Basic Commands and Navigation in MikroTik RouterOS

MikroTik RouterOS is a powerful operating system that allows you to manage and configure network devices. To effectively use RouterOS, it's essential to understand basic commands and navigation. This webpage will guide you through three fundamental commands and navigation techniques that are crucial for managing your MikroTik device.

1. Command Line Interface (CLI) Navigation

The Command Line Interface (CLI) is the primary way to interact with MikroTik RouterOS. Understanding how to navigate the CLI is the first step in managing your router. The CLI is organized hierarchically, with commands grouped into categories.

To navigate the CLI, you use the following commands:

• /: This command takes you to the root of the CLI hierarchy.
• ..: This command moves you up one level in the hierarchy.
• print: This command displays the current configuration or status of the selected category.

For example, to view the list of network interfaces, you would navigate to the interface category and use the print command:

/interface print

Think of the CLI hierarchy as a file system. The root command (/) is like the main directory, and moving up with (..) is like going back to the parent folder. The print command is like listing the contents of a folder.

2. Basic Configuration Commands

Once you are in the appropriate category, you can use basic configuration commands to manage your router. These commands allow you to add, remove, or modify settings.

Some essential configuration commands include:

• add: This command adds a new entry to the current category.
• remove: This command removes an existing entry from the current category.
• set: This command modifies the settings of an existing entry.

For instance, to add a new IP address to an interface, you would use the following commands:

/ip address add address=192.168.1.1/24 interface=ether1

Imagine these commands as tools in a toolbox. The add command is like adding a new piece of furniture, the remove command is like taking it away, and the set command is like adjusting its settings.

3. Command Completion and Help

MikroTik RouterOS provides helpful features to assist you in using the CLI effectively. Command completion allows you to type the beginning of a command and then press Tab to auto-complete it. This saves time and reduces errors.

Additionally, the help command provides detailed information about available commands and their parameters. To access help, simply type:

?

For example, to get help on the interface category, you would type:

/interface ?

Think of command completion as predictive text on a smartphone, suggesting the next word based on what you've typed. The help command is like having a manual that explains how to use each tool in your toolbox.

By mastering these basic commands and navigation techniques, you will be well on your way to becoming proficient in managing MikroTik RouterOS. These skills are foundational for any MikroTik Certified Traffic Control Engineer (MTCTCE).