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.
