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.

Feature	Cisco IOS	MikroTik RouterOS
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Network & Admin

Product Overview

Cisco IOS

Description: 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.

MikroTik RouterOS

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Cisco IOS Features

• 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

MikroTik RouterOS Features

• Extensive routing capabilities
• Firewall functionality
• VPN support
• Wireless access point management
• Bandwidth management
• Hotspot gateway
• Networking capabilities

Pros & Cons Analysis

Cisco IOS

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Cisco IOS

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go

MikroTik RouterOS

• One-time Purchase
• Custom Pricing