure router (with the same features). This is because the main motherboard hardware of the L3 switches is built to be a high performance switch. The main motherboard hardware of the routers is built to execute routing tasks, so a router is better than a L3 switch in these tasks. To compare their routing software performance, just see their software routing features (L3 protocols, etc). The performance of a router is mainly measured by his routing hardware capacity, not by his routing software features because the software features are added just buying/installing/enabling a software license and/or changing the NOS (Network Operating System). You can compare their routing hardware performance (between a L3 switch and a Router), looking for the packet throughput (measured in pps
 (packets per second)) and the total BW
 throughput (in Gbps
) in each brochure/datasheet
. The CRS312-4C+8XG-RM has a packet throughput of 178 Mpps
 (is called forwarding rate) and a BW
 throughput of 120 Gbps
. The switching performance is measured by the switching throughput also called switching capacity, 240 Gbps
 for the CRS312-4C+8XG-RM =>
 it is good as router and very good as high speed switch. L3 Switches are good "
cheap"
 solution for small enterprises or SOHO networks, because they replace the router and switch functions, all in one box. If you really need more performance, then you go for a separate real router and a high speed L2 or L3 switch.

Question 2

Does this have the typical loud/jet engine fans in it?

Accepted Answer

The fans do "ramp up" when passing packets and it is noticeable.

Question 3

Is this a smart managed switch?

Accepted Answer

Yes it is

Question 4

Can this support vlans between 1 - 4094 like with cisco?

Accepted Answer

Yes, and lots of info online how to do this. Configuration can be complicated and I've not sorted it yet - but this is my operational setup so have to be cautious. Watch YouTube, buy routers by example and be careful

ASIN	B07VS1XJZ6
Best Sellers Rank	#72,262 in Computers ( See Top 100 in Computers ) #1,105 in Routers
Brand	Mikrotik
Built-In Media	Rack mount screws, power cord
Case Material Type	Metal
Color	White
Compatible Devices	Devices with Ethernet ports
Country of Origin	Latvia
Current Rating	1 Amps
Customer Reviews	4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars (77)
Data Transfer Rate	12 Gigabits Per Second
EU Spare Part Availability Duration	2 Years
Interface	Gigabit Ethernet, SFP+
Item Dimensions L x W x H	44.3L x 18.3W x 4.4H centimeters
Item Weight	2.3 Kilograms
Lower Temperature Rating	1 Degrees Celsius
Manufacturer	MikroTik
Mfr Part Number	CRS312-4C8XG-RM
Model Number	CRS312-4C8XG-RM
Number of Ports	12
Switch Type	managed
UPC	600168150205
Unit Count	1.0 Count
Upper Temperature Rating	70 Degrees Celsius
Voltage	220

12-Port 10G Switch with Dual Power Supply (CRS312-4C+8XG-RM)

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