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MikroTik CRS418 (CRS418-8P-8G-2S+5axQ2axQ-RM) Switch Review
Your network rack is crowded. A switch for connectivity, a router for traffic management, PoE injectors for endpoints, and a separate access point for local Wi-Fi. That's a jungle of devices, cables, and power supplies. MikroTik’s answer is the CRS418-8P-8G-2S+5axQ2axQ-RM, a single 1U unit designed to replace that entire stack.
It's an all-in-one champion, integrating a powerful router, a versatile Layer 3 switch, a high-power PoE source, and their strongest 4x4 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 access point yet. For deployments that don't require integrated wireless, MikroTik also offers a powerful wired-only version focused on core routing and PoE performance. This is for the IT pro who needs to consolidate hardware in a small office, server room, or even a mobile media van without compromising on performance.
This article is a deep-dive technical analysis based exclusively on the official manufacturer specifications. Here’s our on-paper breakdown of what the official specs mean for real-world deployment.
We will answer the critical pre-purchase questions:
- What makes the CRS418 a true router and not just a switch?
- How does it stack up against older MikroTik models?
- How does it solve the problem of poor Wi-Fi in a metal rack?
- What can you realistically power with its 150W PoE budget?
- Is this the right device for your specific use case?
Is the CRS418 More Than Just a Switch?
Absolutely. While it functions as a high-performance Layer 2 switch, its brain is built for routing. The core of the CRS418 is a mighty quad-core 2.2 GHz ARM CPU, giving it serious processing power for routing workloads.
This isn't just about basic routing; the device supports L3 Hardware Offloading. This means it can handle routing between VLANs at wire speed, offloading the task from the CPU to the dedicated switch chip. Combined with the full power of RouterOS v7, you get a device that can serve as your office's internet gateway, firewall, and even a CAPsMAN controller, without paywalls or subscriptions. It’s a router disguised as a switch.
CRS418 vs. Older Models (CRS320/CRS328): The Key Upgrades
For those familiar with MikroTik's lineup, the CRS418 represents a significant leap forward. The primary upgrade is raw processing power; the quad-core ARM CPU delivers 3x the performance of the CPUs found in the CRS320 or CRS328 models.
The second game-changing addition is the integrated 4x4 MIMO Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). While previous models were purely wired, the CRS418 adds top-tier wireless performance directly into the rackmount unit, eliminating the need for a separate access point in many scenarios.
| Feature | CRS320/CRS328 (Typical) | CRS418-8P-8G-2S+5axQ2axQ-RM |
| CPU | 800 MHz Single/Dual-Core | 2.2 GHz Quad-Core ARM |
| Wi-Fi | None | Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 |
| OS | RouterOS v6 | RouterOS v7 |
| Management Port | Standard | Dedicated CPU port |
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Solving the Rackmount Wi-Fi Problem
Server racks are notoriously bad for Wi-Fi. A metal box is essentially a Faraday cage, which is terrible for wireless coverage. MikroTik is well aware of this fundamental physics problem.
Their solution is both simple and effective. The CRS418 case has dedicated holes in the back designed for pigtail cable connectors. This allows you to run coaxial cables from the internal Wi-Fi radio to external antennas mounted outside the metal rack for the best coverage. This provides the best of both worlds: a clean, consolidated rackmount device and optimal wireless coverage where you actually need it.
| Band | Standard | MIMO | Max Throughput | Antenna Gain |
| 2.4 GHz | 802.11b/g/n/ax | 4x4 | 1148 Mbit/s | 5 dBi |
| 5 GHz | 802.11a/n/ac/ax | 4x4 | 2400 Mbit/s | 6 dBi |
Key Specifications for the Power User
This spec sheet confirms its balance: enterprise-level performance built for reliability.
| Category | Details |
| CPU | Quad-Core IPQ-8072A, 2.2 GHz, ARM 64-bit |
| RAM | 1 GB DDR3 |
| Storage | 128 MB NAND |
| 10G SFP+ Ports | 2 |
| Gigabit Ethernet Ports | 17 (8 with PoE-out) |
| PoE Output | 802.3af/at, total 150W |
| Operating System | RouterOS v7 (License Level 5) |
| Power Inputs | Dual AC (100–240V) |
| Max Power Consumption | 227W (43W idle) |
| Dimensions | 443 x 250 x 44 mm |
| Operating Temp | -20°C to +70°C |
Practical Use Cases: Who Should Buy the CRS418?
This device is a problem-solver. Here are three scenarios where it excels:
1. The Small/Medium Office:
Replace the entire stack of a separate router, switch, PoE injectors, and Wi-Fi AP with this single box. It can handle everything from high-speed fiber internet uplinks to powering your desk phones and security cameras, all while providing robust Wi-Fi for the office. The result is a cleaner server room and easier management.
2. The Server Room Admin:
How often do you need reliable Wi-Fi in the basement or data center for quick configuration or troubleshooting, but there's no AP nearby? The CRS418 solves this instantly. With external antennas placed for optimal coverage, you get strong Wi-Fi right where you need it, powered by a device that's already in your rack, complete with dual-redundant power for reliability.
3. The Pop-Up Event/Media Van:
For temporary or mobile deployments like media events, every piece of gear counts. Instead of packing multiple switches, access points, and a mess of cables, the CRS418 consolidates all these components. You can power cameras and other gear via PoE and provide a reliable Wi-Fi network for MacBooks and other devices from one rugged, rack-mounted unit, drastically simplifying setup and teardown.
Conclusion
The MikroTik CRS418 isn't just an incremental upgrade; it's a statement on network consolidation. It packs the power of a dedicated router, the port density of a managed switch, a generous PoE budget, and a high-performance Wi-Fi 6 AP into a single, reliable 1U chassis.
In short, the CRS418 is what happens when MikroTik condenses an entire network stack into a single, rack-friendly form factor — fast, efficient, and refreshingly practical.
