OSPF Mikrotik: A Comprehensive Guide for Efficient Network Connectivity

OSPF on Mikrotik is a routing protocol that enables efficient communication between routers within an Autonomous System, finding the shortest path to optimize network traffic and ensure scalability and adaptability, through the configuration of OSPF instances, areas, and interfaces on the Mikrotik router.

What is OSPF Mikrotik?

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is an interior routing protocol (IGP) used for Mikrotik routers to communicate and exchange routing information within the same Autonomous System (AS). Imagine a computer network as a city and OSPF as a GPS for routers. It works by analyzing all available routes (streets) and selecting the best path (shortest, least traffic) for packets (passengers) to reach their destination (another computer) in the most efficient way possible.

Benefits of OSPF on Mikrotik:

  • Efficient Routing: OSPF finds the shortest path for routers within an Autonomous System, optimizing network traffic.
  • Adaptability: OSPF adapts to network changes, such as link failures or new device additions, ensuring active routes.
  • No Routing Loops: OSPF prevents routing loops, which can cause congestion and network unavailability.
  • Scalability: OSPF is a scalable protocol, supporting complex networks with multiple Mikrotik routers.

This tutorial guides you step-by-step through configuring OSPF on Mikrotik routers to allow PC 2 on Router R-2’s 10.0.2.0/24 network to communicate with PC 1 on Router R-1’s 10.0.1.0/24 network.

Objective:

Establish communication between PCs on different networks using the OSPF protocol.

Laboratory for OSPF Mikrotik configuration.

Configuring OSPF Router on Mikrotik

Open Winbox and connect to your Mikrotik router.

Configuring OSPF Mikrotik

In the main menu, navigate to IP > Routing > OSPF.

OSPF to OSPF Mikrotik.

Creating OSPF Instance

In the Instance tab, click “+” to create a new OSPF instance.

Instance for Mikrotik OSPF configuration.

In the Router ID field, enter the IP of the loopback interface (recommended).

Click OK to save the settings.

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Creating OSPF Area

In the Areas tab, click “+” to add a new OSPF area.

Areas for OSPF Mikrotik configuration.

The default Area ID is a good starting point, but you can adapt it to your network.

Click OK to save the settings.

Configuring OSPF Interfaces

In the Interface templates tab, click “+” to add a new interface.

Interface templates for OSPF Mikrotik.

For the network that connects to R-1:

  • In Network, enter the network in CIDR format (e.g., 100.70.0.0/24).
  • In Network Type, select ptp.
  • Click OK to save.

Repeat the process for the internal network interface (e.g., 10.0.2.0/24):

  • In Interfaces, select the interface (e.g., ether2).
  • In Network Type, select broadcast.
  • Check the Passive box.
  • Click OK to save.

Verifying Connectivity

In the Neighbors tab, check if the neighbor status is Full.

In IP > Routes, check if the route to the network (e.g., 10.0.1.0/24) is present with the prefix DAo (dynamic active ospf).

With OSPF configured, your networks will be connected and ready to communicate seamlessly!

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