MikroTik: The multi-tool router option!

Over the last several years, we have standardised on MikroTik RouterBOARD hardware due to its exceptional balance of performance, flexibility, and cost efficiency. In many customer deployments, the requested specifications far exceed the actual operational requirements. MikroTik routers address this mismatch effectively by delivering enterprise-grade features on compact, affordable hardware platforms. Even entry-level devices are capable of advanced routing, firewalling, VPNs, and traffic management, often outperforming competing solutions in the same price range.

A key differentiator is MikroTik RouterOS, which provides an extensive feature set without the need for recurring subscriptions. In contrast to vendors such as Cisco, Juniper, or Fortinet—where essential functionality may require additional licenses—MikroTik offers a one-time purchase model. RouterOS licensing levels (L3–L6) define scalability and feature availability, with most hardware shipping at Level 4 or higher, making it suitable for real-world business and service provider deployments.

This licensing structure allows MikroTik to scale from small edge routers to core infrastructure while maintaining a consistent configuration experience and predictable costs. For environments requiring deep customisation, scripting, and fine-grained control, MikroTik remains one of the most versatile platforms available.

Pros and Cons of MikroTik

Pros

• Excellent performance-to-price ratio
• No recurring license or subscription fees
• Highly customisable RouterOS
• Suitable for small networks through to ISP deployments
• Strong community and documentation

Cons

• Steeper learning curve for beginners
• Interface can be overwhelming without experience
• Limited official vendor support compared to premium brands

In Summary

By deploying MikroTik routers across multiple customer environments, we have achieved consistent performance improvements while reducing hardware and licensing costs. In scenarios where customers initially requested high-end enterprise solutions, MikroTik devices delivered equivalent functionality at a fraction of the cost. The ability to fully customise RouterOS allowed each deployment to be tailored precisely to the customer’s needs, improving network efficiency and reliability. Overall, MikroTik has proven to be a dependable, scalable, and cost-effective networking platform.

Learning

You may want to check out our learning centre which covers some of the mikrotik functionality and how to guides. 

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