All Hex ports full routing capability?

RouterOS General
1

Hi,

I want to connect three different networks with a router (in a networking lab). At least three ports need to be used in separated networks.

At first, I thought the Hex would be able to accomplish that. But concerning the block diagram there are only two separated lanes for the LAN ports.

Can the Hex handle a setup like this?

Thanks,
otto

2

A diagram?

3

I’m sorry, I don’t have a diagram. There is no specific setup yet and my question is quite generic. Sorry if that was not clear enough.

The setup can be imagined for instance as a simple star with three totally independent networks connected to the router.


The more generic question is: Can the hEX router route between all interfaces or are the interfaces 1/3/5 (and 2/4) connected each by a switch?

The block diagram below makes me wonder if all interfaces can be used independently for routing:

https://i.mt.lv/cdn/product_files/RB750Gr3-dsw_161117.png

4

All ports can be used independently.
Or not.
Depends on your config.

If you want 1 network with 5 ports or 5 separate networks each having 1 physical port, can be done.

And otherwise I am not sure I understand where you want to go to …

5

Thanks a lot.

I want to interconnect three different networks each having one physical port. So that seems possible, which is great. I don’t want the ports to be bridged in hardware.

The block diagram seems to be a bit misleading. I just want to make sure that the hEX does not work similar as the most of the cheap home routers with basically two routing interfaces where one is connected to an internal switch (so only two networks can be routed).

6

I would still use the device’s block diagram. Many do have just two routing interfaces plus an internal switch. Sometimes the internal switch is more capable, and you can have soft routing (where every routing decision is handled by the CPU).

7

You get what you pay for. Hex Series is an excellent router for labs, testing, setting up networks and a normal home environment and a small office.
Once you are ready AND If you can provide production level requirements, with real world data, then a model which would suit that can be recommended.

8

The router will be used in a networking lab for education and testing, so performance is not important.

Thanks for all the helpful answers. I have ordered a hEX and will start some experiments. If soft routing with all ports is an option, it’ll fit my needs.