ether1 port on my brand new CRS326-24S+2Q+RM connects at 100Mbps only. If I turn off auto-negotiation and push for 1Gbps (or remove 10/100Mbps options at Advertise), the link fails. Plugging the same cable to sfp-sfpplus1 (via S-RJ01 adapter) gets a stabil 1Gbps connection right away. I have tried the connection with my cable modem (Rogers) → ether1, and a simple Gigabit switch (with a different cable). In both case the cable plugged to ether1 gets 100Mbps only, moving it to sfp-sfpplus1 get 1Gbps immediately.
Never mind, I just checked the specs, apparently this switch has 10/100 ethernet port only. I wonder why the massive step down compared to the CRS317 in terms of processing capacity (2 core ARMS vs. MIPSBE), memory (1Gb vs. 64Mb! only) and now the ethernet port (CRS317 has gigabit ethernet port).
I have “upgraded” my homelab from CRS317, but as it turns out, even it is an actual upgrade in terms of switching speed/number of ports, it is also a huge step back for any routing functions. The CRS317 could handle inter VLAN routing and internet access reliably. This one drops SSH connections on access points not directly within a given VLAN. Internet routing speed is also limited to about 120Mbps, even via sfp+spfplus1 port. CRS 317 could route internet with up to 400Mbps.
Overall, I do not recommend this switch as a single-piece networking solution for a homelab - CRS317 is a much better (and cheaper) all-in-one option.
It’s all true what you write. And if one compares official test results for both CRS317 and CRS326 the routing performance difference is clear as well.
When making decision on spending a 3-figure amount of money one should do some homework.
Well, that is not the main issue, I now use the sfp-sfpplus1 port for internet (via S-RJ01 adapter). The main disappointment is the step back on routing capability, compared to the CRS317. The CRS317 isn’t a wire-speed router itself, but it can provide internet and inter-VLAN routing with acceptable performance.
