How to Configure NAT (Masquerade Rule) on MikroTik

When setting up a MikroTik router for internet sharing, one of the essential steps is configuring Network Address Translation (NAT). This setup lets devices in your local network (LAN) communicate with external networks. They use the router’s public IP. The most common form of NAT used in MikroTik is masquerading. It dynamically changes the source IP address of outbound packets to the router’s WAN IP.

Below are the steps to configure NAT using a masquerade rule in MikroTik:

Step-by-Step: Configuring NAT (Masquerade) in MikroTik

1. Log in to Your MikroTik Router

• Use Winbox, WebFig, or SSH to access your MikroTik router.

2. Identify Your Interfaces

• Go to Interfaces and identify:
  • Your LAN interface (e.g., ether2, bridge)
  • Your WAN interface (e.g., ether1 or PPPoE)

We can assign a name for notifying

3. Add a Masquerade NAT Rule

• Go to IP > Firewall > NAT tab
• Click on “+” to add a new NAT rule

4. Configure the General Tab

• Chain: srcnat
• Out. Interface: Select your WAN interface (e.g., ether1)

5. Configure the Action Tab

• Action: masquerade

6. Apply and OK

• Click Apply, then OK to save the rule.

✅ You now have a masquerade rule that translates your internal IPs to the router’s external IP, enabling internet access.

Optional: Check Connectivity

• Use the Terminal and run: ping 8.8.8.8 or try accessing websites from a device on the LAN to confirm internet connectivity.

Setting up a masquerade NAT rule on MikroTik is a critical part of allowing LAN clients to access the internet. It ensures that your private IP addresses are properly translated to a public IP as packets leave the router. Once configured, your devices should be able to browse the web and connect to online services seamlessly. Learn more about NAT, the process of NAT translation between Private and public IP addresses.