9 Automation and Scripting Explained

Key Concepts

Automation and Scripting in MikroTik RouterOS involve using scripts to automate repetitive tasks, enhance network management, and improve efficiency. Key concepts include:

• Scripts: Pre-written commands that automate tasks.
• Scheduling: Running scripts at specific times or intervals.
• Event Triggers: Executing scripts based on network events.
• Variables and Loops: Using variables and loops to create dynamic scripts.
• Error Handling: Managing errors and exceptions in scripts.

Detailed Explanation

Automation and Scripting are essential for managing complex networks efficiently. By using scripts, you can automate repetitive tasks, respond to network events, and ensure consistent network performance.

1. Scripts

Scripts are pre-written sequences of commands that automate tasks. For example, you can create a script to restart a service or update network configurations.

Example: Create a script to restart the DHCP server. Use the command /system script add name="restart-dhcp" source="/ip dhcp-server restart" to create the script.

Analogy: Think of a script as a recipe that tells the router exactly what to do step-by-step.

2. Scheduling

Scheduling allows you to run scripts at specific times or intervals. This is useful for tasks that need to be performed regularly, such as backups or log rotations.

Example: Schedule the DHCP restart script to run every day at midnight. Use the command /system scheduler add name="daily-dhcp-restart" on-event="restart-dhcp" interval=1d to schedule the script.

Analogy: Scheduling is like setting an alarm clock to remind you to perform a task at a specific time.

3. Event Triggers

Event Triggers allow you to execute scripts based on network events, such as a device connecting or disconnecting. This enables proactive network management.

Example: Create a script to log when a device connects to the network. Use the command /system script add name="log-connection" source="/log info \"Device connected\"" and configure the trigger in the firewall.

Analogy: Event Triggers are like sensors that detect when something happens and then take action accordingly.

4. Variables and Loops

Variables and Loops allow you to create dynamic scripts that can handle different inputs and repeat tasks. This makes scripts more flexible and powerful.

Example: Create a script to ping multiple IP addresses and log the results. Use variables and loops to iterate through the list of IP addresses. The script might look like this: foreach ip in={192.168.1.1, 192.168.1.2, 192.168.1.3} do={ /ping $ip }.

Analogy: Variables and loops are like a shopping list and a shopping cart. The list contains items (variables), and the cart (loop) goes through each item and processes it.

5. Error Handling

Error Handling ensures that scripts can manage errors and exceptions gracefully. This prevents scripts from failing and causing network disruptions.

Example: Create a script to restart a service and handle errors. Use the command /system script add name="restart-service" source="/if (service-restart) do={ /log info \"Service restarted\" } else={ /log error \"Service restart failed\" }".

Analogy: Error handling is like a safety net that catches you if you make a mistake, preventing you from falling.

By mastering Automation and Scripting, you can significantly enhance your network management capabilities, ensuring efficient and reliable network operations. These skills are essential for any MikroTik Certified Traffic Control Engineer (MTCTCE).