In our last episode, we covered the basic setup of a Mikrotik 750G.
Unlike most consumer level routers that use a web browser for configuration, Mikrotik uses a proprietary program.
Step 1: Download (NOTE: This URL won’t work if you’ve already changed your IP. But if you’ve changed your IP, you’ve probably already figured out you need Winbox….)
Step 2:
Click that and select your router.
Step 3:
You should see this. If you’ve never setup a Mikrotik before, you should leave the default configuration in so you retain a fully functional router.
Hmm. Apparently I didn’t think this post through really well.
I have no idea what the 2 people that actually visit this site actually have for router requirements, so I have no idea how to proceed from here.
I guess the only thing I can say from here on out is explore.
Mikrotiks can do some really powerful things and have LOTS of configuration options.
EDIT: In response to comments, I’ll be updating this post to cover a few new things. Anything that would be long and drawn out I’ll make into a new post for the next episode.
IPs – Changing the IP is surprisingly complicated compared to a consumer router. Since you can use more than one range, it’s not a single text box you change in one place, but rather 6 different places you have to tweak in new settings. I think this will have to wait for another show.
Port speeds – I’ll snap some screenshots and fix this at a later date.
Firewall/Port Forwarding – Same deal. I’ll snap some screenshots and update this.
Wireless AP – Some models do have mini PCI slots for wireless radios (and MiniPCI-E for 3G radios) but the 750G does not.
My recommendation in this situation is to pick up an assembled Wireless AP. The DH Stamp of Approval list includes Trendnet TEW-637AP for the ultra budget conscious and the EnGenius ECB9500 for those with a few more bucks to spend. If all you need is wireless, the Trendnet will do fine. If you want a few cool features like VLANs bound to SSID, go with the EnGenius. Besides… quit being a cheap ass and pay the $90 compared to $45.
I will be covering 3G at a later date (in fact… that article predates this article, I just haven’t finished it yet since it’s quite long)
I’ve also experimented with Wireless, but unless you have a specific need for a MiniPCI radio inside the Mikrotik, I would recommend buying a separate AP.
WebUI: Apparently I forgot to flash the latest firmware when I picked up my unit. v5 has a built-in WebUI that basically mirrors Winbox. Just head to http://[Router IP]. There you can use the “Webfig” and check out some graphs.
Subnetting: I should cover subnetting one of these days. And I should submit that article to a few choice places that decide it’s a good idea to use routable IPs in a private range. This article may have to wait a bit. I will explain out the local ranges when I cover IPs, but the full subnetting article is probably better read on Wikipedia.
