Week 7: Introduction to Mikrotik - M199205zn/Datacomm-CS3 GitHub Wiki

MikroTik Routers and Wireless

Overview

MikroTik is a Latvian company that specializes in network hardware and software. Their products include routers, switches, access points, and wireless systems, making them a popular choice for network professionals, ISPs, and enterprises. MikroTik's devices run on RouterOS, a feature-rich operating system that enables advanced routing, firewalling, VPN, and wireless capabilities.

1. MikroTik RouterOS

MikroTik devices operate on RouterOS, which provides a powerful and flexible networking solution. Some key features of RouterOS include:

  • Routing & Firewall – Supports dynamic and static routing, NAT, and advanced firewall filtering.
  • Wireless – Configurable as an access point, client, bridge, or repeater.
  • VPN Support – L2TP, PPTP, IPsec, OpenVPN, and WireGuard support.
  • QoS (Quality of Service) – Traffic shaping and bandwidth management.
  • Hotspot & User Management – Captive portal with authentication.
  • IPv6 Ready – Supports IPv6 routing and tunneling.
  • Scripting – Custom scripts for automation and network optimization.

RouterOS can be managed through WinBox (GUI-based tool), WebFig (web interface), or CLI (command line interface).

2. MikroTik Router Hardware

MikroTik offers a range of router models for different networking needs:

a. Home & Small Business Routers

  • hAP Series – Home Access Points with wireless connectivity.
  • RB Series – Compact routers with advanced routing features.

b. Enterprise & ISP Routers

  • CCR (Cloud Core Router) Series – High-performance routers with multi-core processors for enterprise-level networking.
  • RB Series (Rackmount) – Designed for data centers and ISPs.

c. Wireless Solutions

  • Audience – Mesh Wi-Fi systems for seamless wireless coverage.
  • LHG & SXT Series – Outdoor wireless solutions for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint connectivity.

3. MikroTik Wireless Technology

MikroTik provides a variety of wireless solutions, from indoor access points to long-range outdoor wireless bridges. Some wireless features include:

  • 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (Wi-Fi 6) Support – Ensures high-speed wireless connectivity.
  • CAPsMAN (Centralized Access Point Management) – Enables centralized control of multiple access points.
  • PtP (Point-to-Point) and PtMP (Point-to-Multipoint) Wireless Links – Used for extending network coverage over long distances.
  • Wireless Security – Supports WPA, WPA2, WPA3, MAC filtering, and VPN encryption.
  • Dual-Band & Tri-Band Access Points – Improves performance by balancing network load.
  • MIMO and Beamforming – Enhances signal strength and coverage.

4. Applications of MikroTik Routers and Wireless

  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs) – Used for managing broadband services, load balancing, and traffic shaping.
  • Enterprise Networks – Provides secure and scalable networking solutions.
  • Educational Institutions – Used for campus-wide Wi-Fi and network management.
  • Hotels & Public Hotspots – Hotspot features allow for guest authentication and bandwidth control.
  • Remote Connectivity – Enables site-to-site VPNs and secure remote access.

5. Advantages of MikroTik

✅ Affordable and Feature-Rich – Cost-effective compared to Cisco and Juniper.
✅ Flexible and Scalable – Suitable for small businesses to large ISPs.
✅ Powerful Wireless Capabilities – Supports advanced Wi-Fi configurations.
✅ Robust Firewall and Security Features – Protects against cyber threats.
✅ Customizable via Scripting – Allows automation of network tasks.

6. Common MikroTik Use Cases

  • Load Balancing & Failover – Distributes traffic across multiple ISPs.
  • Hotspot Management – Ideal for cafés, hotels, and universities.
  • VPN & Remote Access – Secure connections for remote workers.
  • Wireless ISP (WISP) Solutions – Provides internet access in remote areas.
  • Network Traffic Monitoring – Uses tools like The Dude and Netwatch.

Conclusion

MikroTik Routers and Wireless solutions provide powerful, cost-effective, and scalable networking for various industries. With RouterOS, businesses and ISPs can manage network security, performance, and wireless connectivity efficiently. Whether setting up a home network, enterprise solution, or ISP infrastructure, MikroTik offers flexible and advanced networking features.