Tag: cisco

What is Mikrotik?

Mikrotik is a renowned networking hardware and software company based in Latvia. It is known for its affordable yet powerful solutions. These are tailored for everything from small home setups to large enterprise networks. Mikrotik, which was founded in 1996, developed RouterOS, an advanced networking software. This software is designed to run on its proprietary hardware devices.

It is also compatible with other x86-based platforms. Mikrotik’s routers and switches are highly versatile. They provide functionalities like routing, firewall, VPN, and bandwidth management. All of these features are available in one device. For IT students, network administrators, and anyone interested in network configuration and management, Mikrotik offers a wealth of features at a competitive price point, making it an accessible yet professional choice

Why Mikrotik Matters

Mikrotik offers a wide array of tools and customizable options. These features make it ideal for various network solutions. It supports anything from simple connectivity setups to complex infrastructures. Many professionals and students use Mikrotik as a learning tool.

Its RouterOS software is flexible. It also requires a hands-on approach. With Mikrotik, you’re not just buying a router. You’re accessing a platform to develop a deep understanding of networking concepts. This platform allows learning in a practical, real-world context.

In the ever-evolving world of networking, Mikrotik stands out as an affordable solution. It is also powerful. Mikrotik is accessible to both new learners and experienced professionals. With its robust feature set and active community, Mikrotik enables users to experiment, learn, and develop strong networking skills.

You might want to manage a small office network. Alternatively, you could be interested in building a larger infrastructure. Mikrotik offers the tools you need to succeed. Join the growing number of people leveraging Mikrotik’s capabilities. Feel free to explore the possibilities by commenting with your own experiences and insights! Learn more…

Technical Overview & Strengths

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High-speed hardware:
- 2× 100 Gbps QSFP28 ports, 12× 25 Gbps SFP28 ports, plus 1 Gbps Ethernet for management.
- Inside: a 16‑core 2 GHz ARM AL73400 CPU. It includes a Marvell Prestera Aldrin2 switch-chip with L3 hardware offloading. This is achieved via 4× 25 Gbps CPU links.
Performance:
- Lab results show up to 197 Gbps routing performance using L3 fast path (“L3HW”), and very high packet-per-second (kpps) metrics.
- IPsec VPN throughput: from ~2 Gbps (single tunnel) to ~4 Gbps (256 tunnels).
- Power consumption is efficient: around 80–121 W peak.

Real-World User Insights

Performance & Offloading

Multiple users emphasize that reaching line-rate performance demands proper setup. They advise, “If you’re getting one of these, you absolutely need to properly configure it. Make sure to take advantage of the ASIC offloading features.” The CPU does not reach anywhere close to 100 Gbps in any conceivable test.
On switching and routing: “The CCR2216 is essentially a CRS518. Both can layer‑3 route at line rate using L3HW offload. The CPU achieves about 40‑50 Gbps of throughput for layer 4 + VPN.”

Throughput and Testing Limitations

In lab tests, one user saw only ~12–13 Gbps UDP or ~6 Gbps TCP over 100 Gbps links. This was due to CPU limitations on traffic generation. The sending CPU is operating at 99%. It’s too much to ask even a 16‑core ARM to generate 100 Gbps of traffic.
- This highlights the difference between line-rate forwarding (ASIC-handled) versus CPU-bound tasks like synthetic load tests or complex processing.

Noise & Fans

Generally quieter than comparable Cisco CCRs: “All the mikrotik CCRs are very quiet compared to vendors like Cisco.”
If used in a quiet space like a living room, cooling fans may be noticeable. “You will definitely not be happy with the default fans in a living room. They are awful loud even at low RPM :D.” Many users substitute Noctua fans to improve acoustic comfort.

Protocol Quirks & Software Caveats

Some users have reported issues with IGMP proxy, IPTV/multicast scenarios. These issues require repeated resets. “IPTV runs when I restart the router. However, when I change the channel, it no longer works. The solution is to deactivate and then activate the configuration.”
Community feedback on RouterOS is mixed. “Software bugs will redistribute your eBGP table into your OSPF database causing … a huge headache.” There is still value appreciation.
“For their price point you can’t expect big brand reliability.”
Conversely, others find it powerful and performant if you know how to operate it.

Summary Evaluation

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Area	Pros	Caveats
Hardware	Exceptional port density (100/25 Gbps), L3 offload, strong CPU	ASIC features must be properly enabled for expected performance
Price	~$2.3–2.8k – significantly cheaper than carrier-grade alternatives	Still a major investment outside enterprise/data-center scenarios
Performance	Very high throughput, good IPsec speeds	Synthetic throughput tests may hit CPU; test method matters
Noise	Decent for data centers	Loud in quiet environments; fan replacements may be needed
Software & UX	Highly feature-rich RouterOS, good for advanced users	RouterOS has quirks; not ideal for novice or zero-touch use cases
Use Case Fit	Ideal for data centers, core routing, ISP or enterprise backbones	Overkill for homelabs or small deployments without high-speed links

Final Thoughts

If your application demands high-performance routing with 100/25 Gbps ports, this device is a great choice. You must be skilled in network optimization. The CCR2216‑1G‑12XS‑2XQ is an excellent value. It delivers carrier-grade capabilities at a significantly lower price bracket than legacy alternatives (e.g., CCR1072 or major vendor gear).

However, it requires careful configuration to unlock hardware acceleration. It may be loud in quiet settings unless modified. It runs RouterOS, which has a steep learning curve and occasional quirks.

October 27, 2024

How to configure a basic Cisco switch on Cisco Packet Tracer
Configuring a Cisco switch is a foundational skill in networking, essential for both beginners and seasoned IT professionals. Cisco Packet Tracer provides a user-friendly environment in which to practice these configurations without needing physical equipment. This guide shows you how to configure a basic Cisco switch on Cisco Packet Tracer.

It walks you through the basic steps, including hostname setup, IP configuration, and secure access management. Whether you’re preparing for exams, setting up a lab, or just exploring network management, this guide will be invaluable. It helps you get hands-on experience with essential Cisco switch configurations.

1. Open Cisco Packet Tracer
- Open Cisco Packet Tracer and create a new project to configure a basic Cisco switch.
2. Add a Cisco Switch
- In the left-hand menu, select Switches.
- Drag a Cisco 2911 Switch (or another type if needed) into the workspace on Cisco Packet Tracer.
3. Connect Devices (Optional)
- Connect the switch to other devices like PCs using Copper Straight-Through cables.
4. Access the Switch CLI
- Click on the switch to open it, then go to the CLI (Command Line Interface) tab.
5. Enter Privileged EXEC Mode
- Type enable to enter privileged EXEC mode.
- The prompt changes from Switch> to Switch#, a key step in how to configure a basic Cisco switch.
6. Enter Global Configuration Mode
- Type configure terminal or conf t.
- The prompt changes to Switch(config)#.
7. Basic Configuration

a. Set a Hostname
```
   hostname howtokh
```
Replace how to get started with the desired name.

b. Configure Management Interface (VLAN 1)

Assign an IP address to VLAN 1 for management access on Cisco Packet Tracer.
```
   interface vlan 1
   ip address 192.168.1.2 255.255.255.0
   no shutdown
```
Replace 192.168.1.2 and 255.255.255.0 with the appropriate IP address and subnet mask for your network.

c. Set Default Gateway (for remote management)
```
   ip default-gateway 192.168.1.1
```
Replace 192.168.1.1 with the IP address of your network’s default gateway.

d. Configure Passwords (Optional)

To set up passwords for security on how to configure a Cisco switch:
- Console Password: line console 0 password YourPassword login
- Enable Password:
  shell enable secret YourSecretPassword
e. Configure SSH for Remote Access (Optional)

To configure SSH access, first create a domain name and crypto key for the switch configuration.
```
   ip domain-name yourdomain.com
   crypto key generate rsa
```
- When prompted, specify key modulus size (usually 1024 or 2048). Then configure user authentication.
```
   username admin secret YourPassword
   line vty 0 4
   login local
   transport input ssh
```
8. Save Configuration
- Type end to exit configuration mode, then:
```
   write memory
```
This saves the configuration to startup configuration, so it persists after reboot.

9. Verify Configuration
- Use show running-config to check the current configuration.
- Test connectivity by pinging from connected devices or using SSH, as you configure switch settings in Cisco Packet Tracer.
With these steps, you’ve completed how to configure a basic Cisco switch in Cisco Packet Tracer. This configuration enables basic management and access features, ideal for lab practice or network simulations.

You can follow the steps with this planned test. Continue once you have assigned an IP address on the Router interface. This is needed for the default gateways 192.1681.1/24 and on PC 192.168.1.3/24
1. Turn on Switch ports Fa/01 and Fa/02
2. Add default Gateways on the Router

3. Add IP address to PC 192.168.1.3/24

With these simple steps, you’re on your way to mastering switch configuration basics. You are learning to configure a Cisco switch in Cisco Packet Tracer. From initial access to secure management settings, you now have a functional switch ready for practical application and testing.

This setup provides a strong foundation for more complex network topologies and real-world network management scenarios. Keep exploring and building on this knowledge to deepen your skills in Cisco networking! drop your comments if you any problem.

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October 27, 2024