Mikrotik RB1100x4

The RB1100x4 is a desktop/rack-mountable router from MikroTik's "RouterBOARD" series (as opposed to the "Cloud Core Router" series). It was designed as a high-performance solution for small ISPs, businesses, and demanding network environments before the CCR series became dominant.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Detailed Analysis of Features

1. Processor Architecture - ARMv7 (Annapurna Labs)

• 4-Core CPU: This was quite powerful for its time and can still handle significant loads.

• ARM Architecture: More efficient than x86 for pure routing tasks, but less versatile than modern x86 or the Tilera cores in CCRs.

• Performance Context: It sits between modern consumer routers and the current-generation CCRs in terms of raw processing power.

2. Port Configuration

• 13 Gigabit Ethernet Ports: High port count for a device in this class.

  • Ports 1-10: Connected via an internal 10-port switch chip.

  • Ports 11-12: Are individual CPU-bound ports.

  • Port 13: Is shared with the SFP port (you can use either the RJ45 or the SFP, but not both simultaneously).

• 1 SFP Port: Useful for a fiber uplink or connecting to another SFP-equipped device.

3. Hardware Design

• Desktop Form Factor: Can be placed on a shelf or mounted in a rack using a separate rackmount kit.

• External Power Supply: Can be a point of failure but is easy to replace.

• Passive Cooling: Fanless design, making it completely silent – a significant advantage for office environments.

Performance Expectations

• Simple Routing: Can handle 2-4 Gbps

• Firewall with Rules: ~1 Gbps (depending on rule complexity)

• IPsec VPN: ~200-400 Mbps

• BGP: Can handle moderate-sized routing tables (tens of thousands of routes)

Strengths and Advantages

• High Port Count: 13 gigabit ports in a compact, silent device is still very useful.

• Complete Silence: Fanless operation is perfect for offices, libraries, or any noise-sensitive environment.

• Proven Reliability: A mature, stable platform that has been widely deployed.

• Full RouterOS License: Level 6 provides access to all features.

• Excellent Value on Used Market: Often available for a very low price, offering great capability for the money.

• Low Power Consumption: Very efficient for its performance level.

Weaknesses and Limitations

• Aging Architecture: The ARMv7 CPU is showing its age compared to modern x86 or Tilera processors.

• No SFP+: The SFP port is limited to 1G, so no 10G capability.

• Shared SFP/Ethernet Port: You must choose between using port 13 or the SFP cage.

• External PSU: A potential single point of failure.

• Limited RAM: 2 GB is sufficient for most routing tasks but can be tight for very large connection tables or BGP feeds.

Ideal Use Cases

1. Small Business Core Router: Perfect for an office with 20-100 users, handling routing, firewall, and basic QoS.

2. Silent Office Environment: Where fan noise from other equipment would be disruptive.

3. ISP Customer Premises Equipment (CPE): For business customers requiring multiple Ethernet ports and advanced features.

4. Home Lab / Prosumer Core Router: For enthusiasts who need more ports and power than a typical home router.

5. VPN Gateway for Small Office: Terminating a handful of site-to-site VPN tunnels.