Setup a simple wireless link

Setting up a simple wireless link between two MikroTik devices involves configuring one device as an Access Point (AP) and the other as a Station (Client). This setup is commonly used to extend network coverage or connect two different network segments wirelessly.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Hardware and Initial Setup

Requirements:

  • Two MikroTik devices with wireless capabilities.

  • Basic knowledge of MikroTik RouterOS.

  • Winbox or SSH access to both MikroTik devices.

2. Configuring the Access Point (AP)

Step 1: Access the AP Device

  1. Connect to the MikroTik device using Winbox, WebFig, or SSH.

  2. Open the Wireless settings by navigating to Wireless in the left menu.

Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Interface

  1. Enable the Wireless Interface:

    • Go to the Interfaces tab in the Wireless window.

    • Double-click on the wireless interface (usually named wlan1).

    • Check the Enable box.

  2. Configure the Wireless Mode:

    • Under the Wireless tab, set the Mode to ap-bridge.

    • Set the SSID (Service Set Identifier) to a unique name (e.g., MikroTik-AP).

    • Set the Band to the desired frequency (e.g., 2GHz-B/G/N or 5GHz-A/N).

    • Set the Channel Width to 20MHz or 20/40MHz (depending on your bandwidth needs).

    • Choose a Frequency (e.g., 2412 for 2.4GHz or 5180 for 5GHz).

    • Leave other settings as default for simplicity.

  3. Security Profile:

    • Go to the Security Profiles tab.

    • Click + to add a new security profile.

    • Set the Name to something descriptive (e.g., Secure-AP).

    • Set WPA2 PSK as the Authentication Type.

    • Enter a strong WPA2 Pre-Shared Key (e.g., MySecurePassword).

    • Click Apply and OK.

  4. Assign the Security Profile to the Wireless Interface:

    • Return to the Wireless tab of the wlan1 interface.

    • Select the Security Profile you just created from the dropdown menu.

    • Click Apply and OK.

Step 3: Set Up IP Addressing

  1. Assign an IP Address to the Bridge Interface:

    • If you're using a bridge, go to Bridge -> Bridge tab and create a new bridge (e.g., bridge1).

    • Go to IP -> Addresses and assign an IP address to the bridge interface (e.g., 192.168.1.1/24).

    • Link the wireless interface wlan1 to the bridge under the Ports tab in the Bridge section.

  2. DHCP Server (Optional):

    • If the AP is providing IP addresses to clients, set up a DHCP server under IP -> DHCP Server.

Step 4: Apply and Test

  • Click Apply and OK to save the settings.

  • The AP is now configured and broadcasting the SSID.

3. Configuring the Station (Client)

Step 1: Access the Station Device

  1. Connect to the second MikroTik device (the station) using Winbox, WebFig, or SSH.

  2. Open the Wireless settings.

Step 2: Set Up the Wireless Interface

  1. Enable the Wireless Interface:

    • Similar to the AP, go to Interfaces and enable the wireless interface.

  2. Configure the Wireless Mode:

    • Under the Wireless tab, set the Mode to station-bridge.

    • Set the SSID to match the AP’s SSID (e.g., MikroTik-AP).

    • Set the Band and Channel Width to match the AP's settings.

    • Leave the Frequency as auto (the station will automatically connect to the AP's frequency).

  3. Security Profile:

    • Assign the same security profile used in the AP to the station's wireless interface.

    • Select the Security Profile under the Wireless tab for wlan1.

Step 3: Set Up IP Addressing

  1. Assign an IP Address:

    • Go to IP -> Addresses and assign an IP address in the same subnet as the AP (e.g., 192.168.1.2/24).

    • You can assign this IP directly to wlan1 or to a bridge interface if using one.

  2. Default Gateway:

    • Set the default gateway to the AP's IP address under IP -> Routes (e.g., 192.168.1.1).

Step 4: Apply and Test

  • Click Apply and OK to save the settings.

  • The station should now connect to the AP and establish a wireless link.

4. Testing the Wireless Link

  1. Ping Test:

    • From the station device, use the ping tool to test connectivity to the AP:

      ping 192.168.1.1

    • You should see successful ping responses if the link is working.

  2. Check Wireless Registration:

    • On the AP, go to Wireless -> Registration to see the connected station.

    • On the station, go to Wireless -> Registration to verify the connection.

  3. Throughput Test (Optional):

    • Use the built-in bandwidth test tool to measure the speed between the AP and the station.

5. Final Adjustments

  • Fine-Tuning Wireless Settings:

    • Adjust the TX Power under the Wireless tab for better signal strength.

    • Change the Frequency if there is interference on the current channel.

  • Security:

    • Ensure that WPA2 with a strong pre-shared key is used for encryption.

    • Consider using MAC Address Filtering or Access Lists to restrict connections to known devices.

Summary

By following these steps, you have successfully set up a simple wireless link between two MikroTik devices, with one acting as an Access Point (AP) and the other as a Station (Client). This setup can be used for various purposes, such as extending network coverage or connecting separate network segments wirelessly.

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