In the world of networking, the adherence to Mikrotik routers by some enthusiasts is akin to the unwavering loyalty of VW Beetle fans. Much like Beetle aficionados who overlook the car's quirks, Mikrotik users believe in the superiority of their routers despite their peculiarities. This phenomenon is particularly notable in South Africa, where many ISPs deploy Mikrotik devices as Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) for business links, often sparking debate over their suitability.
The Mikrotik Mystique
Mikrotik routers are known for their affordability and versatility, which makes them an attractive choice for ISPs and network enthusiasts. However, these devices come with their fair share of idiosyncrasies. For instance, the Mikrotik hAP, a common model used for CPE, is often criticized as a "plastic dinky toy" unfit for serious business applications. Yet, many users forgive its flaws, including occasional configuration losses and the convoluted processes required to restore functionality.
Quirks Forgiven, Problems Persist
The forgiving nature of Mikrotik users is reminiscent of the South African saying, "a boer maak 'n plan" (a farmer makes a plan), which signifies resourcefulness. However, in the case of Mikrotik routers, these plans often lead to suboptimal outcomes. Despite their quirks, Mikrotiks are widely used not only at the customer premises but also in network cores. This can result in slow performance, buggy operations, and jitter issues, particularly in scenarios involving BGP (Border Gateway Protocol).
The DIY Dilemma
Whenever the concept of advanced networking solutions like SD-WAN (Software Defined Wide Area Network) is introduced to Mikrotik adherents, the typical response is that they can replicate such functionality using their Mikrotik devices. While this DIY approach is admirable in spirit, it frequently ends up as a "cock up" (a mess) due to the inherent limitations and complexities of Mikrotik routers. Efforts at automation with Mikrotiks have been made, but none have achieved widespread adoption, reflecting the device's challenging nature.
The fundamental problem in the device is not whether you can do it but the time and stability with which you do it. This is often overlooked by a techie, and frankly a business does not give a damn! They just want something that delivers and frankly "dinky toys" are not it.
For businesses seeking high availability and high performance, relying on Mikrotik routers can be a gamble. Their cost-effectiveness is often offset by the need for constant tinkering and troubleshooting. In high-stakes environments where reliability and speed are paramount, Mikrotiks can fall short.
Wrap
While the zeal of Mikrotik enthusiasts is commendable, it's essential to recognize the limitations of these devices. For high-performance and high-availability solutions, businesses are better served by exploring other options that offer greater stability and fewer quirks. In the realm of networking, sometimes the old adage holds true: you get what you pay for.
Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Nepean Networks - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa.
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