Cisco IOS vs MikroTik RouterOS

Struggling to choose between Cisco IOS and MikroTik RouterOS? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Cisco IOS is a Network & Admin solution with tags like router, switch, networking, cisco.

It boasts features such as Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, etc), Switching functions (VLANs, STP, VTP, etc), Security features (ACLs, VPN, firewall, etc), QoS and traffic shaping, Device management and configuration and pros including Very robust and reliable, Wide range of features and functionality, Well-known and widely deployed, Supports wide range of Cisco hardware platforms, Regular updates and security patches.

On the other hand, MikroTik RouterOS is a Network & Admin product tagged with networking, router, firewall, vpn, wireless, hotspot, bandwidth-management.

Its standout features include Extensive routing capabilities, Firewall functionality, VPN support, Wireless access point management, Bandwidth management, Hotspot gateway, Networking capabilities, and it shines with pros like Highly customizable and powerful networking solution, Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios, Supports a wide range of hardware devices, Offers a comprehensive set of networking features.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Cisco IOS

Cisco IOS

Cisco IOS is an operating system that runs on Cisco routers and switches. It provides routing, switching, security, and other functionality needed to build and manage networks.

Categories:
Network & Admin Networking Software
router switch networking cisco

Cisco IOS Features

  1. Routing protocols (OSPF, BGP, EIGRP, etc)
  2. Switching functions (VLANs, STP, VTP, etc)
  3. Security features (ACLs, VPN, firewall, etc)
  4. QoS and traffic shaping
  5. Device management and configuration

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based
  • Pay-As-You-Go

Pros

Very robust and reliable

Wide range of features and functionality

Well-known and widely deployed

Supports wide range of Cisco hardware platforms

Regular updates and security patches

Cons

Proprietary and limited to Cisco devices

Steep learning curve

Licensing costs for advanced features

Vendor lock-in

MikroTik RouterOS

MikroTik RouterOS

MikroTik RouterOS is a Linux-based router and firewall operating system designed for use on MikroTik's hardware devices. It offers extensive routing, firewall, VPN, wireless access point, bandwidth management, hotspot gateway and other networking capabilities in a licenses package.

Categories:
Network & Admin Router Software
networking router firewall vpn wireless hotspot bandwidth-management

MikroTik RouterOS Features

  1. Extensive routing capabilities
  2. Firewall functionality
  3. VPN support
  4. Wireless access point management
  5. Bandwidth management
  6. Hotspot gateway
  7. Networking capabilities

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Custom Pricing

Pros

Highly customizable and powerful networking solution

Suitable for a wide range of networking scenarios

Supports a wide range of hardware devices

Offers a comprehensive set of networking features

Cons

Steep learning curve for beginners

Limited user-friendly interface compared to some commercial alternatives

Licensing can be complex depending on the specific use case