MikroTik’s RouterOS is a powerful operating system used in their routers and network devices, known for its versatility and robust feature set. With the release of RouterOS 7, significant changes and improvements have been introduced compared to its predecessor, RouterOS 6. This article explores the main differences between RouterOS 6 and RouterOS 7, along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.
Release Timeline
- RouterOS 6:
- Start Release Date: March 2013
- End of Life: Active support and updates for RouterOS 6 have gradually decreased following the release of RouterOS 7. However, as of late 2023, security updates and minor patches are still provided for critical issues.
- RouterOS 7:
- Start Release Date: December 2020 (initial stable release)
1. Kernel Upgrade
RouterOS 6:
- Kernel Version: RouterOS 6 is built on the Linux 3.3.5 kernel.
- Implications: The older kernel in RouterOS 6 is stable and proven but lacks some of the modern features and performance enhancements found in newer Linux kernels.
RouterOS 7:
- Kernel Version: RouterOS 7 is based on the Linux 5.6 kernel.
- Implications: The newer kernel brings improved hardware support, better performance, and enhanced security features. It also allows MikroTik to implement new technologies and features that were not possible in RouterOS 6.
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Enhanced hardware compatibility and performance.
- Improved security and support for modern networking standards.
- Ability to support more complex networking features and protocols.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- Some older hardware might not be fully compatible with the new kernel, potentially requiring updates or replacement.
- Transitioning to RouterOS 7 might involve a learning curve for users accustomed to RouterOS 6.
2. BGP (Border Gateway Protocol)
RouterOS 6:
- BGP Implementation: RouterOS 6 has a basic BGP implementation, suitable for simpler setups but lacking advanced features and scalability.
- Limitations: Users reported issues with scaling in large networks, and some advanced BGP features were missing or not fully implemented.
RouterOS 7:
- BGP Implementation: RouterOS 7 features a completely rewritten BGP implementation.
- Enhancements: It offers better scalability, support for advanced BGP features like BGP Multipath, Route Reflectors, and improved convergence times.
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Suitable for large-scale networks and ISPs due to improved scalability.
- Support for advanced BGP features makes it more versatile for complex network setups.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- The new BGP implementation may require configuration adjustments and testing in existing networks.
- Potential stability issues during the initial phases of RouterOS 7 adoption.
3. WireGuard VPN Support
RouterOS 6:
- WireGuard Availability: WireGuard, a modern VPN protocol known for its simplicity and high performance, is not natively supported in RouterOS 6.
RouterOS 7:
- WireGuard Availability: RouterOS 7 natively supports WireGuard VPN.
- Implications: Users can now easily set up secure, high-speed VPN connections with reduced configuration complexity.
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Direct support for WireGuard simplifies VPN setup and improves performance and security.
- WireGuard’s lightweight design reduces the processing overhead on the router.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- Some users may need to reconfigure or migrate their existing VPN setups to take full advantage of WireGuard.
4. IPv6 Improvements
RouterOS 6:
- IPv6 Support: While RouterOS 6 supports IPv6, its implementation is somewhat limited, and certain features were not as mature as their IPv4 counterparts.
RouterOS 7:
- IPv6 Support: RouterOS 7 brings significant improvements to IPv6 support, including better performance, new features, and enhanced dual-stack operation (IPv4 and IPv6 running simultaneously).
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Improved IPv6 capabilities make it more suitable for future-proofing networks as IPv6 adoption increases.
- Enhanced dual-stack support allows for smoother transitions from IPv4 to IPv6.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- Users with existing IPv6 configurations in RouterOS 6 may need to make adjustments when upgrading.
5. Performance and Resource Management
RouterOS 6:
- Performance: RouterOS 6 is optimized for a wide range of MikroTik devices, offering stable performance but with some limitations in handling modern, high-throughput networks.
- Resource Management: RouterOS 6 lacks advanced resource management features, which can be a limitation in high-performance environments.
RouterOS 7:
- Performance: RouterOS 7 is designed to leverage modern hardware more effectively, offering better performance in high-throughput environments.
- Resource Management: Introduces new resource management features, including improved multi-core CPU utilization and better handling of large routing tables.
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Better performance on multi-core processors and high-performance routers.
- Improved handling of large-scale networks with more complex routing requirements.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- Some older devices may not see as much of a performance benefit, and in some cases, may perform better with RouterOS 6.
- The new resource management features may require tuning and optimization.
6. New Features and Protocols
RouterOS 6:
- Feature Set: RouterOS 6 provides a mature and stable set of features but is limited in terms of newer networking protocols and technologies.
- Support for Emerging Standards: Limited support for emerging standards like MPLS, EVPN, and Segment Routing.
RouterOS 7:
- Feature Set: Introduces several new features and protocols, including MPLS, Segment Routing, improved MPLS/VPLS handling, and better support for modern networking architectures.
- Support for Emerging Standards: Provides better support for emerging networking standards, making it more future-proof.
Advantages of RouterOS 7:
- Access to cutting-edge networking technologies and protocols.
- Enhanced support for modern network architectures, making it suitable for advanced deployments.
Disadvantages of RouterOS 7:
- The introduction of new features may lead to initial stability issues.
- Users may need to learn and adapt to the new capabilities and features.
Conclusion
RouterOS 6 is a stable, well-established operating system that has served MikroTik users well for many years. It is reliable, familiar, and works well for many scenarios, particularly in environments where stability and predictability are key.
RouterOS 7, on the other hand, represents a significant upgrade with a more modern kernel, improved performance, and support for new technologies and protocols. It is particularly appealing for users who need to leverage modern networking standards, improve performance, or implement advanced configurations.
When deciding between RouterOS 6 and RouterOS 7, consider the specific needs of your network, the hardware you are using, and your willingness to adapt to new features and potential changes in configuration. While RouterOS 7 offers many advantages, the transition may require careful planning, especially in production environments.