MikroTik RouterOS vs Cisco IOS

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

MikroTik RouterOS is a Network & Admin solution with tags like networking, router, firewall, vpn, wireless, hotspot, bandwidth-management.

It boasts features such as Extensive routing capabilities, Firewall functionality, VPN support, Wireless access point management, Bandwidth management, Hotspot gateway, Networking capabilities and pros including 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.

On the other hand, Cisco IOS is a Network & Admin product tagged with router, switch, networking, cisco.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like 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.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

MikroTik RouterOS Features

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

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

MikroTik RouterOS

• One-time Purchase
• Custom Pricing

Cisco IOS

• Subscription-Based
• Pay-As-You-Go