Mikrotik routers are popular in the networking world for their affordability and versatility. They are often chosen by small businesses, hobbyists, and even some service providers to deliver basic routing and firewall functions. However, when it comes to building a robust, scalable, and efficient Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN), Mikrotik routers fall significantly short of the mark. Letâs explore why Mikrotik routers are not a viable foundation for SD-WAN solutions and why specialised SD-WAN platforms, like Nepean Networks, are the better choice.
What Makes SD-WAN Different?
SD-WAN is not just a collection of routersâitâs an intelligent, software-driven overlay that optimises WAN traffic across multiple connections. A true SD-WAN solution:
Ensures high availability with seamless failover.
Implements application-aware traffic routing to prioritise critical applications.
Provides encryption to secure data in transit.
Offers centralised management for easy deployment and monitoring.
Delivers analytics and visibility for ongoing optimisation.
These features require a robust combination of software intelligence and hardware capabilities that Mikrotik routers simply cannot provide.
Why Mikrotik Falls Short for SD-WAN
Limited Processing Power
Mikrotik routers are not designed to handle the computational load required for advanced SD-WAN functions such as real-time path monitoring, dynamic routing decisions, and heavy encryption workloads. As a result, they struggle under the demands of a true SD-WAN deployment, especially in high-traffic environments.
Lack of SD-WAN-Specific Features
Mikrotik routers excel in basic networking tasks, but they do not natively support SD-WAN features such as:
Application-aware routing.
Advanced QoS (Quality of Service) for prioritising critical traffic.
Automated path failover with minimal packet loss.
Bandwidth aggregation across multiple WAN links.
While some workarounds and scripts exist, they are clunky, unreliable, and labour-intensive, making them unsuitable for enterprise-grade SD-WAN deployments.
Complexity in Management
Mikrotikâs RouterOS, while powerful, is notoriously complex to configure for advanced setups. Achieving even a rudimentary SD-WAN-like behaviour requires significant manual intervention, scripting, and configuration. This complexity increases the risk of errors, downtime, and inconsistent performance.
No Centralised Management at Scale
True SD-WAN solutions offer centralised management platforms that simplify the deployment, monitoring, and troubleshooting of hundreds or thousands of sites. Mikrotik lacks a unified, scalable management system, making it impractical for large SD-WAN implementations.
Poor Encryption Performance
Many SD-WAN deployments rely on encryption to secure data across public networks. Mikrotik routers are not optimised for heavy encryption workloads, leading to poor performance and potential bottlenecks.
Inadequate Support for Multi-Cloud Connectivity
Businesses are increasingly adopting multi-cloud environments, requiring SD-WAN solutions that integrate seamlessly with cloud platforms. Mikrotik does not offer the cloud connectivity optimisation or deep integrations needed for this use case.
The Cost Fallacy | Why Cheaper Isnât Better
Itâs tempting to use Mikrotik routers for SD-WAN because of their low cost. However, the upfront savings are quickly offset by:
Increased operational costs from complex configurations and troubleshooting.
Poor performance, leading to business disruptions.
Limited scalability, necessitating an expensive overhaul as your needs grow.
In contrast, purpose-built SD-WAN solutions like Fusionâs provide a long-term, cost-effective solution that delivers superior performance, reliability, and ease of use.
Why Nepean Networks SD-WAN Is the Better Choice
Nepean Networks SD-WAN is designed from the ground up to meet the demands of modern businesses:
High Performance
Nepean Networks SD-WAN uses hardware optimised for SD-WAN workloads, ensuring seamless performance even under heavy traffic.
Application Awareness
Automatically prioritises critical applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and ERP systems for optimal performance.
Centralised Management
A single, intuitive dashboard allows you to manage your entire SD-WAN deployment, regardless of scale.
Robust Security
Nepean Networks SD-WAN uses enterprise-grade encryption, ensuring data security without sacrificing performance.
Cloud Integration
Direct integration with major cloud providers ensures low-latency, high-performance connectivity for hybrid and multi-cloud environments.
Scalability and Reliability
Nepean Networks SD-WAN scales effortlessly to support multiple sites and offers industry-leading uptime with intelligent failover capabilities.
The Trials & Tribulations of Developing on a Mikrotik
Read the following forum post which describes in detail the problems associated with developing on the platform as users of Mikrotikâs think that SD-WAN is a scam!
đ Building SDWAN for MikroTik: Here's an Honest Account of What It's Like
Building an SD-WAN on Mikrotik routers is like constructing a skyscraper on a sand foundation. While Mikrotik routers are excellent for basic networking tasks, they lack the features, performance, and scalability required for a true SD-WAN solution.
Nepean Networks SD-WAN offers a purpose-built, enterprise-grade alternative that ensures reliable connectivity, superior performance, and robust security. When it comes to deploying an SD-WAN that works seamlessly, saves costs, and scales with your business, the choice is clear: Nepean Networks SD-WAN is the solution you can trust.
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