Today, I’m excited to share my personal journey through the world of networking switches, highlighting my transition from Cisco to MikroTik and the evolution of my home lab setup.
The Early Days with Cisco
My networking journey began in the early 2000s, fueled by aspirations of earning a CCIE. Starting with a CCNA and progressing through CCNP, I became a staunch Cisco advocate. My work with various Cisco gear, from the 12,000 series GSRs to the 6509s, laid a solid foundation in networking. However, as my home lab grew, the need for more cost-effective and scalable solutions became apparent.
The Shift to MikroTik
In 2019, my search for affordable managed switches led me to MikroTik, a brand many seemed to overlook. My initial foray into 10GbE networking was facilitated by MikroTik’s CRS309-1G-8S+IN switch, a compact, fanless, and manageable 5-port switch that perfectly met my needs. As my requirements expanded, so did my MikroTik collection, moving to the 8-port and eventually the 16-port versions, offering the scalability I sought without breaking the bank.
Why MikroTik?
MikroTik has proven to be a game-changer, offering enterprise-grade features at a fraction of the cost. The CRS317-1G-16S+RM, for instance, became a staple in my setup, providing dual power supplies and enough 10GbE ports for all my critical devices. MikroTik’s switches are not just about the ports and performance; their ability to run both RouterOS and SwitchOS offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing for advanced routing and switching configurations within the same hardware.
Upgrading My Network
The most recent upgrades involved replacing my Netgear GS724T with MikroTik’s CSS326-24G-2S+RM, a 24-port gigabit switch with SFP+ uplinks. This switch stands out not only for its performance and price point but also for its unique features like PoE powering options and nearly silent operation. To ensure uniformity and efficiency across my network, I’ve committed to incorporating MikroTik products exclusively, appreciating their reliability and advanced management capabilities.
Who is MikroTik?
MikroTik, based in Latvia, may not be the first name that comes to mind in networking, but their commitment to bringing enterprise capabilities to the prosumer market is undeniable. Their extensive product range, from fanless desktop switches to rackmount solutions, caters to a wide array of networking needs, all while maintaining affordability and ease of use.
Looking Ahead
As I continue to refine my network, the journey from Cisco to MikroTik has been a testament to the evolving landscape of networking technology. MikroTik’s solutions have enabled me to build a robust, high-performing network infrastructure at home, rivaling enterprise setups without the exorbitant costs.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. If you’re exploring networking options for your home lab or small business, don’t overlook MikroTik. Their offerings might just be the solution you’ve been searching for.
