MikroTik has long since established itself as a serious player in the world of network hardware – especially when it comes to powerful, flexible routers for professional use. With the RB4011iGS+RM, MikroTik delivers a real powerhouse for demanding networks. We took a closer look at the device.

What is the RB4011iGS+RM?

The MikroTik RB4011iGS+RM is a rack-mountable Gigabit router with 10x RJ45 Gigabit ports and a 10G SFP+ slot. It is therefore clearly aimed at SMEs, power users and IT professionals who are looking for maximum performance and flexibility – at an amazingly attractive price.

Technical highlights at a glance

• CPU: Quad-Core AL21400 (1.4 GHz, Cortex-A15)
• RAM: 1 GB DDR3
• Memory: 512 MB NAND
• Ports:10x Gigabit RJ45, 1x 10G SFP+
• PoE-In: Yes (Port 1, 802.3af/at compatible)
• PoE-Out: No
• License: RouterOS Level 5
• Mounting: 19″ rack (1 U)
• Power consumption: max. 18 watts

Performance & areas of application

With its ARM-based quad-core processor and 1 GB RAM, the RB4011 masters even the most demanding scenarios: complex routing, VLANs, VPN tunneling or firewall rules – no problem at all. The 10G SFP+ port enables connection to modern fiber optic backbones or high-speed switches.

Typical areas of application:

• Edge routers for SMEs
• Core routers in small data centers
• High-performance router in the HomeLab
• VPN gateway or firewall (IPSec hardware acceleration available)

RouterOS: Lots of power, steep learning curve

The RB4011 runs on MikroTik’s in-house operating system RouterOS – an extremely powerful system with CLI, GUI (Winbox/Webfig) and API access. However, beginners may initially get lost in the multitude of functions.

Positive:

• Almost every enterprise feature available
• VLANs, OSPF, BGP, IPSec, queues, NAT, firewall, captive portal and much more.
• Regular updates & strong community

Critical:

• Not a plug-and-play solution
• Documentation partly technical and fragmented

Advantages

• Enormous performance for the price (~200-250 €)
• 10x Gigabit + 1x 10G: future-proof
• Very low power consumption
• Robust metal housing, rack-mountable
• Comprehensive OS with enterprise features

Disadvantages

• No integrated WLAN function (optional via CAPsMAN/AP)
• No PoE-Out
• Configuration requires know-how

Application example: Network infrastructure in a small company

Initial situation:
A growing medium-sized company with around 40 workstations needs a stable and secure network infrastructure. Requirements include

• Reliable Internet connection with load balancing via two providers
• Internal VLAN structure (e.g. office, guests, IoT)
• VPN access for employees working from home
• Connection to a 10G backbone in the server room
• Central firewalling and traffic shaping

Solution with the RB4011iGS+RM:

• WAN1 & WAN2: Two Gigabit ports are configured for dual WAN (load balancing / failover).
• LAN ports (port 3-10): Segmented by VLANs – e.g. VLAN10 (office), VLAN20 (guests), VLAN30 (printers & IoT).
• SFP+ port: Direct fiber optic connection (10G) to a core switch or NAS.
• RouterOS functions are used:
  • VLAN configuration with 802.1Q trunking
  • Firewall filter rules per VLAN
  • NAT and port forwarding
  • IPSec VPN for external employees
  • DHCP + DNS server for various subnets
  • Bandwidth management via simple queues

Result:
The company receives a powerful, centrally managed network infrastructure with a wide range of functions – and for a fraction of the cost of a comparable Cisco or Fortinet setup. Thanks to RouterOS, the setup can be expanded or adapted at any time, for example through WLAN integration via MikroTik CAPsMAN or additional VPN clients.

Our conclusion: Professional router with ambitions

The MikroTik RB4011iGS+RM impresses with its impressive features, high performance and unbeatable price. If you are prepared to deal with RouterOS, you will get a top-class network tool – ideal for professionals, ambitious hobbyists and IT managers of small companies.