We’ve been running a CRS312-4C+8XG for a while in one of our datacenters and we are generally more than happy with the device.
Due to an upcoming change in our upstream connection, we require an additional very simple router that will act as a default gateway for other devices connected to the switch. No NAT, not firewalling, just routing packages between two networks.
I do know that the switch comes with some L3 features, including routing and I am also aware that the routing performance will be limited because of the used CPU.
Looking at https://mikrotik.com/product/crs312_4c_8xg_rm#fndtn-testresults however I am shocked, to put it mildly. Is the CPU really that weak that it can only handle 451.8Mbps in the best case? Or am I missing something? For this particular setup, our upstream will be limited to 1Gbps, so that’s what I would expect at least …
And if the switch is indeed that limited, any suggestions for a replacement?
Well, the CRS should be written as CRS to better convey the performance of the device.
And the proxy for real world performance is the 512 byte packet, so without any firewall rule, it is more like 300 Mbps.
For around 1 Gb throughput, I presume with just 1 WAN connection, instead of a replacement you might consider adding a router.
Re: New Hex: be careful how you use the ports.
Ether1 is differently connected then ether 2-5 which results in ether1 always passing CPU.
Makes a big difference depending on your config.
RB5009 is the more future proof option IMHO (and can be rack-mounted if you get the mounting brackets, 4 in 1U if you want)
Those test results are the best case scenario for packets routed through the CPU, but it also supports some layer3 routing in the switch chip, and if you stay within the limits of that feature, it should route at wire speed.