Mikrotik RouterOS vs Ubiquiti EdgeOS: A Comparative Analysis for Your Network Needs

When it comes to choosing the right router for your network, there are several options available in the market. Two popular choices among networking enthusiasts and professionals alike are Mikrotik RouterOS and Ubiquiti EdgeOS. In this article, we will compare these two routers and help you decide which one is best suited for your needs.

One of the key differences between Mikrotik RouterOS and Ubiquiti EdgeOS is their architecture. Mikrotik uses a proprietary operating system, while Ubiquiti's EdgeOS is based on Linux. This difference has a significant impact on the performance and features offered by each router.

In terms of performance, both routers can deliver high-speed connectivity. However, Mikrotik RouterOS has been known to struggle with AES256 encryption when using software-based encryption. On the other hand, Ubiquiti EdgeOS has hardware-accelerated encryption, which makes it more suitable for large-scale networks that require high levels of security.

Another important consideration is the ease of setup and configuration. Mikrotik RouterOS is generally considered easier to set up and configure, especially for those familiar with Linux. However, Ubiquiti EdgeOS also has a relatively straightforward setup process, thanks to its intuitive web-based interface.

When it comes to monitoring and management, both routers offer various tools and options. For instance, you can use Cacti or Munin to monitor the router's performance and configure scripts for specific tasks. The documentation provided by Ubiquiti is also comprehensive and easy to follow.

In terms of user base and community support, Ubiquiti EdgeOS has a larger and more active community, which can be beneficial when troubleshooting or seeking help with configuration issues.

For your specific needs, you are planning to use two VLANs (home and DMZ) with ESXi virtualized servers and SAN/NAS. You also mentioned having a third VLAN for lab/testing. Both routers can support multiple VLANs, but the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite is more suitable for this type of setup due to its higher processing power.

In conclusion, both Mikrotik RouterOS and Ubiquiti EdgeOS are excellent choices for your network needs. However, based on their performance, ease of setup, and features, we recommend the Ubiquiti EdgeRouter Lite as a better option. Its hardware-accelerated encryption, high processing power, and comprehensive documentation make it an ideal choice for large-scale networks that require high levels of security and performance.

Mikrotik routeros vs ubiquiti edgeos