Juniper EX4300 Ethernet Switch vs MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
The Juniper EX4300 is a compact, fixed-configuration Ethernet switch designed for enterprise and data center environments. It delivers high-density 10/100/1000BASE‑T ports with optional 10GbE uplinks, supporting Virtual Chassis technology for simplified management and scalability. Built on Junos OS, the EX4300 offers advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 features, including Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP), MACsec encryption, and extensive automation via NETCONF and REST APIs. Its low power consumption and fanless options make it ideal for high‑density deployments.
The MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM is a 24-port Gigabit PoE+ rackmount switch with four SFP+ uplinks, running RouterOS and SwOS. It is designed for high-performance networking applications, providing a reliable and efficient solution for managing and switching data traffic. This switch is ideal for network administrators and IT professionals who require a robust and scalable networking solution.
- Scalable Virtual Chassis simplifies management.
- Robust Layer 3 routing capabilities.
- Low power consumption and fanless options.
- Extensive automation and API support.
- High-performance Gigabit Ethernet connectivity
- Flexible SFP+ uplinks for fiber connectivity
- PoE+ support for powering devices over Ethernet
- Rackmount design for easy installation
- Higher upfront cost compared to basic switches.
- Limited to 10GbE uplinks; no 40GbE options.
- Configuration complexity for advanced features.
- Limited to 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports
- No built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Requires technical expertise for configuration and management
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Juniper EX4300 Ethernet Switch
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48‑port Gigabit PoE+ switch with 500 W and 10 GbE uplinks.
Compact, high-performance stackable Ethernet switching for data centers
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataMikroTik offers a low‑cost, PoE‑enabled 24‑port Gigabit switch, while Juniper provides a higher‑priced, enterprise‑grade, stackable switch with advanced Layer 3 features and optional PoE.
Key differences
- •PoE availability: MikroTik includes PoE+ on all 24 ports; Juniper only offers PoE+ on select models.
- •Layer 3 routing: Juniper runs full Layer 3 (OSPF, BGP) in Junos; MikroTik’s RouterOS is less feature‑rich for routing.
- •Scalability: Juniper supports Virtual Chassis stacking of up to 10 switches; MikroTik is a standalone unit.
- •Price: MikroTik MSRP $489 vs. Juniper MSRP $2,495, a roughly five‑fold difference.
- •Warranty: Juniper provides a 3‑year limited warranty; MikroTik offers only 1 year.
Pricing & value
MikroTik MSRP $489 versus Juniper $2,495, delivering similar port count for far less cost.
Performance
Juniper’s optional 10 GbE SFP+ uplinks and full Layer 3 routing outperform MikroTik’s basic Gigabit + SFP+.
Build quality
Juniper’s 3‑year warranty and fanless, data‑center‑rated design suggest higher durability than MikroTik’s 1‑year warranty.
Connectivity
Both provide 24 × 1 GbE RJ45 and optional 4 × 10 GbE SFP+ uplinks; PoE only on MikroTik standard.
Power & efficiency
Juniper offers fanless, low‑power models; MikroTik’s power draw not specified but includes PoE output.
Compatibility
MikroTik includes built‑in PoE+ (30 W per port) out‑of‑the‑box, whereas Juniper’s PoE is optional.
Warranty & support
Juniper supplies a 3‑year limited warranty; MikroTik only 1 year.
Choose Juniper EX4300 Ethernet Switch if…
Large enterprises or data centers requiring stacking, advanced routing, and longer warranty.
Choose MikroTik CRS328-24P-4S+RM if…
Small to medium networks needing PoE on all ports and tight budget.
Common questions
Is PoE included on all ports?
Yes, MikroTik provides PoE+ on all 24 ports; Juniper offers PoE+ only on optional models.
Can I stack multiple switches together?
Juniper supports Virtual Chassis stacking of up to 10 units; MikroTik is a standalone device.
What is the price difference?
MikroTik MSRP is $489; Juniper MSRP is $2,495, making Juniper about five times more expensive.