Chapter 1 of 9 · MikroTik MTCNA
Introduction
RouterOS and RouterBOARD, first access, the CLI, initial setup, upgrades, security, backups and recovery.
- 8topics
- 36 minfast track
- 1diagrams and exhibits
Topics in this chapter
Take them in order, or jump to the one you need.
- 1About MikroTik, RouterOS, Licence Levels and Where to Learn MoreLearn what RouterOS and RouterBOARD are, how licence levels work, and which official sources to use when you need more MikroTik…4 min
- 2First Time Access with WinBox, WebFig and Quick SetLearn how to reach a new MikroTik router with WinBox, MAC-WinBox and WebFig, what Quick Set does, and what the default…5 min
- 3RouterOS Command Line Access and CLI PrinciplesLearn the ways to open the RouterOS command line, from serial cable to SSH, and the CLI principles of tab completion, question…5 min
- 4Initial Configuration for Internet AccessConfigure a MikroTik router for Internet access with a WAN DHCP client, a LAN address and default gateway, DNS settings and a…Diagram5 min
- 5Upgrading RouterOS and RouterBOOT FirmwareLearn the RouterOS package types, the main ways to upgrade a router, and how the RouterBOOT firmware is upgraded as a separate…4 min
- 6Router Identity, Logins and ServicesSet a router identity, manage user accounts and groups, and secure the management services on a MikroTik router by disabling or…4 min
- 7Configuration Backups and Export FilesLearn how to save and restore a RouterOS backup, how a binary backup differs from an export rsc file, and how to edit an export…5 min
- 8Resetting a Router and Reinstalling with NetinstallLearn how to reset a RouterOS device to defaults or to a blank state, and how Netinstall reinstalls RouterOS from a PC when a…4 min
About this chapter
What this chapter covers
Introduction gets you from an unboxed MikroTik router to a working, safe and recoverable device.
It explains what RouterOS and RouterBOARD are, how to log in for the first time, and how to use the command line. It then walks through basic Internet access, upgrades, the first security steps, backups and recovery.
How the topics fit together
The chapter follows the life of a new router, from unpacking it to rebuilding it after a problem.
You first learn what you are working with and how to reach it. Next you configure the router so a LAN can use the Internet.
After that you keep it healthy. You upgrade it, name it, secure its logins and services, and save its configuration. If something goes wrong, a reset or Netinstall brings it back.
Later chapters reuse the habits from this one, such as CLI help, exports before a change and restricted services.
How to use these pages
Each topic page has the same shape, so you can skim for what you need.
- What it is: the idea in plain words.
- How it works: the mechanism, with diagrams and console examples.
- What to remember for the exam: the facts to memorise.
- Common mistakes: the classic traps.
- Check yourself: three questions to test your understanding.
Practise on a real router or a virtual RouterOS machine. Typing the commands yourself, and using the question mark help to explore, is the best preparation for this chapter.
Ready for more practice?
The full MikroTik MTCNA question bank has 558 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.
This study guide is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by MikroTik. Vendor names, certification names and exam codes are trademarks of their respective owners and are used for identification only.