What is a MIKROTIK router?
A router receives and sends data on computer networks. Routers combine the functions of network hubs, modems, and switches, and connect with these devices to improve internet access.
Types of MIKROTIK routers
Core Mikrotik router
Service providers or cloud providers commonly use core routers. They provide maximum capacity to connect additional routers or switches. Most small businesses will not need core routers. However, very large enterprises that have many employees working in various buildings or locations may use core routers as part of their network architecture.
Edge Mikrotik router
An edge router/gateway router is a network’s outermost point of connection with external networks, including the Internet.
Edge routers connect to other routers to distribute data to end users. Edge routers don’t usually offer Wi-Fi or the ability to manage local networks fully. They typically have only Ethernet ports—an input to connect to the Internet and several outputs to connect to additional routers.
Distribution Mikrotik router
A distribution router, or interior router, receives data from the edge router. It receives data via a wired connection and sends it on to the end user.
Wireless Mikrotik router
Wireless routers, or residential gateways, combine the functions of edge routers and distribution routers. These are commonplace routers for home networks and Internet access.
Most service providers provide full-featured wireless routers as standard equipment.
Virtual Mikrotik router
Virtual routers are pieces of software that allow router functions to virtualize in the cloud and deliver as a service. These routers are ideal for large businesses with complex network needs. They offer flexibility, easy scalability, and a lower entry cost.
How to choose small business Mikrotik routers
Connectivity
Pay close attention to the numbers and types of ports to make sure you can connect the devices. Remember that unused ports are fine to have, as they allow you to expand the network when needed.
Bandwidth
Sufficient bandwidth is important for user experience. It ensures maximum performance for multiple users: the more users, the greater the bandwidth needed. You can grow your business network by adding additional routers or hubs. However, insufficient bandwidth anywhere in the network can cause bottlenecks.
Wireless capability
Wi-Fi is a given. However, there are different standards. The latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), can deliver much higher transmission speeds, especially when multiple access points connect once. Wi-Fi 6 routers are backward-compatible with old Wi-Fi standards.
Simplified setup and management
Most routers provide a browser-based interface that connects directly to your router to perform setup and admin. However, many manufacturers now offer mobile apps that are specially designed for their devices and provide more intuitive interfaces and easier setups.
Security
Your router should at least offer WPA or WPA 2 password protection. Some routers also have firewall software, which continuously scans incoming data for potential malware and viruses. Another important tool is MAC (Media Access Control), which uses device-specific IDs to screen users and build a whitelist or blacklist for network access.
Automatic updates
Routers contain software that requires updates to maintain performance and security. Many manufacturers update software automatically.
User changeable configurations
This feature allows you to manage network traffic, guest networks, parental controls, and security settings. The process is easier to handle if the router’s configuration can be always managed from an app as opposed to a browser interface.
Guest networks
Guest networks are an important layer of extra security for when guests visiting the business need Wi-Fi access. A guest network will limit access to the business’s devices and files, while still offering connectivity to visitors.
Quality of service (QoS) controls
Combined with tools to look at usage across all users, this feature allows you to limit the network used to up- or downstream transmissions. It also allows you to control certain types of use (video streaming) and specifies the capacity for different users. This feature helps you improve security and network monitoring.
How does a MIKROTIK router work?
Routers guide and direct network data, using packets that contain various kinds of data—such as files, communications, and simple transmissions like web interactions.
The data packets have several layers, one of which carries identifying information such as sender, data type, size, and the destination IP (Internet protocol) address. The router reads this layer, prioritizes the data, and chooses the best route to use for each transmission.
Frequencies
MikroTik provides routers with interfaces in 3 frequency bands – 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 60GHz. Each frequency band has its own advantages and use cases.
2.4GHz
As legacy band nowadays is considered the 2.4GHz band. If you have a wireless client like phone, laptop or another device, it will most probably support this band. Even IoT devices often support 2.4GHz band. The 2.4GHz band has a bigger range than a 5GHz device, but it also usually have smaller throughput (internet speed). Also, it can severely suffer from interference (noise) from other 2.4GHz wireless devices, because almost every home access point supports 2.4GHz band and it it performs well through walls and over large distances also, there are fewer frequencies to choose from (3 non-overlapping). If you have many close neighbors (apartments, shared office building) chances are 2.4GHz band will be saturated and performance will be lower. This band can also be used for industrial links.
5GHz
Usually, new phones and laptops besides 2.4GHz band also support 5GHz band. Other devices like TVs sometimes also support this band. If your client and router support 802.11ac (sometimes referred to as just “ac”) it will be faster than a 2.4GHz band. 5GHz band has more frequencies to choose from, but also usually has a lower range than 2.4GHz band. If you have new client devices, your network will benefit from ac router. The 5GHz band is also often used for industrial links, because of the big frequency range.
60GHz
Currently, there are very few client devices (phones, laptops) that support the 60GHz band. However, it offers cutting edge solutions for industrial links. For example, if you have 2 points that must be connected up to 1500 meters you will get 1 Gbps duplex link. We call it Wireless Wire because it provides same speed as 1Gbps wired connection, but you will need a clear line of sight to establish the link.
Use case
RouterOS software on MikroTik devices provides broad and coherent configuration possibilities. It is possible to configure home AP as a point to point wireless link and router with a directional antenna as an access point for phones and laptops. That said it is best to use hardware for its intended purpose.
For phones and laptops to connect
Before you determine the most optimal choice for your setup, you should answer questions like how many clients you want to connect, what range you should cover and what speeds you want to get.
Client count
More connected clients mean higher latency and smaller throughput. We recommend 20-50 clients per interface to reach the peak performance, depending on conditions the number of clients can go up to 100 and still work stable. If clients will need high throughput or data traffic is time sensitive it is advised to plan fewer clients per access point. Often it is beneficial to choose simpler access points but place them denser.
Range
Range of wireless connection depends on many conditions. Some of those are antenna gain, transmit power of router and client device, interference from other devices, obstacles (walls, metal objects), router placement.
- Antenna gain is measured in dBi and determines how narrow the beam is. The radiation pattern of 0 dBi (practically impossible) is of the shape of a sphere, 1.5 dBi – 5 dBi radiates to all directions almost equally but has some dents and sides where the signal will be stronger. > 9 dBi has an obvious directional radiation pattern. Antennas with higher antenna gain if properly positioned will reach further in the necessary direction.
- Transmit power measured in dBm or mW determines signal strength that is coming out of a wireless interface. Mobile devices usually have small transmit power to save battery power. Even if, for example, phone reports an OK received signal strength, the router may receive week signal from the phone.
- Interference from other devices increases the noise floor and it gets harder for the router to distinguish signal from noise, therefore, the signal must be stronger and client closer to the access point. Access points in the same frequency occupy the same air time decreasing throughput and increasing latency.
- Some objects decrease (attenuate) signal strength while others reflect the signal. Usually, in buildings, you have to keep in mind walls and their thickness, floor, and ceiling, metallic objects, glass, and wood also attenuate the signal.
- Placement of access point also affects range. The access point shouldn’t be covered by metallic object or surfaces so the signal would have space to spread.
Speed
If speed is important, then you should choose a 5GHz wireless router with 802.11 ac support.
For other wireless antennas to connect
Often it is necessary to connect two or more points, like, connect buildings on campus or connect client homes to network, or establish a long link. MikroTik provides solutions in these situations too. In order to choose, you must know the distance, whether you have to connect two points (point to point – PtP) or multiple points (point to multipoint – PtMP) and what speeds you need.
Distance
Because in these situations we are dealing with directional antennas and big distances, you must keep in mind that alignment and line of sight are crucial. For small distances up to 1500 meters, we advise using 60 GHz devices which will provide stability and great speed. Also, in small distances, 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz devices with small antenna gain will do just fine, although, you won’t get such speeds as with 60 GHz devices. For longer links antenna gain and transmit power should be taken into consideration. Higher signal strength will allow higher data rates which mean higher throughput. Choose your frequency wisely to escape interference with other wireless links. Keep in mind that in cities even above the roof there often is interference from neighboring 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz links.
PtP or PtMP
PtP and PtMP links differ in some areas. For PtMP you most probably will want an antenna with a wider beam also called – sector antenna. Such antenna covers a wider angle but also has less gain, therefore, less distance. Also in PtMP access point must have at least level 4 RouterOS software license. Clients or devices that are connected to the access point and devices in PtP link can have license level 3 and narrower beam width.
Speed
For higher speeds in short links, you must choose 60 GHz devices, in longer distances – 5GHz ac devices.
Benefits of Mikrotik routers
A common tool for modern network computing. Routers connect employees to networks, both locally and on the Internet, where just about every essential business activity takes place. Without routers, we couldn’t use the Internet to collaborate, communicate, or gather information and learn.
Routers provide security. Embedded firewalls and content filtering software provide additional protection from unwanted content and malicious websites without affecting your online experience.
A router isn’t just for data transmission or Internet connections, though. Most routers allow you to connect hard drives and use them as file-sharing servers, or printers that anyone can then access on the network.
Conclusion
For controlling large networks of access points you can use CAPsMAN (Controlled access point manager). All RouterOS devices can act as CAPsMAN, however, it is advised to use appropriate devices for the task. All RouterOS devices with 2GHz and/or 5GHz interface and software level at least 4 can be CAP (Controlled access point) and connect to CAPsMAN. For controlling 100s of access points, we advise using our CCR series devices. For controlling 1000s access point you might want to try using CHR.
Wireless capabilities of a router can greatly enhance the usability of your home or office network or provide a solution for industrial structures. Choosing the right device for setup can be a puzzle to inexperienced users.
At Hubtech Limited we offer a wide variety of Mikrotik routers . Contact us for more information on the right Mikrotik router for your business
