If you’re in the market for a new router, you’ve likely come across two of the most popular brands: Cisco and MikroTik. Both have a wide range of routers, making it hard to decide which one is right for you. To help you navigate this decision, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to compare Cisco vs. MikroTik routers. This blog post will explore the major differences between the two, including their features, pricing, and performance, to assist you in making an informed choice when buying.

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Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the specific advantages each brand offers and help you determine which router will best meet your requirements.

 

What is a router?

A router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks. It works by receiving data from one network and sending it to another. Routers are critical to the Internet, as they are responsible for routing traffic from one network to another.

Routers connect two or more local area networks (LANs), allowing computers in different networks to communicate with each other. And they provide security by controlling access to certain networks and preventing unauthorized users from accessing them.

Types of Routers

Several types of routers are available, each designed to meet the needs of different users. The most common routers are wireless, wired, and virtual private network (VPN) routers.

Wireless routers allow users to access the internet without the need for cables. And Wired routers are connected to the internet via cables, making them more reliable than wireless routers. VPN routers create a secure connection between two or more networks, allowing users to send and receive data over the internet securely.

When considering the best options for your networking needs, it's essential to evaluate not only Cisco and MikroTik but also other prominent players in the market, such as Ubiquiti. For a detailed comparison of MikroTik and Ubiquiti, check out our article on MikroTik vs. Ubiquiti.

Cisco vs MikroTik

Both brands offer reliable, high-performance routers with various network sizes and configurations. But which should you choose? Keep on reading to learn more.

Cisco

Check out the pros and cons below:

Pros

  • Stable and flexible.
  • Advanced routing protocols.
  • Firewall protection.
  • Quality of Service capabilities.
  • Easy to configure and manage, it is ideal for businesses of all sizes.

Cons

  • It’s expensive, especially for small businesses.
  • It requires specialized knowledge and experience to configure and maintain.
  • The router requires frequent firmware updates, which can be time-consuming and costly.

MikroTik

Check out the pros and cons below:

Pros

  • Affordable and reliable.
  • Advanced routing capabilities.
  • Supports multiple networks.
  • Supports multiple WAN connections.
  • Easy to configure.
  • Offer a wide range of networking hardware.

Cons

  • Complex UI.
  • The router's firmware is difficult to update.
  • Difficult remote management due to the lack of a web-based interface.

Which one should you choose?

Both Cisco and MikroTik routers offer excellent performance and value. Ultimately, which one you choose will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for a reliable router but not the full routing capabilities offered by Cisco, then MikroTik may be the better option. Additionally, if you're considering buying a MikroTik VPS, this can provide you with a virtualized environment for MikroTik's RouterOS, offering flexibility and ease of management. However, if you require robust features such as multiple networks and an advanced firewall, then Cisco might be worth the additional cost.

  • Routers transmit data packets between networks, making them a crucial part of the internet.
  • The common routers are wireless routers, wired routers, and VPN routers.
  • Cisco and MikroTik offer similar features, with the pros outweighing the cons.
  • The router brand you choose depends entirely on your needs.

Additionally, if you're considering MikroTik for your networking needs, be sure to explore our guide on the best MikroTik switches to find the perfect fit for your setup.

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