Dear experts,

I am unsure which device to buy - from a performance perspective of a L1/L2 switch:

CRS317-1G-16S+RM
https://mikrotik.com/product/crs317_1g_16s_rm

vs

CRS326-24S+2Q+RM
https://mikrotik.com/product/crs326_24s_2q_rm

Aside from the obvious (number and type of ports), according to MikroTik‘s own tests the 64 byte L1 throughput and capacity of the CRS317 is better than those of the CRS326. Larger packets are handled better by the CRS326.

Both switches use a Marvell® PRESTERA® 98DX83xx Family Chip, however, the 317’s CPU is stronger and RAM is larger. Looking at the spec sheet only, it seems weird that the larger switch has worse CPU and RAM. What is the reason and in which situations does this really matter?

If purchasing and operating costs as well as number and type of ports are not a factor, what device should one get in 2024?

Thank you very much in advance,
Sven

For L2 they both do wirespeed on all ports simultaneously. Difference is in bridging (software L2, usually not necessary) and routing.

So if anything in addition to switching is required, the CSR317 is more powerful?

That's right. CRS326 is not bad (its L3HW offload is impressive) but CRS317 is way better.

Thanks, will go for a 317 then. Ports are sufficient and 40G is not required for my scenario.