{"product_id":"mikrotik-hex-s-gigabit-ethernet-router-with-sfp-port-compact-soho","title":"MikroTik hEX S Gigabit Ethernet Router with SFP Port - Compact SOHO","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review the MikroTik hEX S (RB760iGS) is evaluated as a compact wired router for small offices and advanced home networks; its single biggest reason to buy is raw wired throughput and configurability in a very small, affordable package. The hEX S provides five Gigabit Ethernet ports plus a 1.25G SFP cage, a dual core 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB of RAM running RouterOS, so it handles advanced routing, VPNs and traffic shaping without the need for wireless radios. For anyone who needs reliable gigabit wired routing and IPsec acceleration in a discreet metal case, this model delivers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFive Gigabit Ethernet ports:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides full gigabit connectivity for wired devices and uplinks to a switch or modem with consistent throughput.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSFP cage (1.25G):\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds fiber or high-speed copper SFP uplink flexibility for networks that require longer runs or fiber backhaul.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDual core 880 MHz CPU and 256 MB RAM:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplies the processing power needed for RouterOS features, traffic rules and multiple concurrent services.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePoE output on port 5:\u003c\/strong\u003e Powers a downstream device such as a camera or access point, reducing the need for a separate power adapter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIPsec hardware encryption (~470 Mbps):\u003c\/strong\u003e Enables high-speed site-to-site VPN performance without saturating the CPU for encrypted tunnels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003emicroSD and USB 2.0:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers improved r\/w file storage and support for The Dude server or logs without relying solely on internal flash.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe hEX S is best for SOHO users, small office networks and advanced home labs that require reliable wired performance and a flexible OS. Network administrators who want a compact router with a dedicated SFP uplink and hardware-accelerated IPsec will appreciate its balance of price and capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is less suited for users who need built-in wireless access, plug-and-play simplicity for non-technical consumers, or those wanting an all-in-one home gateway with ISP-provided Wi-Fi. Casual users who prefer GUI-only configuration without a learning curve may prefer a consumer router with simplified firmware.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowerful routing performance from a \u003cstrong\u003edual core 880 MHz CPU\u003c\/strong\u003e and 256 MB RAM, suitable for advanced configurations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVersatile connectivity with \u003cstrong\u003e5x Gigabit Ethernet\u003c\/strong\u003e, a 1.25G SFP cage and PoE output on port 5 for downstream devices.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardware IPsec encryption\u003c\/strong\u003e delivers roughly 470 Mbps for secure site-to-site VPNs without major CPU load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpandable storage via microSD and USB for logs, backups and The Dude server.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot a wireless device, so a separate access point is required if Wi-Fi is needed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe powerful RouterOS feature set can present a \u003cstrong\u003esteep learning curve\u003c\/strong\u003e for users unfamiliar with advanced network configuration.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ehEX S (RB760iGS)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEthernet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5x Gigabit Ethernet ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSFP\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1.25Gbit\/s SFP cage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCPU \/ RAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDual core 880 MHz CPU, 256 MB RAM\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSB 2.0, microSD slot\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePoE\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePoE output on Ethernet port 5\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSoftware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRouterOS Level 4 with IPsec hardware encryption and The Dude support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe MikroTik hEX S is a compact, cost-effective wired router that excels for small offices and advanced home networks needing gigabit routing, an SFP uplink and hardware-accelerated IPsec. It represents solid value where wireless is not required, though buyers should be comfortable with RouterOS or plan to pair it with a simpler access point for Wi-Fi.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this router support VPN encryption at line speeds?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the hEX S includes IPsec hardware encryption capable of around 470 Mbps for site-to-site VPNs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it power other devices via PoE?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the device offers PoE output on Ethernet port 5 to supply power to a downstream powered device.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs wireless included?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, the hEX S is a wired router only; add a separate access point for Wi-Fi.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MikroTik","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48197423202523,"sku":"B07F7HDRKX","price":74.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/61BfqMkVd8L._AC_SL1299_2b4b1988-75a3-49ce-abee-e14721a1a721.jpg?v=1770271910","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/mikrotik-hex-s-gigabit-ethernet-router-with-sfp-port-compact-soho","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}