MikroTik's CSS devices, part of the Cloud Smart Switch series, are designed primarily to function as switches.

These devices are especially useful in network configurations where efficiency in handling Layer 2 traffic is needed, but with some additional intelligent capabilities such as VLAN, QoS, and traffic management.

Features and Functionalities of MikroTik CSS:

1. Focus on Layer 2:
   • CSS series switches are optimized for Layer 2 operations of the OSI model, which means they can handle Ethernet traffic efficiently, using MAC (Media Access Control) for traffic routing on a local network.
2. Simple Configuration and Management:
   • Although equipped with some advanced management features, these devices are designed to be easy to configure and manage, which is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that do not require the complexity of a fully managed switch.
3. Advanced Features:
   • Despite its focus on Layer 2, MikroTik CSS offers features such as VLANs for network segmentation, QoS for traffic prioritization, and limited Link Aggregation functions. This allows users to implement a more structured and secure network.
4. SWOS Software:
   • CSS switches use SwOS, a MikroTik operating system designed specifically for switching products. SwOS is less complex than RouterOS (used in MikroTik routers), focusing on offering optimized performance for switching tasks and network management features.

Limitations:

• Routing Capabilities: Unlike devices that run RouterOS, CSS switches are not designed to handle routing between different networks (layer 3), since their functionality is focused on managing traffic within the same network.
• Reduced Flexibility: Being specialized switching devices, they do not offer the wide range of routing, firewall, VPN, and other features that are present in MikroTik routers with RouterOS.

Conclusion:

While MikroTik CSS devices are powerful within their scope as Layer 2 switches, their use is limited to switching operations and they do not function as routers.

They are ideal for businesses looking for a robust and efficient device for managing local network traffic with some advanced switch functionality, but without the broader routing and network management capabilities of a full router.