4 MikroTik SwitchOS Basics Explained
1. Interface Configuration
Interface configuration in MikroTik SwitchOS involves setting up and managing the physical and logical interfaces of the switch. This includes assigning IP addresses, configuring VLANs, and setting up link aggregation. Proper interface configuration ensures efficient data transmission and network segmentation.
Example: Suppose you have a MikroTik switch with four Ethernet ports. You can configure Port 1 as a trunk port to carry multiple VLANs, Port 2 for a specific VLAN (e.g., VLAN 10 for HR), and Ports 3 and 4 for link aggregation to increase bandwidth and redundancy.
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. MikroTik SwitchOS supports both standard and extended VLANs, enabling flexible network design.
Example: In a school network, you might create three VLANs: VLAN 10 for students, VLAN 20 for teachers, and VLAN 30 for administrative staff. Each VLAN would have its own IP subnet and access policies, ensuring that student devices cannot access teacher resources and vice versa.
3. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP)
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is a network protocol that ensures a loop-free topology for Ethernet networks. It prevents network loops that can cause broadcast storms and network instability. MikroTik SwitchOS supports various STP variants, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP).
Example: In a data center with redundant links between switches, STP would automatically select one active path and block the others to prevent loops. If the active path fails, STP would quickly reactivate a blocked path to maintain connectivity without causing network disruptions.
4. Quality of Service (QoS)
Quality of Service (QoS) in MikroTik SwitchOS allows you to prioritize network traffic based on various criteria such as IP addresses, protocols, and port numbers. This ensures that critical applications receive sufficient bandwidth, improving overall network performance and user experience.
Example: In a VoIP-enabled office, you can configure QoS to prioritize voice traffic over other types of data. This ensures that voice calls remain clear and uninterrupted, even during periods of high network congestion.