Yes, on a MikroTik managed switch, it is possible to work without configuring a bridge and perform routing directly on the device. This allows you to take advantage of the routing capabilities and advanced management features these switches offer.

Here's how and why you might want to do this:

How do you configure routing on a managed MikroTik switch?

1. VLAN Configuration: First, you can configure different VLANs on the switch. This is done by assigning different ports to different VLANs, which effectively segments the network into multiple logical subnets.
2. IP configuration in VLANs: Each VLAN can be assigned an IP address that will act as the gateway for devices in that VLAN. This configuration is done in the Interfaces menu of RouterOS, the MikroTik operating system.
3. Enabling routing: To allow the switch to route between VLANs or subnets, you need to enable routing on the device. This may involve enabling specific routing features in RouterOS settings.
4. Configuring static or dynamic routes: Depending on the complexity of your network, you can configure static routes manually or use dynamic routing protocols such as OSPF or BGP to automate the distribution of routes in the network.

Why use routing on a managed MikroTik switch?

• Better use of network resources: By routing directly on the switch, you reduce the need to send all traffic to a central router, which can help reduce bottlenecks and improve overall network performance.
• Segmentation and security: Routing between VLANs on the switch allows for better network segmentation, which can improve security by limiting broadcast traffic and providing more granular controls over who can access what resources on the network.
• Network Infrastructure Simplification: By minimizing the number of devices required for routing and switching, you also reduce the complexity of network management and potentially reduce hardware costs.

In summary, using a managed MikroTik switch for routing can be an effective strategy for optimizing and securing your network, especially in environments where efficiency and security are critical.