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MikroTik is a Latvian company that makes routers, switches and wireless equipment, and, more importantly, the operating system that runs on all of them: RouterOS. That software is why a MikroTik box costing a few hundred dirhams can do the job of enterprise equipment costing thousands. This guide explains what MikroTik is, how RouterOS works, what the model names mean, and when a MikroTik router is the right choice for a home, office or ISP in the UAE.
What MikroTik actually is
MikroTik started in 1996 building software for internet service providers, and in 2002 began producing its own hardware, called RouterBOARD. Today the company sells two things: the RouterBOARD hardware (the physical routers, switches and antennas) and RouterOS, the operating system pre-installed on every one of them. Because the same operating system runs on the AED 94 hAP lite and the AED 5,440 CCR1036 Cloud Core Router, a technician who learns MikroTik once can configure the entire range.
In the UAE, MikroTik is the backbone of many internet service providers, building-wide networks, hotels, labour camps, schools and retail chains, precisely because it delivers carrier features at a fraction of the usual price. High Speed Dimension Technologies is the MikroTik master distributor for the UAE.
How RouterOS works, in plain language
A normal home router does a handful of fixed things. RouterOS is closer to a full network operating system. Every packet passing through the router can be inspected, marked, shaped, routed, filtered or tunnelled according to rules you write. The main building blocks are:
- Firewall and NAT. Stateful filtering with address lists, so you can block, allow or redirect traffic by source, destination, port, time of day or connection state.
- Queues (bandwidth control). Give each user, flat or department a guaranteed and maximum speed. This is the feature that makes MikroTik the default for shared buildings and ISPs.
- Routing. Static routes, OSPF and BGP, policy routing, and multi-WAN failover so a second internet line takes over automatically when the first drops.
- VPN. WireGuard, IPsec, L2TP, OpenVPN and more, so branches connect securely to head office.
- Hotspot and user management. Captive portal login pages with vouchers, time and data limits, ideal for cafes, hotels and public WiFi.
- Wireless. Point-to-point links, sector antennas and access points with the same rule engine underneath.
You configure it through WinBox (a Windows utility), WebFig (a browser interface), a command line, or a mobile app. WinBox is what most UAE technicians use day to day.
RouterOS licence levels
Every RouterBOARD ships with a permanent RouterOS licence. Higher levels unlock more simultaneous tunnels, queues and hotspot users. The level is fixed per model and does not expire.
| Level | Typical hardware | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | hEX, hAP ax3, cAP access points | Homes, shops, small offices, up to 200 hotspot users |
| Level 5 | RB5009, RB4011, CRS switches | Mid-size offices, buildings, up to 500 hotspot users |
| Level 6 | CCR2004, CCR1036 series | ISPs and data centres, unlimited |
Reading a MikroTik model name
MikroTik names look intimidating but follow a pattern. Take RB5009UG+S+IN: RB is RouterBOARD, 5009 is the series, U means USB, G means gigabit ports, the plus signs mean a 2.5G port and a 10G SFP+ cage, and IN means indoor case. CCR is Cloud Core Router (the high-end routing line), CRS is Cloud Router Switch (switches that can also route), hAP is home access point (a router with WiFi), cAP is ceiling access point, and SXT, LHG, mANTBox and QRT are outdoor wireless units for links and sectors.
Which MikroTik router for which job
| Situation | Model | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the ISP router at home, no WiFi needed | hEX RB750Gr3 | AED 219 |
| Villa or shop router with WiFi 6 | hAP ax3 | AED 518 |
| Budget dual-band router with WiFi | hAP ac2 | AED 299 |
| Office router with 10G uplink | RB5009UG+S+IN | AED 771 |
| Rack router for a building or campus | RB1100AHx4 | AED 1,081 |
| ISP core | CCR2004-16G-2S+ | AED 1,668 |
Honest caveat: MikroTik rewards people who are willing to learn. If nobody on your team wants to touch a configuration screen and you mainly need great WiFi, read MikroTik vs Ubiquiti for small business first. Many UAE networks use a MikroTik router at the edge and Ubiquiti UniFi for the WiFi, and that combination is often the best answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is MikroTik used for?
MikroTik routers are used for internet routing, firewalling, bandwidth control, VPN, hotspot login pages and wireless links. In the UAE they are common in ISPs, apartment buildings, hotels, camps, schools and small businesses.
Is MikroTik good for home use?
Yes, if you are comfortable with settings. A hEX or hAP ax3 gives a home far more control and reliability than a typical ISP router, at AED 219 to AED 518.
Does RouterOS need a subscription?
No. Every RouterBOARD includes a permanent RouterOS licence with free software updates. There are no recurring fees.
Where can I buy genuine MikroTik in the UAE?
From High Speed Dimension Technologies, the MikroTik master distributor in Bur Dubai, online at highspeed-store.com with free UAE delivery, or from authorised resellers who buy from us.
Talk to a MikroTik engineer before you buy
Tell us the number of users, internet lines and buildings, and we will recommend the exact model and licence level, from stock in Dubai.