MikroTik

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Overview

MikroTik (SIA "Mikrotīkls") is a Latvian manufacturer of networking hardware and software, best known for its RouterOS operating system and RouterBOARD‑based routers, switches, and wireless access points. The company targets Internet service providers, enterprises, and smaller organizations, offering a mix of low‑cost, high‑performance devices that can be deployed from small offices to national‑scale networks. MikroTik is notable for combining relatively inexpensive hardware with a powerful, scriptable routing stack, which has made it popular in both budget‑conscious deployments and more complex carrier‑grade environments.

History

MikroTik was founded in 1996 in Riga, Latvia, initially focusing on router software and wireless ISP systems. In 1997 it released RouterOS, a routing and network‑management operating system designed for standard PC hardware. In 2002 the company began producing its own hardware under the RouterBOARD brand, which evolved into a full line of routers, switches, and wireless gear. Over time MikroTik expanded globally, supplying equipment to ISPs and enterprises in most countries and becoming one of Latvia’s largest technology companies by revenue and market value.

Product Lines

Product Line	Positioning	Price Range
RouterBOARD routers	General‑purpose wired and wireless routers	$50 - $1,200
CCR / CRS routers and switches	High‑performance core and data‑center routers and switches	$500 - $5,000
Wireless access points (cAP, mAP, etc.)	Indoor and outdoor Wi‑Fi access points	$80 - $800
Switches (Cloud Switch, etc.)	Managed Ethernet switches	$100 - $1,500
LTE / cellular appliances (SXT LTE, etc.)	Cellular‑backhaul and wireless‑bridge devices	$200 - $1,000

Manufacturing

MikroTik designs its hardware and software in Latvia and contracts manufacturing to external partners, primarily in Asia. The company emphasizes in‑house engineering and quality control while relying on outsourced production for volume. This model allows it to keep hardware costs relatively low while maintaining tight integration between RouterOS and its RouterBOARD‑based platforms.

Notable Products

RouterOS - A Linux‑based routing and network‑management operating system that runs on MikroTik hardware and some third‑party x86 systems.
RouterBOARD SBCs - Low‑power single‑board computers that form the basis of many MikroTik routers and can be integrated into custom systems.
CCR1072‑1G‑8S+ - A high‑end 72‑core router with multiple 10GbE ports and carrier‑class throughput, aimed at core and data‑center roles.
mAP pocket router - A compact, professional pocket‑sized router with microUSB‑to‑PoE power passthrough, designed for portable deployments.
SXT LTE bridge - An integrated 4G/LTE wireless bridge appliance that combines cellular connectivity with routing and bridging functions.

Reputation

Among professionals and enthusiasts, MikroTik is widely regarded as a cost‑effective provider of flexible, scriptable networking gear, particularly for ISPs and smaller operators. Its RouterOS is praised for its depth of features and configurability, but also criticized for a steep learning curve and sometimes opaque documentation. Some users report reliability and security concerns when devices are misconfigured or left on outdated firmware, which has led to mixed perceptions around long‑term stability in complex environments.

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