In previous articles, we have discussed protocols such as NetFlow, sFlow, JFlow, IPFIX, and finally NetStream. From the previous articles, you must know more or less what are the advantages and disadvantages of each protocol, right? For this article, we will discuss a comparison of devices that support flow, especially routers. In this article, we will focus on Cisco and Mikrotik. How do the two compare? Let’s look at the following explanation.

Cisco is the main equipment used in a wide network or Wide Area Network (WAN). With Cisco routers, information can be forwarded to remote addresses and on different computer networks. The goal is to be able to forward data packets from a LAN to another LAN, a Cisco router. Meanwhile, Mikrotik is an operating system that includes software installed on a computer so that the computer can act as the heart of the network, controlling or managing data traffic between networks, this type of computer is known as a router.

Cisco Vs Mikrotik Comparison

There are several types of routers from Cisco. The more sophisticated the series, the more sophisticated and full-featured it is provided by Cisco. The price will certainly be more expensive according to what is provided. can also be operated via CLI. Routers can also use the IOS operating system. If you understand the basic principles of using IOS commands, then you won’t have many problems when you start learning to operate the router.

Mikrotik router itself is an operating system and software that can be used to make computers into reliable router networks, including various features made for IP networks and wireless networks, suitable for use by ISPs and hotspot providers.

When viewed from its function, Cisco functions as a link between two or more networks to forward data from one network to another. Routers have parts similar to PCs. Meanwhile, the function of Mikrotik is for small-scale and large-scale networks, of course this is adjusted to the resources of the computer itself.

When viewed in terms of price, Cisco’s cheapest routerboard costs around IDR 20 million, on the other hand, the most expensive Mikrotik router is IDR 20 million. Meanwhile, when viewed from its use, Mikrotik is usually used in the small and medium enterprise class. Meanwhile, for enterprises and ISPs (internet service providers), more use Cisco. Due to this type of router, data can be retrieved with network monitoring tools such as Netmonk.

So, which one is the best? If we suggest you should first see what you need. If you have a small company and a medium-sized company, you should choose Mikrotik. Conversely, if you have a large company, then Cisco is the right answer for you. To get it is quite easy, you can easily get it at online stores such as Bhinneka and Tokopedia.

Reference:

https://thisvsthat.io/cisco-router-vs-mikrotik-router