> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.softisp.ug/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Routers
> Create and configure router settings for MikroTik devices in SoftISP
Manage router configurations that are pushed to your MikroTik devices. This guide covers creating router profiles in SoftISP and configuring your MikroTik hardware with auto-provisioning.
## Features
* Link routers to locations
* Generate router configurations automatically
* Store credentials for API access
* View router-specific session data
* Support for MikroTik RouterOS 7.16.0+
Router API credentials are stored under [Credentials / Secrets](/settings/credentials), encrypted and masked in the UI.
***
## Creating a Router in SoftISP
Step 1: Access the Router Management Page
1. In SoftISP, on the left menu, click on **Networking** → **Routers**
2. Click the **"Add Router"** button
Step 2: Fill Out Basic Information
On the **Basic Information** form, complete the following fields:
| Field | Description |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **NAME** | A meaningful, descriptive name for the router (e.g., "Main ISP Router - Location A") |
| **LOCATION** | Select the location you created in your initial setup |
| **TYPE** | Select the router type—typically **MikroTik** |
Once complete, click **Next**.
Step 3: Configure Network Settings
On the **Network Configuration** page, configure as follows:
| Setting | Value |
| -------------- | ------ |
| **Setup type** | Simple |
| **Setup** | Full |
These default settings provide a complete, ready-to-deploy configuration suitable for most standard ISP deployments.
Step 4: Generate and Save Configuration
1. Click **"Generate Configuration"** to create the router settings
2. Click **"Copy Configuration"** to copy the generated script to your clipboard
3. **(Recommended)** Click **"Download Configuration"** to save a backup copy locally
Save the configuration file in a secure location for backup and reference purposes. You'll paste this script into your MikroTik terminal during the hardware setup.
***
## Configuring MikroTik Router
### Prerequisites
* MikroTik device with RouterOS **7.16.0 or higher**
* Admin access to the MikroTik WebUI or terminal
* The router configuration script generated in SoftISP (see above)
* Internet connectivity for the MikroTik device
If your MikroTik is running RouterOS lower than 7.16.0, upgrade to 7.16.0 or above before proceeding. Earlier versions may not support the auto-provisioning script.
Step 1: Reset MikroTik to Clean Configuration
Resetting ensures no conflicting configurations exist from previous setups.
1. Log in to your MikroTik WebUI
2. Navigate to **System** → **Reset Configuration**
3. Check the following options:
* ☑ **No default Configuration**
* ☑ **Do Not Backup**
4. Click **"Reset Configuration"**
This action will erase all existing configurations on the router. Ensure you have backed up any important settings before proceeding.
Step 2: Configure Internet Access (DHCP)
Enable automatic IP address assignment on the WAN interface:
1. Log in to your MikroTik WebUI
2. Navigate to **IP** → **DHCP Client**
3. Click **"New"** (+)
4. Set **Interface** to **ether1** (typically the WAN/internet interface)
5. Click **"OK"** to save and close
This allows the MikroTik to receive automatic DHCP configuration on the internet interface.
Verify Internet Connectivity
Test connectivity by running a ping command:
1. Open **Terminal** in MikroTik
2. Execute:
```
/ping google.com
```
3. Confirm you receive responses (indicates internet access is working)
If ping fails, verify that:
* ether1 is connected to your ISP modem
* The modem is powered on and has internet
* The ISP is not blocking ICMP packets
Step 3: Update MikroTik RouterOS (Optional but Recommended)
If your RouterOS version is below 7.16.0:
1. In MikroTik WebUI, navigate to **System** → **Packages**
2. Check for available updates
3. Download and install the latest stable version
4. Reboot the router when prompted
The auto-provisioning script requires RouterOS 7.16.0+. Updating ensures full compatibility and access to latest security patches.
Step 4: Run the SoftISP Configuration Script
This step applies the auto-provisioning configuration generated in SoftISP:
1. Log in to your MikroTik and open **Terminal**
2. Paste the script you copied/downloaded from SoftISP
3. Press **Enter** to execute
The script will automatically configure:
* Bridge settings
* Hotspot network parameters
* Interface assignments
* Network policies as defined in SoftISP
Do not interrupt the script during execution. The process typically takes 1–3 minutes depending on network configuration complexity.
Step 5: Bridge Additional Ports (Optional)
If you want additional Ethernet ports to participate in the hotspot network, bridge them:
1. In MikroTik WebUI, navigate to **Bridge** → **Ports**
2. Click **"New"** (+)
3. Configure:
* **Interface:** Select the port (e.g., ether2, ether3, etc.)
* **Bridge:** `softisp-bridge` (or your configured bridge name)
4. Click **"Apply"** → **"OK"** to save and close
5. Repeat for each port you want to include in the hotspot network
This step is optional and depends on your network topology. Bridging ports allows multiple physical interfaces to function as a single logical network segment.
### A video on how to configure your Mikrotik router
***
## Verifying the Configuration
After completing all steps, verify that your router is properly configured:
### Checklist
* [ ] Router appears in SoftISP **Networking** → **Routers** with "Online" status
* [ ] MikroTik shows internet connectivity (successful ping test)
* [ ] All bridged ports are active in the hotspot network
* [ ] Clients can connect to the hotspot SSID
* [ ] Traffic flows between clients and internet through the router
Check the SoftISP dashboard for real-time router status, session counts, and bandwidth usage. Issues typically resolve within 5–10 minutes of configuration completion.
***
## Troubleshooting
### Router Shows "Offline" in SoftISP
* Verify the MikroTik has internet access (test with ping google.com)
* Confirm the configuration script ran successfully without errors
* Check that API credentials are correct in SoftISP settings
* Restart the MikroTik router
### Script Execution Failed
* Ensure RouterOS version is 7.16.0 or higher
* Verify the script was copied completely (no truncation)
* Check for connectivity issues during script upload
* Reset and retry the configuration process
### Hotspot Not Broadcasting or Clients Can't Connect
* Verify bridge ports are configured correctly
* Check that the hotspot network name (SSID) is visible in MikroTik **Wireless** settings
* Ensure wireless security settings (password, encryption) are configured
* Test with a nearby device to rule out client-side issues
***
## Additional Resources
* [MikroTik Official Documentation](https://help.mikrotik.com/)
* [SoftISP Settings & Credentials](/settings/credentials)
* [Locations Management](/location/location)