Interfaces and Bridges in MikroTik

1. Interfaces

Interfaces in MikroTik are the physical or virtual connections through which the router communicates with other devices on the network. These can include Ethernet ports, wireless interfaces, and virtual interfaces like VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks).

For instance, an Ethernet interface might be used to connect the router to a local network, while a wireless interface could be used to provide Wi-Fi access to mobile devices. Virtual interfaces like VLANs allow for the segmentation of a network into multiple logical networks, enhancing security and performance.

Think of interfaces as doors through which the router interacts with the outside world. Each door (interface) serves a specific purpose, such as connecting to a specific network segment or providing a particular type of connectivity (wired or wireless).

2. Bridges

Bridges in MikroTik are used to connect multiple network interfaces into a single logical interface, effectively creating a single broadcast domain. This is useful for simplifying network management and improving performance by reducing the number of separate networks that need to be managed.

For example, you might bridge two Ethernet interfaces to create a single network segment that combines the devices connected to both interfaces. This can be particularly useful in environments where you want to extend a network without adding complexity.

Imagine a bridge as a connector that joins two separate rooms (network segments) into one larger room (broadcast domain). This allows devices in both rooms to communicate as if they were in the same room, simplifying network interactions.

3. VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks)

VLANs are a type of virtual interface that allows you to segment a physical network into multiple logical networks. This is done by tagging packets with a VLAN ID, which the router uses to determine which network segment the packet belongs to.

For example, you might create a VLAN for guest Wi-Fi access and another for internal company use. This segregation enhances security by preventing guest devices from accessing internal resources, and it improves performance by reducing unnecessary traffic on the internal network.

Think of VLANs as virtual walls that divide a large room (physical network) into smaller, separate rooms (logical networks). Each room has its own set of rules and access permissions, ensuring that devices in one room cannot interfere with those in another.

Understanding Interfaces, Bridges, and VLANs is essential for effectively managing and optimizing your MikroTik router. By leveraging these concepts, you can create a flexible, secure, and high-performance network infrastructure tailored to your specific needs.