MikroTik routers are widely utilized by network service providers globally. As long-lasting workhorses that offer many features at a reasonable cost, MikroTik devices are invaluable resources that network providers worldwide rely on. Mikrotik routers run RouterOS, their proprietary operating system for routers. Coupled with their CAPsMAN wireless management platform, this combination powers an extensive number of hotspots and WISPs worldwide.
Easy to Configure
MikroTik routers stand out among networking gear as an unusual exception, boasting powerful hardware with many features and an adaptable configuration process yet, if you are unfamiliar with using one, their configuration process may prove challenging and cumbersome.
Once you understand how it works, MikroTik devices come with a default configuration and setup wizard to get you up and running quickly. However, once you become more experienced you can customize just about every aspect of your MikroTik device: creating VLANs from any interface; designating any port as a WAN uplink port; using either RED or SFQ traffic shaping (ideal for large connections); etc.
Updating your router firmware regularly is crucial. To do this, navigate to System > Packages in Winbox or through web browsing and once you find the latest stable release download it and save it locally before uploading via Files menu in WinBox.
Powerful
MikroTik routers feature a powerful routing engine capable of switching Gigabit packets, making it possible for users to easily build VPN servers, connect wireless access points or backhaul links easily, as well as provide public internet access through hotspot gateway. This feature makes these routers suitable for hotels, schools and internet cafes - presenting users with a login screen before giving them internet access.
Mikrotik is one of the world's leading prosumer network gateway routers, boasting millions of devices worldwide in use. This popularity can be attributed to both its open source software and offering affordable products with advanced features.
However, the same routers that make MikroTik routers a favorite among small and medium businesses have also become an easy target for attackers. Like other IoT and SOHO devices used by Meris botnets, MikroTik routers leveraged by Meris have several vulnerabilities that make them easy for attackers to exploit while remaining difficult for organizations to manage.
Reliable
MikroTik routers are reliable workhorses. Their durability makes them suitable for multiple systems and hardware configurations; you'll often see old Cisco models in IT closets; however, MikroTik provides more cost-effective network connectivity solutions.
MikroTik devices are powerful and widely deployed, yet can still be exploited by attackers. Misconfigurations often allow these devices to be compromised, leaving administrative ports accessible from the Internet or leaving admin privileges exposed, according to researchers.
One researcher found that Trickbot miscreants used Mikrotik routers as proxies to conceal their Command and Control infrastructure, so Microsoft released an open-source tool to detect such attacks. MikroTik utilizes standardised software such as SwOS and RouterOS on its switches and routers. Their hardware even comes marketed as a switch but equipped with RouterOS so it can also serve as a router - this enables them to provide security updates more quickly than other vendors.
Affordable
MikroTik routers are affordable options, even for small businesses. Offering features at a fraction of the cost of competing products such as routing, firewalling and bandwidth management - plus hardware capable of supporting high speeds - MikroTik's products make an excellent value proposition for small business.
MikroTik routers feature a user-friendly graphical user interface that enables them to control their device using mouse and keyboard, making it simple for them to create or update firewall rules, monitor network connections, or see how much bandwidth each connection uses.
Mikrotik routers stand out by being regularly updated, which fixes bugs and other issues as well as adding new features to the software. This gives them an edge over many home routers which do not receive regular updates, while their durability means reduced maintenance costs that frees up funds for other important projects in an organization.