Router Mode

One router, or a router plus a second device acting as an access point.

Last updated Aug 14, 2026View as Markdown

Overview

The screen is titled Select Router Mode, described as “Choose how you want your router to operate in your network”. It only appears in Advanced Mode; in Easy Mode the wizard fixes this to single-router operation without asking.

Two cards: Single Router Mode, where the one device you picked does everything, and Router + Access Point Mode, where a second MikroTik is added as a downstream access point linked to the first over a trunk. Picking the second option adds three more sub-steps to Choose, so you will need a second router, and the card says so: “Requires 2 routers (you’ll select the second router next)”.

Before you start

  • Router + Access Point Mode needs a second physical MikroTik device. The wizard generates a separate script for it, downloadable on Show Config.
  • If you intend to link the two routers wirelessly, both devices must have Wi-Fi and must share a common band. The wizard checks this and blocks the wireless option if they do not.

Steps

  1. Read both cards.
  2. Click Single Router Mode if one device is doing everything.
  3. Click Router + Access Point Mode to add a second device. The wizard jumps straight to the Slave Router sub-step.

Reference

Option Description Listed features
Single Router Mode Extend your network coverage seamlessly Wireless network extension; Seamless roaming; Easy setup; Perfect for home use
Router + Access Point Mode Advanced network configuration VLAN support; Link aggregation; Advanced QoS; Enterprise-grade features