MikroTik is a Latvian network equipment manufacturer. The company develops and sells wired and wireless networkrouters, network switches, access points, as well as operating systems and auxiliary software. The company was founded in 1996 with the focus of selling equipment in emerging markets. As of September 2018, the company had more than 140 employees. In 2015 it was with EUR 202m the 20th largest company in Latvia by revenue.
Products
MikroTik's product line includes end-user networking devices, bare hardware boards without enclosures, and router software. One of the main advantages of MikroTik products is that software features are not artificially limited by licensing; every device is capable of using every compatible feature. This enables customers to select hardware solely based on physical requirements without being forced into purchasing more expensive equipment or additional licenses in order to use advanced features.
RouterBOARD
RouterBOARD is a hardware platform from MikroTik, which is a line of routers running the RouterOS operating system. The various RouterBOARD options provide for a variety of application scenarios, from running wireless access points and managed network switches to firewall appliances with quality of service features. Almost all models of RouterBOARD devices can be powered by passive power over Ethernet, and have a connector for an external power source; a handful support standard 802.3af/at PoE. Device models designed to work with wireless technologies have a miniPCI / miniPCIe slot for radio modules. Most models also have a connector for serial port access.
RouterOS
RouterOS is a network operating system based on Linux intended for installation on MikroTik RouterBoard routers. It can be also installed on a PC, turning it into a router with firewall, VPN server and client, and wireless access point. The system can serve as a captive portal based on a wireless access system. RouterOS may be configured through a command line interface accessible by serial port, telnet, and Secure Shell, and through a graphical user interface available as a web-based interface, a Microsoft Windows-based software application, and iOS and Android apps. An application programming interface permits the development of specialized applications for monitoring and management. The operating system is distributed free of charge, but several license levels, with an increasing number of functions, are available with purchase.
On 23 May, 2018, Cisco Talos Intelligence Group reported that some MikroTik devices were found vulnerable to the VPNFilter malware. MikroTik routers have been compromised by Coinhive cryptocurrency malware.
Product acceptance
For market support, the company has established a network of resellers and training associates who issue varies certifications to industry professionals. MikroTik products have found acceptance in various market niches. They are popular in do-it-yourself projects for computer networking and in low budget applications.
MikroTik is a platinum patron of the University of Latvia Foundation. Has been supporting the University of Latvia since 2011, when the company donated two sets of MikroTik routers with a wide range of functionality to the Faculty of Computer Science of the University of Latvia. At the end of 2015, SIA MikroTik donated EUR 500,000 for the implementation of projects of the University of Latvia, Faculty of Computer Science, Faculty of Physics, Mathematics and Optometry, as well as the Faculty of Medicine. In 2016, SIA MikroTik donated 1,000,000 EUR, continuing cooperation with the LU Foundation in the development of higher education, science and culture. At the end of 2017, SIA "Mikrotīkls" donated 250,000 EUR to further develop the field of exact, life and medical sciences at the University of Latvia. In 2018, the University of Latvia continue to support the development of natural sciences, life and medical sciences by donating 250,000 euros. In 2019, 400,000 EUR was donated for the implementation of various projects.
