MikroTik and RouterOS Overview

What is MikroTik?

MikroTik is a Latvian company that specializes in creating network equipment, particularly routers. Their primary product line is called "RouterBOARD," which includes various types of routers. However, their main focus isn't just supplying hardware; they also develop a custom operating system specifically designed for these devices named "Routes Operating System," commonly referred to as "RouterOS." This proprietary software offers advanced networking functionality and is often used by internet service providers and organizations with complex local area networks.

RouterOS Overview

RouterOS is the operating system developed by MikroTik for its range of products. It allows users to configure and manage their router's settings easily through a web interface. Many users find RouterOS more intuitive compared to other OSes because it has better documentation and is easier to understand. While some people may prefer using Linux distributions like Debian or CentOS, others might feel more comfortable working with RouterOS due to its simplicity and straightforwardness.

One key feature of RouterOS is its scripting capabilities. Users can create scripts to automate tasks, allowing them to write logic directly into their router configurations. Additionally, RouterOS supports third-party plugins, which can further extend the device's functionality. These features make RouterOS attractive to those who want to customize their network setup extensively.

Another aspect of RouterOS is its wireless support. With RouterOS, users can set up WiFi access points without any issues. Furthermore, its routing performance is considered superior to many other routers, making it suitable even for high-end applications and large scale deployments.

In terms of installation, RouterOS runs as a Live CD, meaning you don't need to install anything onto your hard drive. Instead, simply boot from the CD and you're ready to go. If you plan on using RouterOS for production purposes, however, you might consider doing a clean reinstall every six months to ensure optimal performance.

Despite being helpful for beginners, one potential drawback of RouterOS is that there isn't much information available online regarding its inner workings. For instance, whereas you could easily Google how to do something specific with Linux, getting similar instructions for RouterOS is a challenge. So while it's user-friendly, if you'd like to modify the OS core itself, you might struggle.

Conclusion

MikroTik provides a range of networking solutions, most notably through their RouterBOARD series of routers running on RouterOS, a custom OS designed for this specific purpose. RouterOS is well-documented and relatively easy to learn, especially when compared to Linux distributions like Debian or CentOS. While its lack of online resources for deeper understanding of its internals may pose a challenge for those seeking to tinker with the core level code, overall, RouterOS presents a powerful and accessible tool for managing networks.