What is MikroTik? The RouterOS

MikroTik is a Latvian company that specializes in developing networking hardware and software. Since its founding in 1996, MikroTik has become a major player in the networking industry, known for its affordability, flexibility, and enterprise-grade capabilities. The company’s flagship operating system, RouterOS, powers its devices, offering a wide range of features such as routing, firewalling, VPNs, and wireless management.

Why Choose MikroTik?

Unlike traditional networking solutions that often come with high costs and licensing fees, MikroTik provides cost-effective networking equipment without compromising on functionality. This makes it a popular choice for ISPs, businesses, and advanced home users looking for reliable networking solutions.

Some of the key reasons why MikroTik stands out include:

• Affordable Pricing – Compared to Cisco or Juniper, MikroTik devices offer powerful networking features at a fraction of the cost.
• Feature-Rich RouterOS – MikroTik’s RouterOS allows for deep customization, making it suitable for small office networks, large ISPs, and data centers.
• Versatility – MikroTik devices can function as routers, firewalls, VPN servers, and even wireless access points.
• Extensive VPN Support – MikroTik supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2.
• Scalability – Whether you need a simple home router or an advanced ISP-grade solution, MikroTik has a product for you.

MikroTik’s Hardware Lineup

MikroTik offers a variety of hardware solutions, each designed for specific networking needs.

• hAP Series – Ideal for home and small office use, offering a combination of wired and wireless networking.
• CCR (Cloud Core Router) – High-performance routers built for ISPs and enterprise environments.
• RB Series (RouterBOARD) – Versatile and customizable router boards that can be used in multiple scenarios.
• CRS (Cloud Router Switch) – Hybrid devices combining router and switch functionality.
• LtAP & wAP – Rugged outdoor and LTE-enabled solutions for remote networking.

What is RouterOS?

RouterOS is the proprietary operating system that powers MikroTik devices. It is a Linux-based system optimized for high-performance networking and can run on both MikroTik hardware and x86-based PCs.

Some of its key features include:

• Advanced Routing (BGP, OSPF, MPLS)
• Firewall and NAT Configuration
• Bandwidth Management (QoS, Queue Trees)
• VPN Support (PPTP, L2TP, IKEv2, WireGuard)
• Wireless and Hotspot Capabilities
• Scripting and Automation via CLI

Example of Basic MikroTik Configuration

Here’s a simple example of how to set up a MikroTik router with basic NAT and DHCP:

/ip address add address=192.168.88.1/24 interface=ether1
/ip pool add name=dhcp_pool ranges=192.168.88.10-192.168.88.100
/ip dhcp-server add address-pool=dhcp_pool disabled=no interface=ether1 name=dhcp1
/ip firewall nat add chain=srcnat action=masquerade out-interface=ether1

This script sets up a local network with DHCP and NAT, allowing clients to access the internet through the MikroTik router.

Final Thoughts

MikroTik is a powerful and flexible networking solution suitable for a variety of environments, from small businesses to enterprise networks. Its combination of affordability, feature-rich RouterOS, and hardware versatility makes it a popular choice for network administrators worldwide.

If you’re looking to configure MikroTik for VPN, routing, or wireless networking, stay tuned for more in-depth guides on DropVPS.com.