Accessing Your MikroTik for the first time | Free Full MTCNA Episode 3

Introduction

This tutorial provides a comprehensive guide on how to access your MikroTik router for the first time. You will learn to connect using various methods: Winbox, Terminal, Console, and Webfig. This knowledge is crucial for managing your network effectively and setting up configurations on your MikroTik device.

Step 1: Preparing for First-Time Access

Before you start accessing your MikroTik router, ensure you have the following:

• Physical Connection: Connect your computer to the MikroTik router using an Ethernet cable. Use one of the LAN ports on the router.
• IP Configuration: Set your computer's IP address to match the default subnet of the router. Typically, set it to 192.168.88.2 with a subnet mask of 255.255.255.0. This will allow you to communicate with the router.

Tips

• Confirm that you are using a compatible Ethernet cable (Cat5e or better).
• Disable any other network connections that could interfere with the setup.

Step 2: Accessing via Winbox

Winbox is a popular utility for managing MikroTik routers.

1. Download Winbox: If you haven’t already, download Winbox from the MikroTik website.
2. Launch Winbox: Open the Winbox application.
3. Connect:
   • In the Winbox window, look for your device listed under the "Neighbors" tab.
   • If it appears, click on it and hit "Connect".
   • If not, enter the default IP address 192.168.88.1 in the “Connect To” field.
   • Leave the username as admin and the password field empty, then click "Connect".

Common Pitfall

• If you cannot see the router in the Neighbors tab, double-check your Ethernet connection and IP settings.

Step 3: Accessing via Terminal

Using the terminal is a straightforward method for those comfortable with command-line interfaces.

1. Open Terminal: Use a terminal emulator like PuTTY or your operating system’s built-in terminal.
2. Connect:
   • Use the command:

     ssh admin@192.168.88.1
     

   • Enter the password if prompted (leave it blank for the default).

Practical Advice

• Ensure that SSH is enabled on your MikroTik device if you encounter connection issues.

Step 4: Accessing via Console

If you prefer a direct physical connection, the console method is reliable.

1. Use a Console Cable: Connect a serial console cable from your computer to the MikroTik router.
2. Open Terminal Emulator: Start a terminal emulator (like PuTTY).
3. Configure Settings:
   • Set the connection type to Serial.
   • Common settings: Baud rate 115200, Data bits 8, Stop bits 1, Parity None, Flow Control None.
4. Connect: Once configured, click "Open".

Note

• You may need to install drivers for the console cable if your operating system does not recognize it.

Step 5: Accessing via Webfig

Webfig allows you to access the router through a web browser.

1. Open Web Browser: Launch your preferred web browser.
2. Enter IP Address: Type http://192.168.88.1 in the address bar and press Enter.
3. Log In: Use admin as the username and leave the password blank.

Tip

• Ensure your browser is up to date for the best experience with Webfig.

Conclusion

You have now learned how to access your MikroTik router using four different methods: Winbox, Terminal, Console, and Webfig. Each method offers its own advantages, so choose the one that best fits your preferences.

Next steps include exploring the interface, configuring your network settings, and securing your router by changing the default password. Don't hesitate to dive deeper into MikroTik’s features as you become more familiar with your device!