Introduction · Topic 1 of 8
About MikroTik, RouterOS, Licence Levels and Where to Learn More
Learn what RouterOS and RouterBOARD are, how licence levels work, and which official sources to use when you need more MikroTik information.
- 4 min
- RouterOS is the operating system, and RouterBOARD is MikroTik hardware.
- RouterOS can run on RouterBOARD, on an x86 PC and as a CHR virtual machine.
- RouterBOOT is the boot loader of a RouterBOARD.
What it is
MikroTik makes routing hardware and the operating system that runs on it.
The software is called RouterOS, and the hardware line is called RouterBOARD. RouterOS can also run on a normal PC or in a virtual machine, so the software is not tied to MikroTik hardware.
Each installation of RouterOS has a licence level. The level decides which features the router may use, and you can look up where to find help in the official sources.
How it works
RouterOS is the software, RouterBOARD is one place to run it, and the licence level sets the feature set.
What is RouterOS
RouterOS is a network operating system built on the Linux kernel. It turns a device into a router, firewall, bridge, wireless access point, VPN server and more.
You manage it through a console, through WinBox, through WebFig or through other tools. All of these show the same configuration, because they all talk to the same system.
RouterOS comes in major versions. Version 6 and version 7 both appear in the field, and some behaviour differs between them. Later chapters say so wherever it matters.
What is RouterBOARD
RouterBOARD is the name of MikroTik's own hardware. It covers small home routers, access points, switches and large rack routers.
A RouterBOARD ships with RouterOS already installed. It also has a boot loader called RouterBOOT, which starts the device and is upgraded separately from RouterOS. The upgrade page covers this in detail.
Other places to run RouterOS
| Platform | What it is |
|---|---|
| RouterBOARD | MikroTik hardware with RouterOS preinstalled |
| x86 PC | RouterOS installed on ordinary hardware |
| CHR | Cloud Hosted Router, a RouterOS image for virtual machines |
Licence levels
A licence level is a number that is attached to a RouterOS installation. A higher level unlocks more features and capacity than a lower one.
RouterBOARD devices come with a licence already applied, so you do not buy one separately. Other installations, such as an x86 PC or a CHR, are licensed separately.
The level is tied to the device, so a software upgrade does not change it. You can read it from the console.
/system license printThe output shows the software ID and the level. The exact limits for each level are published on the MikroTik wiki, so look them up there instead of memorising them.
A feature that seems to be missing may simply need a higher licence level, so check the level before you suspect a fault.
Sources of additional information
MikroTik documentation and help comes from several places.
- wiki.mikrotik.com is the official manual, with a page for each feature and command.
- forum.mikrotik.com is the community forum, where users and staff answer questions.
- mum.mikrotik.com is the site of the MikroTik User Meeting, with presentations from past events.
- Distributor and consultant support is the route when you bought the device from a partner, who can help with configuration and design.
- support@mikrotik.com is the address for contacting MikroTik support directly.
Use the wiki first for command syntax, the forum for real world examples, and the MUM presentations for deeper talks on one subject. For support by email, a clear description and a support file make a request easier to handle. The final chapter explains how to produce that file.
What to remember for the exam
Seven facts cover this topic.
- RouterOS is the operating system, and RouterBOARD is MikroTik hardware.
- RouterOS can run on RouterBOARD, on an x86 PC and as a CHR virtual machine.
- RouterBOOT is the boot loader of a RouterBOARD.
- A licence level is a number tied to an installation, and a higher level unlocks more.
/system license printshows the licence level.- The wiki is the official manual, and the forum is the community.
- Support is reached through a distributor or consultant, or through support@mikrotik.com.
Do not confuse RouterOS with RouterBOARD, because exam questions often ask which one is software and which one is hardware.
Common mistakes
These four errors are easy to make.
Treating RouterOS and RouterBOARD as one thing. RouterOS is the software and RouterBOARD is the hardware, and RouterOS can run without RouterBOARD.
Memorising licence limits. The exact limits are published on the wiki, so read them there instead of relying on memory.
Expecting a software upgrade to raise the licence level. The level belongs to the device, and upgrading RouterOS does not change it.
Going straight to support without checking the wiki. Most configuration questions are already answered in the manual or the forum.
Check yourself
Work through these three questions.
What is the difference between RouterOS and RouterBOARD?
RouterOS is the operating system and RouterBOARD is the MikroTik hardware line. RouterOS can also run on an x86 PC or as a CHR virtual machine.
How do you see the licence level of a router?
Run
/system license print, which shows the level. The level is tied to the device, so a software upgrade does not change it.Where would you look for the official manual and where for community help?
The wiki is the official manual and the forum is the community place to ask questions. Distributors, consultants and support@mikrotik.com are the other routes.
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