Supported multi port NIC cards

Hardware MikroTik hardware general
1

*** First, let me say the the best multi-port NIC card is the RouterBoard 44. (before you delete this post)

I would like to explain why allowing discussion about other NIC’s would benefit Mikrotik.

I have several small clients that need basic router/firewall appliances. I like to use old PC’s with MikroTik. Its 100% better than off the shelf d-link/netgear routers. BUT the mico PCs that are comming on the market (off lease etc) gives me a wonderfull small platform for a router. You can find them at surpluss for around $25.00 in bulk. However they only have one PCI slot. With an off brand multi-port NIC I can have a SUPER MikroTik router with license for around $100.00

But if I am forced to purchase a Routerboard 44 the system runs well over $200.00 and the d-link/netgear have to be used to save money.

I wan’t to buy Mikrotik licenses! I love the product! we just need a way to cut cost of the NICs -

** long story short - does anyone have 2-4 port NICs that work with Mikrotik? (I listed some before the I can’t seem to find that post) I see alot listed on ebay and similar sites for under $25.00.

2

I found some from a post on the mailing list. See the info below:

http://www.matrox.com/netweb/products/nsfnic4.htm

http://www.weirdstuff.com/commerce/catalog/product.jsp?product_id=4172&czuid=1092074090140

These work perfect in Mikrotik, show up as Intel nics. I have about 5 of them and they all work perfect. You better get them before they are gone because they are typically like 200$ or more.

Sam

3

In most cases, it really does not matter whether a card is 1-port, 2-port or 4-port, just the chips must be supported. Please consult the Device driver list in the RouterOS manual and try to find a NIC with that chips (most popular are based on Intel, but they are also most expensive ones).

What I know is that Intel and RouterBOARD 4-port cards are supported as well as at least some D-Link (but note that 580TX 4-port cards had a defective design causing it to die on high load after few days; you can still buy it from e-bay, so be careful)