MikroTik L009UiGS-RM
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AI Verdict
A 1.98-pound MikroTik router with an 800 MHz CPU, designed for users who need a rackmount networking device and are comfortable with RouterOS.
This router is a situational fit because its 800 MHz CPU struggles with 1Gbps routing, making it unsuitable for high-speed internet connections despite its Gigabit and 2.5 Gigabit SFP ports. However, its rackmount form factor, PoE capabilities, and RouterOS make it a viable option for specific networking setups where throughput isn't the absolute top priority.
If you need consistent 1Gbps routing or higher, look for a router with a CPU speed of at least 1.4 GHz or a dedicated hardware offload engine.
Regret Score™
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Pros
- Includes a rackmount kit in the box, unlike some other MikroTik models.
- Features a serial console port for direct management.
- Offers PoE-in on port 1, allowing for redundant power options.
- Provides passive PoE-out on eth8, delivering input voltage to connected devices.
- Equipped with 512MB RAM, sufficient for various network tasks.
- Includes 8 Gigabit LAN ports and a 2.5 Gigabit SFP Port for varied connectivity.
Cons
- The 800 MHz CPU struggles with 1Gbps routing, showing 94-96% CPU usage during speed tests and large file downloads.
- Users report overheating and misbehavior in some ports when under load.
- Configuration can be tricky for those not tech-savvy, requiring basic networking knowledge.
- Firmware updates are described as limited in features and can make configurations difficult.
- The power supply unit is a 'cheap wall wart' and some users question its quality, though it can be replaced.
Dimension Scores
The 800 MHz CPU shows 94-96% utilization when routing 1Gbps traffic, indicating poor single-thread performance for high-speed routing.
Despite being dual-core, the 800 MHz CPU's struggle with 1Gbps routing suggests it's not optimized for demanding multi-threaded network loads.
The device supports PoE-in for flexible power options and its 800 MHz CPU is not inherently power-hungry, suggesting reasonable efficiency for its class.
While RouterOS offers long-term support, the 800 MHz CPU is already a bottleneck for 1Gbps routing, and users report limited feature updates, potentially shortening its effective lifespan for modern demands.
Best For
- Small businesses needing a rack-mountable router with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports.
- Network administrators familiar with MikroTik's RouterOS for custom configurations.
- Environments requiring passive PoE-out for specific devices.
- Users with internet speeds below 500 Mbps who prioritize RouterOS features over raw routing throughput.
Not Recommended For
- Home users expecting a plug-and-play setup experience.
- Anyone needing consistent 1Gbps routing performance without high CPU utilization.
- Users who rely on frequent, feature-rich firmware updates for new functionalities.
- Environments where the router will be under heavy, sustained load, such as high-bandwidth streaming or gaming.
Watch Out For
- The 800 MHz CPU can hit 94-96% utilization when routing 1Gbps traffic, leading to unstable transfers.
- Overheating is a reported issue, causing some ports to misbehave and requiring reboots.
- The included power supply is a 'cheap wall wart' and may not be as robust as desired, though PoE-in offers an alternative.
- Firmware updates are cited as 'limited' in features and can complicate existing configurations.
- The device's aesthetic is described as 'functional but not exactly eye-catching,' which might not appeal to all users.
Full Specifications
| ASIN | B0CHMX6NBZ |
| Brand | MikroTik |
| Weight | 2 Kilograms |
| Batteries | 1 AAAA batteries required. |
| CPU Model | None |
| CPU Speed | 800 MHz |
| CPU Socket | Socket P |
| Item Weight | 1.98 pounds |
| Depth (inches) | 12 Meters |
| Width (inches) | 22 centimeters |
| Height (inches) | 3 centimeters |
| CPU Manufacturer | Mikrotik |
| Item model number | L009UiGS-RM |
| Product Dimensions | 9.84 x 5.51 x 1.18 inches |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
What Buyers Say
The most surprising finding is how much the 800 MHz CPU struggles with 1Gbps routing, often hitting near 100% utilization, which is a significant limitation for a router with Gigabit and 2.5 Gigabit SFP ports. Users frequently mention the complexity of RouterOS, making it a steep learning curve for newcomers. There are also recurring complaints about the device overheating and misbehaving under load, sometimes requiring reboots. The PSU quality is questioned, but the PoE-in option provides a workaround.
“Dude, this thing is NOT for 1 gig internet, my CPU hits like 95% just downloading a big file, it's crazy. And setting it up? Forget about it if you're not a network guru. I mean, it looks cool in the rack, but the heat and slow routing are a pain.”
Common Praise
- Includes a rackmount kit, making installation in server racks convenient.
- Offers a dedicated serial console port for advanced management.
- Supports PoE-in for power redundancy, which is a practical feature.
- Provides passive PoE-out on one port, useful for powering other network devices.
- The 512MB RAM is considered sufficient for various network tasks.
Common Complaints
- The 800 MHz CPU cannot handle 1Gbps routing without extremely high utilization (94-96%) and unstable transfers.
- The device tends to overheat and cause port misbehavior when under load.
- RouterOS is very complex and difficult to configure for users without extensive networking knowledge.
- Firmware updates are perceived as limited in features and can complicate existing setups.
- The included power supply is often described as cheap and of questionable quality.
Ownership Tips
- You'll probably want to invest in a better power supply or utilize the PoE-in feature for more reliability than the included 'wall wart'.
- Expect to spend a significant amount of time learning RouterOS if you're new to MikroTik; it's not a 'set it and forget it' device.
- If you have a 1Gbps internet connection, you'll likely experience bottlenecks and high CPU usage, especially during heavy downloads.
- Monitoring the device's temperature might be necessary, as overheating can lead to port issues.
- The passive PoE-out on eth8 is useful, but remember it delivers the input voltage, so ensure compatibility with your powered devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the MikroTik L009UiGS-RM have Wi-Fi?
No, the L009UiGS-RM model does not include Wi-Fi. Some variants, like the L009UiGS-2HaxD, do have 2.4GHz wireless, but this specific model is wired-only.
Can this router handle 1Gbps internet speeds?
While it has Gigabit ports, the 800 MHz CPU struggles to route 1Gbps traffic, often reaching 94-96% CPU utilization and leading to unstable transfers. It's not recommended for full 1Gbps routing performance.
Is the L009UiGS-RM difficult to configure?
Yes, if you're not familiar with MikroTik's RouterOS, the configuration process can be complex and overwhelming due to the extensive options available.
Does it support Power over Ethernet (PoE)?
Yes, it supports PoE-in on the first Ethernet port for power redundancy and passive PoE-out on eth8, which provides the input voltage to connected devices.
What is the purpose of the 'RM' in the model name?
The 'RM' in L009UiGS-RM signifies that it comes with a rackmount kit, allowing it to be installed in a standard server rack.
Buying Guide
When looking at a router like this, you're not just buying a box that connects to the internet; you're buying a network operating system. MikroTik's RouterOS is powerful, offering deep control over your network, but it demands your time and expertise to configure properly. Don't expect a simple web interface with a few buttons. You need to understand networking concepts like VLANs, firewall rules, and routing protocols to get the most out of it. The CPU speed matters a lot for routing performance, especially with faster internet connections.
800 MHz CPU speed
This is the brain of the router. A faster CPU can process more network traffic and handle more complex rules without slowing down. An 800 MHz CPU, like in this model, is on the lower end for modern routers and will struggle with internet speeds around 1Gbps, causing bottlenecks.
Rackmount (RM)
This means the router is designed to fit into a standard server rack, which is common in small businesses or advanced home labs. If you don't have a rack, this feature might not be relevant to you, but it indicates a more professional-grade build.
PoE-in and Passive PoE-out
PoE-in means you can power the router itself using an Ethernet cable, which is handy for placement flexibility or power redundancy. Passive PoE-out means one of the ports can send power over the Ethernet cable to another device, like an access point or IP camera, simplifying wiring.
Alternatives
If this router doesn't fit your needs, consider looking for devices with a CPU speed of at least 1.4 GHz for better 1Gbps routing performance, or models with a more user-friendly web interface if you're not comfortable with advanced network configuration.
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