Wireless · Topic 2 of 4

Setting Up a Simple Wireless Link

Configure a RouterOS access point and a station to build a simple wireless link, then check it with the registration table and the monitor command.

5 min

In a nutshell

The access point creates the network, and the station joins it by SSID.
The mode of the interface sets the role, such as ap-bridge or station.
A fixed frequency is set on the access point, and the station scans for it.

What it is

A simple wireless link connects one access point to one or more stations that use the same network name.

The access point creates the network and accepts clients. The station is the client that finds the network by its name, the SSID, and joins it.

The two ends must agree on the band, the SSID and the security. Once they do, the link carries traffic like a cable.

How it works

You set the mode and the SSID on both sides, then bring the interface up and check the link.

Wireless interface basics

A RouterOS wireless interface is usually called wlan1. On a router with no default configuration it can start out disabled, so enable it as part of the setup.

The settings that matter most are:

Setting	Meaning
`mode`	The role of the interface, such as an access point or a station
`ssid`	The name of the wireless network
`band`	The standards and frequency band to use
`frequency`	The channel, given in MHz, which is needed on the access point
`country`	The legal limits that apply
`security-profile`	The security settings that the interface uses

This page uses the wireless menu of RouterOS version 6. On version 7 the available wireless package and menu depend on the version and the hardware, so check the documentation for the device.

Access point configuration

/interface wireless set wlan1 mode=ap-bridge ssid=Link1 band=2ghz-b/g/n frequency=2437 channel-width=20mhz country=latvia disabled=no

The ap-bridge mode makes the interface an access point that can serve many clients and forwards frames between them and the bridge. A plain bridge mode also exists, but it serves only a single client, so it fits only a simple point to point link.

The frequency is fixed on the access point. The stations adapt to it.

Add the interface to a bridge with the LAN ports if the wireless clients should be on the LAN, or give it an IP address if the link is routed.

/interface bridge port add bridge=bridge1 interface=wlan1

Exam tip

Run /interface wireless scan wlan1 before you choose a frequency, to see what other networks are nearby.

Station configuration

/interface wireless set wlan1 mode=station ssid=Link1 band=2ghz-b/g/n disabled=no

A station does not need a fixed frequency. It scans the channels in its scan list for the SSID that it was given, and then joins.

The station needs the same security settings as the access point. Without them it cannot join, even when the SSID and band match.

You can search for networks from the station to see which ones it hears.

/interface wireless scan wlan1

The scan lists nearby networks with their SSID, channel and signal. During a scan the interface is busy, so the link drops for a moment.

Addressing the link

A simple link can be built in two ways:

Bridged: the wireless interface joins a bridge, and both sides share one subnet.
Routed: each side gets an address on the wireless interface, and a route points to the far network.

For a routed link, the two addresses sit in a shared small subnet, and each side needs a route for the far LAN. For a bridged link, the hosts on the access point bridge and the station itself share one subnet.

A plain station cannot be bridged with other ports, as the bridging chapter explains. If the link must carry a LAN through a station, use a routed link or a station bridge mode.

Checking the link

/interface wireless registration-table print
/interface wireless monitor wlan1

On the access point, the registration table lists each connected station with its signal strength and rates. If the table is empty, no station has joined.

The monitor command shows the live state of the interface, including the frequency in use and the status. On the station, it tells you whether the interface is connected to an access point.

If the link does not come up, check these points in order:

Both interfaces are enabled.
The SSID matches exactly, including the case.
The band and frequency are compatible.
The security settings are the same on both sides.
The country setting allows the channel.

What to remember for the exam

Seven facts cover this topic.

The access point creates the network, and the station joins it by SSID.
The mode of the interface sets the role, such as ap-bridge or station.
A fixed frequency is set on the access point, and the station scans for it.
Both sides need matching SSID, band and security settings.
/interface wireless scan wlan1 lists nearby networks.
/interface wireless registration-table print on the access point lists connected stations.
A routed link needs addresses on both ends and a route to the far network.

Watch out

A scan makes the interface busy, so avoid running it on an access point with active users.

Common mistakes

These four mistakes are common.

Leaving the interface disabled. It does not transmit until you enable it.

Mismatching the SSID. The match is exact, so a different case or an extra space stops the link.

Forgetting the security profile. The station is refused when its security differs from the access point.

Bridging a plain station. Use a routed link or a station bridge mode instead.

Check yourself

Work through these three questions.

Which side sets a fixed frequency in a simple link?
The access point sets it, and the station scans its channels to find the SSID. Both sides still need matching band and security settings.
Where do you see which stations are connected to an access point?
Run /interface wireless registration-table print on the access point. It lists each station with its signal strength.
A station cannot join even though the SSID matches, so what else should you check?
Check that the band, the security settings and the country setting are compatible with the access point.

Topic 2 of 4 in Wireless

Test yourself on Wireless

The full MikroTik MTCNA question bank has 558 questions, with timed practice exams and an explanation for every answer.

Subscribe Try Sample Exam

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.