Mikrotik Router VLAN Configuration step by step

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will learn how to configure VLANs on a Mikrotik router using a router-on-a-stick approach. This step-by-step guide is based on a practical demonstration with Mikrotik CCR1036-8G-2S and CRS328-24P-4S switches in a GNS3 lab environment. You will gain insights into creating, assigning, and routing VLANs effectively.

Step 1: Setting Up Your GNS3 Environment

• Download GNS3: Go to the GNS3 website and download the software.
• Install Required Resources:
  • Download the necessary files including Mikrotik Firewall and Cisco images from the provided Google Drive links.
• Create a New Project in GNS3:
  • Open GNS3 and create a new project to start your configuration.

Step 2: Add Devices to Your Project

• Add Mikrotik Router:
  • Drag the Mikrotik CCR1036 router to the workspace.
• Add Switch:
  • Drag the CRS328-24P-4S switch to the workspace.
• Connect Devices:
  • Use the connection tool to link the Mikrotik router to the switch.

Step 3: Configure VLANs on Mikrotik Router

• Access the Mikrotik Router:
  • Open the terminal or use Winbox to connect to the router.
• Define VLAN Interfaces:
  • Use the following commands to create VLAN interfaces:

    /interface vlan add name=vlan10 vlan-id=10 interface=ether1
    /interface vlan add name=vlan20 vlan-id=20 interface=ether1
    

• Assign IP Addresses to VLANs:
  • Assign IP addresses to the VLAN interfaces:

    /ip address add address=192.168.10.1/24 interface=vlan10
    /ip address add address=192.168.20.1/24 interface=vlan20
    

Step 4: Configure Switch for VLANs

• Access the Switch Configuration:
  • Use the switch management interface to enter the switch configuration mode.
• Define VLANs on the Switch:
  • Create VLANs on the switch:

    vlan 10
    name VLAN10
    exit
    vlan 20
    name VLAN20
    exit
    

• Assign Ports to VLANs:
  • Assign the appropriate ports to each VLAN:

    interface ethernet1
    switchport access vlan 10
    exit
    interface ethernet2
    switchport access vlan 20
    exit
    

Step 5: Set Up Inter-VLAN Routing

• Enable IP Routing:
  • Make sure IP routing is enabled on the Mikrotik router:

    /ip settings set ip-routing=yes
    

• Configure DHCP for VLANs (Optional):
  • If you want to add DHCP services, use the following commands:

    /ip dhcp-server add name=dhcp1 interface=vlan10 address-pool=dhcp_pool1
    /ip dhcp-server add name=dhcp2 interface=vlan20 address-pool=dhcp_pool2
    

Step 6: Test Connectivity

• Use Ping Command:
  • Test connectivity between devices in different VLANs to ensure routing is functioning.
  • Use the ping command from a device in VLAN 10 to a device in VLAN 20.

Conclusion

You have successfully configured VLANs on a Mikrotik router using the router-on-a-stick method. This setup allows for efficient traffic management and improved network segmentation. As a next step, consider exploring additional features like firewall settings or implementing security measures for your VLANs. Happy networking!