First Time Configuration
Before You Begin
Prerequisites
Before starting the configuration process, make sure you have the following:
- A MikroTik router
- A computer with an Ethernet port (recommended). Configuration over WiFi is also supported if the router provides a wireless access point
- An Ethernet cable
- An active internet connection from your ISP
- 30–60 minutes of uninterrupted time
Key Concepts
- Default Configuration: Factory-installed settings that may need adjustment depending on your network requirements
- Bridge: A virtual interface that combines multiple physical ports into a single network segment
- DHCP: A protocol that automatically assigns IP addresses to devices on a network
- NAT: Network Address Translation, allowing multiple devices to share a single public IP address
- Firewall: A set of rules that control and filter network traffic for security purposes
Choose Your Configuration Method
This guide explains how to configure RouterOS using either:
Which to choose:
- New users: It is recommended to follow the WinBox instructions
- Advanced users: You may use CLI commands shown in code blocks
tip
After completing each major configuration section, it is recommended to create a backup of your settings.
CLI Method:
/export file=backup-step3
WinBox method:
- Open the Files menu
- Click Backup
- Enter a descriptive name (for example:
after-internet-setup)
If something goes wrong, you can restore your configuration from the Files menu by selecting the backup and clicking Restore.
Accessing the router
Most MikroTik routers ship with a default configuration that allows immediate access. However, some professional devices (such as the CCR series) may ship with a minimal or no default configuration. In that case, set up the network manually first — see Manual Network Setup.