As more users get connected to your Internet Service Provider network and bandwidth subscription increases, you will inevitably be faced with the need to upgrade the capabilities of your network to support faster throughput. This may mean replacing some of your 1g devices with 10g devices. You will also need to optimize your connection to your upstream providers and the internet exchange point to improve on the speed of your inter-ISP connections technically known as xconnects. But 10G devices from OEMs like Cisco and Juniper are expensive and often beyond the reach of small ISPs? In this post, we will see how Mikrotik 10g devices have become some of the proven alternatives out there.
If your network has hit a milestone and device upgrade in the midst of a cash crunch has become inevitable, upgrading to Mikrotik 10G devices is your best bet and in this post, I will be listing a few of the best and affordable Mikrotik 10g devices you can get for your network.
Since there are challenges associated with the procurement and installation of 10G devices on an existing network, it will be good to first look at some of them before proceeding to listing some of my highly recommended Mikrotik 10g devices.
Challenges of upgrading to 10g network devices
Cost: 10G devices can be significantly more expensive than lower-speed devices, which can make it difficult to justify the investment. This is especially true for smaller businesses or individuals who may not have the budget to purchase more expensive equipment.
Compatibility: Not all devices are compatible with 10G technology, so it is important to ensure that all components of the network are able to handle 10G speeds. This can be particularly challenging if older hardware or software is being used.
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Infrastructure requirements: 10G networks typically require a higher level of infrastructure, including cabling and switches, which can be costly and time-consuming to install. This can also make it difficult to upgrade an existing network to 10G speeds.
Buying Mikrotik 10g devices
Mikrotik has proven themselves to be a reliable network gear manufacturer that delivers high-quality network equipment at cheap prices. Their range of 10G devices includes routers, switches, and network interface cards (NICs). Some of the Mikrotik 10G devices are:
CCR1072-1G-8S+: This is a high-performance router designed for use in data centers and other demanding network environments. It features a powerful Tilera CPU with 72 cores and 1GHz clock speed, as well as 16GB of RAM and 1 Gigabit Ethernet port for management.
The CCR1072-1G-8S+ also has eight 10G SFP+ ports, which can be used to connect to other high-speed network devices such as switches, servers, and storage arrays. The SFP+ ports can also support both 10G and 1G Ethernet, making it compatible with a wide range of network equipment. The price for this ISP-Core router is $3350.
CRS317-1G-16S+RM: This is a 16-port 10G switch with one Gigabit Ethernet port. It is designed for use in data centers and high-speed networks. It cost $499 to get this router.
CRS312-4C+8XG-RM: This is a 12-port 10G switch with four 10G Ethernet ports and eight 10G SFP+ ports. It also has a built-in power supply unit (PSU) and is designed for use in data centers and enterprise networks. It will cost you about $699 to get one of this.
RB4011iGS+5HacQ2HnD-IN: This is a high-performance router with 10G Ethernet ports, as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It is designed for use in home and small office networks. This device currently sells at $275.
MTB-LAN10G-2S+: This is a 2-port 10G network interface card (NIC) that can be installed in a server or workstation to provide 10G Ethernet connectivity.
Overall, Mikrotik’s 10G devices offer a range of options for different network configurations and applications, with some devices designed for high-speed data centers and others for home and small office use.
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