RouterOS isn’t only for the RB5009, it is installed on almost every Mikrotik-Device.
Quite Handy to have the same Features and UI on every Router, Switch or CHR..
Another main advantage is every single Interface in RouterOS, can be used for
anything you need it to be …
Having said that,
To answer your question : benefit bridging with VLAN filtering vs each port is independent
If you don’t need a bridge/Switch on your RB5009 , then you don’t need VLAN-Filtering
You can achieve the same results with independent Port configuration.
You can find a lot of information on the forum.
http://forum.mikrotik.com/t/using-routeros-to-vlan-your-network/126489/1
To answer your question : What is the point of having an 8 port router?
I could probably write a Book with all the NON-Routing uses for a Mikroik-Router =)
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- You don’t have to bridge all the interfaces in one bridge…
- You can have multiple bridges if needed..
- The RB5009 has a Switch-chip so if you create a bridge,
It will be able to tranfer L2-Data with Wirespeed and no CPU-Utilisation.
With RouterOS 7.X even L3-Features will be possible via the Switch-Chip
Some Setup-Exemples:
A1: For Small SOHO-Network
SFP+ as WAN and use all ether-Ports as a Switch (With or without VLAN)
For a lot of small Network or LABs may remove the need for a Switch
A2: DMZ-Network
Use the SFP+ to connect to a Switch
Use Ether 1 thru Ether 4 for WAN or other Routing purposes
Bridge ether5 thru ether8 for a DMZ-Network
A3: Extend Switch
Use the SFP+ to connect to a Switch
But maybe you need more Ether-Interface to connect Servers and Co.
You can extend the switch via the RB5009