How to Install and Configure MikroTik Router Compled Guides

If you’re learning installation and configuration of a MikroTik router, here routers use RouterOS. It can be managed via Winbox, WebFig, or CLI (command line interface). Here’s everything to learn all about that you have to learn from MikroTik, how to install and configure MikroTik:

🔧 1. Basic Setup and Installation

• Understand MikroTik hardware models (hAP, CCR, RB series, etc.)
• Connect your PC to the router using Ethernet
• Access the router using:
  • Winbox (most popular)
  • WebFig (via browser)
  • MAC Winbox (for first access without IP)
• Upgrade RouterOS and firmware to the latest version
• Set your admin password
• Set your system identity (router name)

🌐 2. IP Addressing and DHCP Setup

• Assign static IP to interfaces
• Configure DHCP client on WAN interface (to get internet from ISP)
• Configure DHCP server for LAN
• Set up IP pools and leases
• Add DNS servers and default gateway
• Enable NAT (masquerade rule) to allow LAN to access the internet

🔐 3. Basic Security Settings

• Change default username or create a new user and delete admin
• Set strong passwords
• Disable unused services (Telnet, FTP, etc.)
• Enable firewall rules:
  • Block external access to router
  • Allow only trusted IPs for management
• Enable secure access via SSH and HTTPS
• Set service port restrictions

🔄 4. Interface and Bridge Management

• Understand physical vs virtual interfaces
• Create a bridge and add interfaces (for LAN setup)
• Configure VLANs if needed
• Assign IP to bridge interface instead of physical port

📶 5. Wireless Configuration (if using wireless MikroTik)

• Enable wireless interface
• Set wireless mode: AP bridge, station, etc.
• Set SSID, security profile (WPA2), frequency
• Create multiple SSIDs with VLANs (optional)

🚦 6. Firewall and NAT Configuration

• Understand connection tracking
• Configure NAT (source NAT for internet access)
• Add filter rules:
  • Allow, drop, reject traffic based on IP/port/protocol
  • Protect against DoS and brute-force
• Use address lists for advanced filtering

📈 7. Bandwidth Management and QoS

• Use Simple Queues to limit speed per user/IP
• Set up Queue Trees for advanced shaping
• Use PCQ (Per Connection Queuing) for fair bandwidth distribution

📡 8. Routing and Network Design

• Configure static routes
• Use dynamic routing protocols:
  • OSPF (Open Shortest Path First)
  • BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
• Configure route filters

🔁 9. VPN Setup

• Configure PPTP, L2TP, SSTP, or OpenVPN
• Set up IPSec for site-to-site VPN
• Secure remote access with user authentication

🕵️ 10. Monitoring and Logging

• Use Torch to monitor live traffic
• Use IP > Traffic Flow for NetFlow analysis
• Enable logging for system events and access
• Set up email alerts for critical events

🔄 11. Backup and Restore

• Backup configuration file (.backup and .rsc)
• Export/import configurations
• Automate scheduled backups to email or storage

⚙️ 12. Advanced Features (Optional for Later)

• Setup Hotspot server
• Setup Web Proxy
• Load balancing with multiple WANs
• Failover configuration
• Scripting with MikroTik scheduler
• CAPsMAN (Centralized wireless AP management)
• MPLS configuration (for large networks)

✅ Summary Tip:

Start small – get comfortable with Winbox, basic IP configuration, and firewall rules first. As you progress, try building lab networks using GNS3, CHR (Cloud Hosted Router), or virtual machines for practice.