4 Routing Concepts in MikroTik

1. Static Routing

Static routing involves manually configuring routes on a router to direct traffic to specific networks. This method is straightforward and efficient for small networks with few destinations. Static routes are fixed and do not change unless manually updated, making them predictable and reliable.

For example, if you have a network with two subnets, 192.168.1.0/24 and 192.168.2.0/24, you can configure a static route to send traffic from 192.168.1.0/24 to 192.168.2.0/24 through a specific gateway.

Think of static routing as a map with predefined routes. Each route is clearly marked and does not change unless you update the map.

2. Dynamic Routing

Dynamic routing uses protocols like OSPF, RIP, or BGP to automatically share routing information between routers. This method is ideal for large networks with many destinations and frequent changes. Dynamic routing adapts to network changes, ensuring efficient and optimal traffic flow.

For instance, in a large enterprise network, routers running OSPF can automatically detect changes in network topology, such as link failures, and adjust routes accordingly without manual intervention.

Imagine dynamic routing as a navigation app that constantly updates routes based on real-time traffic conditions.

3. Default Routing

Default routing is a special type of static route that directs all traffic to a single gateway when no specific route is defined. This is useful for directing traffic to the internet or a central router in a network.

For example, if you want all unknown traffic to exit your network through a specific ISP gateway, you can configure a default route pointing to that gateway.

Think of default routing as a catch-all route that handles any traffic not explicitly directed elsewhere.

4. Policy-Based Routing

Policy-based routing allows you to route traffic based on specific criteria such as source IP address, destination IP address, or application type. This method provides granular control over traffic flow, enabling advanced network management and optimization.

For instance, you can configure policy-based routing to send all traffic from a specific department to a different ISP for cost savings, or to prioritize VoIP traffic over other types of data.

Imagine policy-based routing as a traffic cop directing vehicles based on specific rules and conditions.

Understanding these four routing concepts—Static Routing, Dynamic Routing, Default Routing, and Policy-Based Routing—is essential for effectively managing and optimizing your MikroTik router. By leveraging these concepts, you can create a flexible, efficient, and high-performance network infrastructure tailored to your specific needs.