MikroTik’s product line comprises end-user networking devices, such as routers, switches, and access points, as well as boards without enclosures, and router software.

The features of MikroTik hardware are not restricted by software licensing; every device is capable of using every compatible feature. Customers may select hardware based solely on physical requirements, such as port density, processing power, number of wireless antennae, etc. Like other customized operating systems, driver software must be custom developed and Mikrotik products sometimes lag behind other manufacturers in this aspect.

RouterBOARD

RouterBOARD 133

RouterBOARD is a hardware platform from MikroTik, which is a line of routers running the RouterOS operating system. The various RouterBOARD options provide for a variety of application scenarios, from running wireless access points and managed network switches to firewall appliances with quality of service (QoS) features.

Almost all models of RouterBOARD devices can be powered by passive power over Ethernet (PoE), and have a connector for an external power source; a handful support standard 802.3af/at PoE.

Device models designed to work with wireless technologies have a miniPCI / miniPCIe slot for radio modules. Most models also have a connector for serial port access.RB951Ui-2HnD

RouterOS

RouterOS is a network operating system based on Linux. Most RouterBOARD devices come with RouterOS preinstalled. It is also available for installation on X86 and ARM devices (like a PC). In addition, Mikrotik offers cloud-oriented images called “Cloud Hosted Router” (CHR), to be used in virtual machines.

RouterOS may be configured through a command line interface accessible by serial port, telnet, and Secure Shell (SSH), and through a graphical user interface available as a web-based interface (WebFig), a Microsoft Windows-based software application (Winbox), and iOS and Android apps. An application programming interface (API) permits the development of specialized applications for monitoring and management.

Major versions

• RouterOS v7 beta: October 2019 (based on Linux kernel 5.6.3).
• RouterOS v6: May 2013 (based on Linux kernel 3.3.5).
• RouterOS v5: March 2011 – September 2013 (based on Linux 2.6.35 kernel)
• RouterOS v4: October 2009 – March 2011 (based on Linux 2.6.26 kernel)
• RouterOS v3: January 2008 – October 2009 (based on Linux 2.4.31 kernel)

Licensing model

RouterOS is distributed free for charge. However, features are implemented in a paid, level licensing model^]Each RouterBOARD device comes with RouterOS preinstalled within a specific license according to the offered features.

• 0 (24 hour trial): all features enabled, to be tested within a period of 24 hours. Before expiring the trial, the user must install a valid license.
• 1 (free demo): most features enabled (except routing and wireless), limited to one instance of each. A license key is required (free for charge).
• 3 (WISP CPE): present in RouterBOARD CPE wireless client (point-to-point/multipoint) models, but lacks of access point features. It is not commercially available as a separated product.
• 4 and 5 (WISP): all the features enabled, limited to 200 and 500 instances of each, respectively. Present in low to mid-end RouterBOARD devices. Its sale price is US$45 and US$95 respectively.
• 6 (controller): all the features, unlimited. Present in high-end RouterBOARD devices. Its sale price is US$250.

The licensing model for Cloud Hosted Router is the following:

• free: limited to 1 Mb/s per interface. No license key required.
• 60 day trial without limitations, but requires a license key (free for charge).
• p1: perpetual license, limited to 1 Gb/s. Its sell price is US$45.
• p10: perpetual license, limited to 10 Gb/s per interface. Its sale price is US$90.
• p-unlimited: perpetual license, without bandwidth limits. Its sell price is US$250.

The CHR licensing model offers all the features without further restrictions, and is limited to one VM instance per license.

SwOS

SwOS is an operating systems for RouterBOARD switches. It is based on a subset of features of RouterOS.

Product vulnerabilities

On 23 May 2018, Cisco Talos Intelligence Group reported that some MikroTik devices were found vulnerable to the VPNFilter malware. MikroTik routers have been compromised by Coinhive cryptocurrency malware.

Product acceptance

For market support, the company has established a network of resellers and training associates who issue various certifications to industry professionals. 

MikroTik products have found acceptance in various market niches. They are popular in do-it-yourself (DIY) projects for computer networking and in low budget applications.