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Welcome

Comprehensive RouterOS documentation covering networking, security, VPNs, and advanced configurations for MikroTik devices running RouterOS v7+.

Welcome to the comprehensive RouterOS documentation! This guide covers everything from basic setup to advanced enterprise configurations for MikroTik devices running RouterOS v7+.

This documentation provides practical, tested configurations for RouterOS networking, security, VPNs, and system administration. Each section includes both WinBox GUI instructions and command-line interface (CLI) examples.

What you'll find here

🚀 Getting Started

  • Basics - Essential RouterOS setup and configuration procedures

    • Default configuration for secure deployments

    • Connection methods (WinBox, SSH, WebFig, API)

    • System updates and maintenance procedures

🔒 Security & VPNs

  • VPNs - Complete VPN implementation guides

    • OpenVPN servers, clients, and certificate management

    • WireGuard modern VPN setup and configuration

    • Legacy protocols (L2TP/IPsec, PPTP, SSTP) for compatibility

    • ZeroTier software-defined networking

🌐 Networking

  • Interfaces - All interface types and configurations

    • Bridge interfaces for switching and VLANs

    • WiFi setup for both new and legacy wireless packages

    • PPPoE, LTE, VLAN, and tunnel interfaces (VXLAN, GRE, EoIP)

  • Routing - Comprehensive routing protocols and techniques

    • Static routing and policy-based routing

    • Dynamic protocols (OSPF, BGP, RIP)

    • ECMP, MPLS, VRF, and multicast routing

🛡️ Firewall & Traffic Control

  • Firewall - Advanced security and traffic filtering

    • NAT configuration and advanced scenarios

    • Mangle rules for QoS and traffic manipulation

    • Layer-7 protocol filtering and application control

📡 WiFi & Wireless

  • WiFi - Modern wireless networking and management

    • WiFi 6/6E configuration with new RouterOS package

    • Legacy wireless support for older hardware

    • CAP mode for centralized access point management

    • Enterprise roaming with 802.11r/k/v standards

⚙️ Advanced Topics

  • Scripting - RouterOS automation and custom scripts

  • Advanced - Enterprise features and complex scenarios

    • Failover and load balancing configurations

    • High availability and redundancy setups

Documentation features

🎯 Comprehensive Coverage

Every major RouterOS feature is documented with:

  • Step-by-step instructions for both beginners and experts

  • Real-world examples tested in production environments

  • Security best practices for enterprise deployments

  • Troubleshooting guides for common issues

🔧 Dual Interface Support

All configurations include:

  • WinBox GUI - Visual configuration steps

  • Command Line - CLI commands for automation and scripting

  • Both approaches side-by-side for learning preferences

📱 Modern RouterOS Focus

  • RouterOS v7+ - Latest features and syntax throughout

  • Backward compatibility - Legacy support where needed

  • Hardware coverage - Both new and older MikroTik devices

  • Performance optimization - Current best practices

Quick start guide

1. Initial Setup

Start with the Basics section to:

  • Configure secure default settings

  • Establish management connectivity

  • Set up system updates and monitoring

2. Choose Your Path

Based on your needs:

Home/Small Office:

Enterprise/Advanced:

Service Provider:

  • MPLS and VRF configurations

  • BGP routing implementations

  • High-availability setups

3. Ongoing Management

  • Scripting for automation

  • Monitoring and maintenance procedures

  • Security hardening and updates

RouterOS version compatibility

Primary Focus: RouterOS v7+

This documentation primarily targets RouterOS v7 and later versions, featuring:

  • Modern command syntax and structure

  • New WiFi package (wifi-qcom) for Qualcomm devices

  • Enhanced security features and WPA3 support

  • Improved performance and stability

Legacy Support

Where applicable, documentation includes:

  • RouterOS v6 compatibility notes

  • Legacy wireless package configurations

  • Migration guides for upgrading from older versions

  • Hardware-specific considerations

Hardware compatibility

Supported Devices

This guide covers configurations for:

Modern MikroTik Hardware:

  • hAP series (ax, ac³, ac²)

  • CRS series switches

  • CCR series routers

  • RB series boards (newer models)

Legacy Hardware:

  • Older RouterBoard models

  • Atheros-based wireless devices

  • Legacy switch configurations

Cloud and Virtual:

  • Cloud Hosted Router (CHR)

  • Virtual machine deployments

  • Container environments

Best practices highlighted

🔒 Security First

  • Default deny firewall policies

  • Strong authentication methods throughout

  • Certificate-based VPN configurations

  • Regular security updates and monitoring

📈 Performance Optimization

  • Hardware offloading where available

  • Efficient routing table management

  • QoS implementation for traffic prioritization

  • Resource monitoring and capacity planning

🏢 Enterprise Ready

  • Scalable configurations for growth

  • High availability design patterns

  • Centralized management approaches

  • Standardized deployment procedures

How to use this documentation

Navigation Structure

Each section is organized for progressive learning:

  1. Overview - Concepts and theory

  2. Basic Configuration - Essential setup steps

  3. Advanced Features - Complex scenarios and optimization

  4. Troubleshooting - Common issues and solutions

  5. Best Practices - Production recommendations

Code Examples

All configuration examples include:

  • Complete commands - Copy-paste ready

  • Explanatory comments - Understanding each step

  • Variable placeholders - Customize for your environment

  • Security considerations - Safe deployment practices

Cross-References

Related topics are linked throughout:

  • Dependencies clearly marked

  • Related configurations referenced

  • Alternative approaches presented

  • Migration paths documented

Contributing and feedback

Community Driven

This documentation benefits from:

  • Real-world testing in production environments

  • Community feedback and improvements

  • Regular updates for new RouterOS features

  • Practical experience from network professionals

Staying Current

  • RouterOS updates incorporated regularly

  • Security advisories addressed promptly

  • Hardware support expanded as available

  • Best practices evolved based on field experience

Getting help

Within This Documentation

  • Search functionality for quick topic location

  • Comprehensive index of all covered topics

  • Troubleshooting sections in each major area

  • Cross-referenced related configurations

Additional Resources

  • MikroTik Official Documentation - Primary reference

  • Community Forums - Peer support and discussion

  • Training Materials - Official certification paths

  • Professional Services - Enterprise implementation support

Quick reference: Common tasks

Initial Setup:

# Basic security configuration
/ip service disable telnet,ftp,www
/ip service set ssh port=2222
/user set admin password="SecurePassword123!"

WiFi Access Point:

# Modern WiFi package
/interface wifi security add name=home-wifi authentication-types=wpa3-psk encryption=ccmp passphrase="WiFiPassword2024!"
/interface wifi add name=wifi-home master-interface=wifi1 ssid="HomeNetwork" security=home-wifi

Basic Firewall:

# Input chain protection
/ip firewall filter add chain=input action=accept connection-state=established,related
/ip firewall filter add chain=input action=accept src-address=192.168.88.0/24
/ip firewall filter add chain=input action=drop

NAT Configuration:

# Basic masquerade
/ip firewall nat add chain=srcnat out-interface=ether1 action=masquerade

Ready to get started? Begin with the Basics section for your first RouterOS configuration, or jump directly to the topic that interests you most.

Looking for something specific? Use the search function or browse the detailed table of contents to find exactly what you need.

This documentation is maintained and updated regularly to reflect the latest RouterOS features and best practices. Last updated: November 2025

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