Basic Configuration for MikroTik Certified Switching Engineer (MTCSWE)
1. Initial Setup
The initial setup involves configuring basic parameters such as the device name, IP address, and default gateway. This step is crucial for establishing communication with the MikroTik device and managing it remotely.
Example: After connecting to the MikroTik device via console or web interface, you would set the device name to "OfficeSwitch" and assign it an IP address like 192.168.1.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. The default gateway would be set to 192.168.1.1, which is typically the IP address of the router.
2. VLAN Configuration
VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) configuration allows you to segment a physical network into multiple logical networks. This enhances security and performance by isolating traffic between different VLANs.
Example: Suppose you have a network with three departments: HR, IT, and Sales. You can create three VLANs (VLAN 10 for HR, VLAN 20 for IT, and VLAN 30 for Sales). Each department's devices would be assigned to their respective VLAN, ensuring that traffic between departments is isolated.
3. Port Configuration
Port configuration involves setting up individual switch ports with specific parameters such as speed, duplex mode, and VLAN membership. This ensures that each port operates efficiently and securely.
Example: On a MikroTik switch, you might configure Port 1 to operate at 1 Gbps full-duplex mode and assign it to VLAN 10 (HR). Additionally, you could enable port security to restrict access to only authorized MAC addresses, enhancing security.