Instructions for Initial Setup of MikroTik Routers

These instructions will provide a basic configuration so that the router is accessible for remote access. This configuration requires a public IP address to be located on the router. If that is not possible for whatever reason then call us and we will help walk you through configuring a VPN.

Step 1 Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to the Internet modem. Note: Usually, the Ethernet cable will be connected to Ethernet Port 1 which is always the Ethernet port that is closest to the power jack. The Ethernet ports are number left to right. If the Router Board is powered via a POE then connect the Ethernet cable to the POE. Step 2 Connect an Ethernet cable from the router to your PC via Ethernet Port 2. Step 3 Change to PCs IP address to match the subnet of the Router Board. Note: For most new Router Boards the Routers IP address will usually be 192.168.88.1/24 or 10.10.10.1/24.

Step 4 Download WinBox from the Router Board by typing the IP address of the router into a web browser and clicking on the Download it hyperlink. Note: If the routers IP address is unknown or if there are any problems with connecting to the router then WinBox can be downloaded from MikroTiks website at http://www.mikrotik.com/download.html.

Step 5 Connect to the router using WinBox Open WinBox and click on the radio button with the three dots. The router should automatically be listed in the field that appears. (If not, then you will have to type the routers IP address into the Connect To: Field.) By clicking on the IP address the Connect To: field should be pre-filled with the routers address. Only click on the MAC address if there is not an IP address available. If an IP address has not been assigned then the IP Address field will be filled with 0.0.0.0. Type in the Login as admin with no password and click Connect.

Step 6 Add a WAN IP address Click on the IP button and select Addresses from the sub-menu. Click on the plus sign and a New Address box will open. Type in the address with the proper CIDR notation. (i.e. 10.10.10.1/24) Be sure to select the proper interface from the drop down menu. Click OK.

Step 7 Add a LAN IP Address Repeat Step 5 to add the LAN subnet. This subnet must be completely different than the WAN subnet (i.e. 192.168.1.1/24). Step 8 Add a Gateway Close out any open windows and then select the IP button and then select Routes from submenu. Click on the plus sign and the New Route window appears. The Gateway field will be grayed out by default, but go ahead a click on it and the field will change. Type in the WAN gateway and click ok. If you accidentally click on anything else then close the New Route window and open a new one.

Step 9 - Add DNS servers Close out any open windows and then click on the IP button. Select DNS from the submenu.

Click on the Settings button and then type in at least one DNS server address in the field. Click OK (4.2.2.1 is a DNS server in south Texas).

Step 10 Masquerade the LAN network Close out any open windows and then click on the IP button and select Firewall from the submenu. Select the NAT tab and click on the plus sign. Click on the Out. Interface field and select the interface that is facing the Internet. Select the Action tab and then select masquerade from the drop down menu. Click OK.

Step 11 Verify Internet Connectivity At this point the router and any PCs behind that router should be online. Try to ping the gateway your ISP gave you or some other address.

Open a web browser and verify that you can access the Internet from your PC.