How to Create a MikroTik Router: A Step-by-Step Guide
MikroTik RouterOS is a versatile and powerful routing software that has gained immense popularity due to its simplicity and affordability. In this blog post, we will take you through the process of creating a MikroTik router from scratch. Before we begin, ensure you have the following prerequisites:
- A computer with MikroTik RouterOS installed (You can download the latest version from MikroTik's official website)
- A MikroTik RouterBoard (Hardware that runs the MikroTik RouterOS software)
Step 1: Prepare Your Hardware
Connect your MikroTik RouterBoard to your computer using an Ethernet cable. Make sure both ends of the cable are properly connected - one end to the RouterBoard and the other end to your computer's Ethernet port.
Step 2: Access the RouterOS Webfig Interface
Power up your MikroTik RouterBoard. Open your web browser and type in http://routerboard_ip (replace "routerboard_ip" with the IP address of your RouterBoard) to access the RouterOS Webfig interface. The default username is admin, and the password is also admin.
Step 3: Configure Your Interfaces
Once you've logged in, you will be greeted by the RouterOS dashboard. Now it's time to configure your interfaces. In most cases, you would have at least two interfaces - LAN (Local Area Network) and WAN (Wide Area Network).
3.1 Configure LAN Interface
Go to IP > Addresses in the left sidebar and click on Add new. Assign an IP address for your LAN interface, subnet mask, and default gateway as needed. Then go to IP > Firewall > Filter, add a new rule with the source address set to the LAN interface IP address, and allow all traffic. Save and apply the changes.
3.2 Configure WAN Interface
Go to IP > Addresses again and click on Add new. Assign an external IP address (if static) or let it be automatically assigned by DHCP. Set the protocol to either PPPoE, PPPoA, or DSL-PPPOA, depending on your connection type. Configure the username, password, and other necessary settings for your internet service provider. Save and apply the changes.
Step 4: Set up a Static Route (Optional)
If you need to set up static routes, go to IP > Routes. Add a new static route with the destination network, gateway, and interface as needed. Save and apply the changes.
Step 5: Configure NAT
Go to NAT > Firewall and create a new rule by clicking on Add new. Set up the source address (usually the LAN interface), target port(s), protocol, and action (usually masquerade). Save and apply the changes.
Step 6: Configure DHCP Server (Optional)
If you wish to set up a DHCP server for your LAN, go to IP > DHCP. Set up the range of IP addresses to be assigned, netmask, default gateway, DNS servers, and other necessary settings. Save and apply the changes.
Step 7: Restart Services and Check Connectivity
Go to System > Reboot and restart all services. After rebooting, check your connectivity by pinging external websites or checking if devices connected to your LAN can access the internet. If everything is set up correctly, you should have a fully functional MikroTik router!
By following this step-by-step guide, you will have successfully created and configured a MikroTik router. This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what MikroTik RouterOS can do - so explore more features and customize your network as needed!