Introduction to MikroTik, Its Types, and Functions

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Many people mistakenly think that a router and MikroTik are the same. In reality, they are different. A router is a device that bridges networks, while MikroTik is an operating system used to turn a computer into a reliable network router. MikroTik is commonly used by WAN service providers worldwide as it is ideal for setting up network administration systems for both small and large-scale computer networks.

MikroTik offers several features, including stateful firewalls, bandwidth management, remote Winbox GUI admin, plug-and-play hotspot access, and routing. It also provides IP network features such as Static Routing, Caching DNS Client, Web Proxy, Firewall and NAT, MNDP, SNMP, UpnP, and Monitoring. Furthermore, MikroTik supports wireless networking, making it suitable for hotspot providers, ISPs, and internet cafes.

Types of MikroTik

MikroTik has two main types:

Router OS
MikroTik Router OS allows a computer to function as a hotspot, bridge, router, proxy server, and firewall. This lightweight operating system does not require high-spec hardware to run, making it a popular choice for building routers in networks. The ease of use and stability offered by MikroTik Router OS make it a standard router choice for businesses and organizations focused on networking.

Some advantages of MikroTik Router OS include:

  • Turns a regular computer into a reliable and high-quality router.
  • Lightweight and Linux-based, making it easy to use.
  • Installed as the operating system on a device.
  • Typically installed on PowerPC devices.
  • Router Board
    As the name suggests, MikroTik Router Board is a hardware device specifically designed as a router board. It comes pre-installed with MikroTik Router OS and can serve as a hotspot server, bandwidth manager, proxy server, DNS server, DHCP, and network router. This type of MikroTik allows you to run a router without relying on a computer.

Some advantages of MikroTik Router Board include:

  • Compact and small in size.
  • Energy-efficient with an adapter for power.
  • Simple installation process—just set up the router and network.
  • Doesn’t require high-spec computer hardware.

Functions of MikroTik

MikroTik serves several essential functions, including:

  • Centralized management of internet connections.
  • LAN configuration via the MikroTik Router OS PC.
  • Ability to block restricted websites using a proxy.
  • Can be used to set up a PPPoE server.
  • Supports Virtual Private Network (VPN), providing enhanced security for online transactions and access to blocked sites, as well as improving internet speed.
  • Acts as a connection point for LAN devices via wired LAN.
  • Can be used as a hotspot billing system for easier configuration and bandwidth management.
  • Separates local and international traffic bandwidth.
  • With wireless interface capabilities, MikroTik functions as an Access Point in Wi-Fi networks.
  • Connects multiple local area networks (LAN) to the internet and manages the flow of incoming and outgoing traffic.

Additionally, MikroTik is energy-efficient and easy to install. To connect MikroTik to the internet, configure the IP address, DNS server, default route, bridging, DHCP server, and NAT masquerade first. After configuration, set the IP address for the interface that connects to the Internet Service Provider (ISP), then test the connection by typing PING and the IP address through the Terminal menu.

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