Initial Configuration

This section will guide you through the initial setup of your MikroTik device, including:

• Resetting and clearing any existing configurations.
• Establishing an Internet connection.
• Upgrading the device to the latest firmware.

Setting up your Router

Step 1: Verify That Your MikroTik Router Is Functioning

Plug in your MikroTik router and wait for it to boot up. The boot process typically takes a few seconds to a minute. Once booted, the device should provide an indication, such as a display on the front LCD panel, an audible beep, or flashing lights.

Step 2: Physically Connect the MikroTik Router

Connect your MikroTik router to the upstream device using an Ethernet cable. Plug one end of the cable into the MikroTik's ETH1 port on the front panel. Connect the other end to the Ethernet port of the upstream device.

Step 3: Reset the MikroTik Router to Factory Settings

There are multiple methods to reset your MikroTik router. Choose the method that best suits your needs.

Option 1: Reset via the LCD Panel

Using the LCD panel on the front of the MikroTik router, locate the option to reset the device to factory settings. Enter the 4-digit PIN code when prompted.

The default PIN is 1234.

The router will reboot, and after approximately 10-20 seconds, it should display a message indicating:

• The local IP address is 192.168.88.1.
• An additional IP address may also be shown, which can be ignored for now.

Option 2: Reset via the Winbox Utility

MikroTik provides a utility program called Winbox that allows you to find devices on your network and manage their configuration. Detailed instructions for downloading and using Winbox can be found here.

Step 4: Establish Internet Access

Before proceeding further, the MikroTik itself will need to be able to reach the internet.

1. Check for an IP Address
   • Using Winbox click IP on the left-side, main menu.
   • From the sub menu, click DHCP Client.

If you see an entry that shows ether1 in the interface column, and an IP address that is not all 0's (0.0.0.0) in the IP Address column, then you can skip to the next step and proceed to Confirm Internet Access

Get an IP address with DHCP

1. clcik on the Add New button.
2. Select ether1 in the Inteface drop-down menu.
3. Ensure that Use Peer DNS is ticked.
4. Click Apply
5. click OK

You should now see an entry and there should be a valid IP address in the IP Address column

Confirm Internet Access

Using Winbox, open a terminal by clicking on the New Terminal button.

• You may need to enter the username and password you set for the device earlier.

When you have logged in and see a command prompt, type in the following command

ping mkcld.io

• Then press Enter

If you see a continuous stream of pings, then you have internet access and you can continue.

Step 5: Update Firmware On The MikroTik

Using Winbox, use the left-side menu and choose System --> Packages

1. Click on Check for Updates
2. Select stable from the Channel drop down menu.
3. Click the Check for Updates button.
4. Note the Installed Version and Latest Version numbers.

Update Current Major Version of the Firmware

If the version numbers don't match, download & install the latest version.

Upgrade to the Latest Major Version

If the Channel drop-down menu includes an "upgrade" option, select that and then download & install the most recent major version.

Return to the Check for Updates page one last time and ensure that you have the latest version of the most recent upgrade.

Congratulations on Setting Up Your Initial Access

🎉 Congrats, your MikroTik router is now ready to add to MikroCloud, you can go to this page to add your router to your MikroCloud Portal.