Setup complexity for basic RouterBOARD 750GL

RouterOS Beginner Basics
1

I would like to install a small router for a SOHO with 10 PCs. I have to decide between TP-Link products (1043ND or 480T+) and RouterBOARD 750GL.

I believe that the RouterBOARD might have a more stable OS, but I have never used RouterOS before.

Moreover I have to do the configuration remotely over remote-desktop and ask someone to switch the WAN cables when I finished.

Do you think it is very hard to configure the RouterOS for a basic functionality?

All I would like is:
WAN: port1
LAN: port2

on WAN: DHCP client
on LAN:

  • NAT
  • DHCP server
  • port forwarding

When I just turn on the router for the 1st time, how far is it from having these things? On a TP-Link I know that it doesn’t even need configuration for DHCP client + NAT + DHCP server functionality. On the other hand I’d trust RouterOS better.

Also, how do updates work on a 750GL? I just upload firmware on a web interface like with other routers?

2

The RB750GL does that out of the box. Refer to the manual for default settings: http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Default_Configurations
Everything you listed is a default setting.

For firmware upgrades also read the manual: http://wiki.mikrotik.com/wiki/Manual:Upgrading_RouterOS

3

So what you say is that if I just simly connect the router to the network it will already work out of the box? All I need to do is upgrade the FW, set the IP range and set port-forwarding?

4

Sort of. If you change the IP addressing on the LAN you’ll have to adjust the range of IP addresses in the pool the DHCP server uses.

5

OK, that’s 2 settings. I think I will manage that. Thanks!