RouterOS

OpenVPN is a reliable and time-tested VPN protocol that allows organizing secure remote access to a local network. MikroTik RouterOS supports OpenVPN in server mode starting from version 6.x (TCP), and from version 7+ — also UDP, but with a number of architectural limitations:

• mandatory authentication by username/password even when using certificates;
• limited list of ciphers and algorithms;
• absence of some features of “classic” OpenVPN.

Despite this, OpenVPN on MikroTik remains a popular solution — especially in scenarios where clients do not support WireGuard or compatibility with legacy systems is required.

Mikrotik routers are rightly valued by system administrators for their incredible flexibility.
A unique feature of this hardware is that a budget home hAP lite and a powerful enterprise router costing thousands of dollars run the same operating system — RouterOS.

That means once you learn to configure one device, you can manage any equipment from the brand.
In this article we’ll go over the fundamental steps to set up a Mikrotik from scratch to a fully working state.

In the world of networking, there’s often a need to bridge two remote LANs so they behave like a single local network—even when separated by different routers. For MikroTik users, the concept of EoIP (Ethernet over IP) is familiar: it’s a proprietary tunneling protocol that allows creation of a virtual Ethernet interface (Layer 2) over an IP network.

Good news for Keenetic users: since firmware NDMS v2.10, Keenetic routers also support EoIP! This opens up exciting possibilities for advanced network designs.

In a world where cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, protecting remote access to servers and network equipment is of paramount importance. Simply opening ports for SSH, RDP, or web interfaces makes them targets for constant scanning and brute-force attacks.

Today, we’ll explore a powerful yet lesser-known technique that significantly improves the security of your MikroTik (and not only): Port Knocking. It’s not just about “closing ports,” but a smart system that makes your services invisible to most scanners and bots.

Introduction: Mikrotik – More Than Just a Router

When it comes to networking hardware for home or small offices, most people think of consumer-grade routers like those from TP-Link, ASUS, or D-Link. However, there’s a category of devices offering far more flexibility, features, and control—while remaining affordable. We’re talking about Mikrotik, a Latvian company known for its wide range of networking gear, especially routers and switches.

What truly sets Mikrotik apart isn’t just the hardware, but its operating system — RouterOS. This powerful software transforms ordinary devices into versatile tools capable of handling tasks usually reserved for far more expensive enterprise solutions.

In today’s digital world, where every megabyte counts and stable connectivity is gold, a single internet channel is often just not enough. Maybe you have several external IP addresses gathering dust, or your hosting provider suddenly introduced those “unpleasant” traffic limits, threatening your budget and peace of mind. But don’t panic! PCC (Per Connection Classifier) on your MikroTik router running the updated RouterOS 7.x is your ticket to a world without limits. It allows you to optimize costs and bypass annoying restrictions.