What is hex in MikroTik? What you need to know?

by

The model MikroTik RB3011UiAS-RM in Pakistan stands among most preferred choices for small to medium-sized network connections. So, the hex in MikroTik router provides a reliable solution for users looking for a highly configurable, efficient, and affordable network device. This post will help you to determine what makes the hEX router perfect, how it is suitable for various networking setups and configuration tips.

What is hex in MikroTik?

The hex is a small and powerful, five-port wired router in MikroTik. Thus, it is best for users demanding a budget-friendly, high-performing router that can control complicated network tasks. However, other mokrotik’s product lines like hAP series have wireless connections and features but hex in MikroTik is a wired device. Therefore, it gives Ethernet connections making the hex an exclusive, reliable solution for network setups that don’t need Wi-Fi. Hence, it is a reliable, powerful, and stable connection for wired devices.

Significant aspects of hex in MikroTik:

Followings are some essential features that make the hex a preferred option of users:

  • Strong Routing abilities: It provides updated routing protocols, like BGP, OSPF, and RIP. So, it allows complicated routing setups.
  • Router OS Operating System: Router OS is the preferred choice of users as it is highly customizable. Thus, it provides the users with an ability to tackle almost every feature of their network configuration.
  • Budget-friendliness: it has a competitive pricing structure. Hence, the hex provides business-level features at a minimal cost than other professional-level routers.
  • Compact and blower Design: Its small, noiseless, blower design is suitable for environments that demand low noise.
  • High Performance: The MikroTik hex has a strong dual-core processor and has enough RAM for controlling medium-to-complex networking tasks.
  • Security: this feature is set as a default in firewall, NAT, and VPN, thus providing complete security for data transfer and control.
See also  Shower Wall Panels vs. Traditional Tiles: Key Benefits for Your Bathroom Renovation

What are the uses of MikroTik hex?

MikroTik hex router is exclusive and perfect for different applications:

  • Small Business Networks: It is best for small-sized businesses as it gives reliable wired connections and simplified network management. Also, it gives a powerful and economical routing solution with VPN and firewall for additional security.
  • Home Office Networks: it is suitable for users who want to divide home devices or prefer traffic for work-related tasks. So, it is best fit for modern users finding a solution to manage home traffic, establish VPNs, and control bandwidth distribution.
  • Network Labs or Testing Environments: The device is best for IT students or network engineers finding a solution to practice configurations and searching networking protocols. Moreover, it helps the remote workers to make secure VPN tunnels for their offices.
  • VPN Server: These devices can be configured as a VPN server for safe remote access to a network. This setup is best for small ISPs to give CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) due to its high adaptability and high turnover.

How to Set up the MikroTik hEX Routing?

Step 1: Physical Setup:

  1. Unload the Router: at first, you have to connect the power adapter to the hEX and plug it into an electrical passage.
  2. Ethernet Connections: then, connect your ISP modem to the first Ethernet port (labeled “ether1”) on the hEX. Now, connect your computer or other devices to the other Ethernet ports.

Step 2: Accessing the Router:

  1. Winbox: you have to download Winbox from the MikroTik website. Thus, it will give you a GUI interface to access and configure Router OS. Then, connect to the hEX by deploying the device’s IP or MAC address.
  2. WebFig: As a substitute, access the WebFig GUI by entering the IP address 192.168.88.1 (the default IP) in a browser.
  3. Terminal: Those users who are flexible with the command line, they can use Terminal in Winbox or a Telnet/SSH client.
See also  Fat Perez Real Name, Age, Height, Weight, Net Worth, and Bio

Step 3: Fundamental Configuration:

  1. Create IP Address: you have to configure your IP address range, subnet mask, and access regarding your network needs.
  2. Make Firewall Rules: you can configure firewall rules to safeguard your network from illegal access.
  3. Configure NAT (Network Address Translation): you can enable NAT for sharing one public IP address with different devices.
  4. Wi-Fi Settings (Optional): the hex model does not have Wi-Fi, so you have to connect a wireless access point to broaden wireless connection as per requirement. 

Technical aspects and configuration Options:

a. Routing and Bridging:

MikroTik hEX provides static and dynamic routing protocols like OSPF, BGP, and RIP. So, this feature provides constant connectivity across different networks. It also gives bridging for simple communication between various network segments.

b. VPN (Virtual Private Network):

The hex is highly competent of administering VPN connections. 

  • L2TP, PPTP, SSTP, and OpenVPN these networks provide secure remote connections.
  • IPsec these networks give site-to-site secure connections.

c. Firewall and Security:

MikroTik Router OS provides a highly customizable firewall. Hence, you can:

  • Block or enable particular IP addresses and ports.
  • Filter and redirect traffic as required.
  • Utilize Stateful Packet Inspection (SPI) for improved security.

d. Bandwidth administration and QoS:

MikroTik hEX gives best Quality of Service (QoS) settings and gives you to manage bandwidth distribution:

  • Queue Trees: it helps to control download/upload rates and prefer particular traffic.
  • Traffic Shaping: it helps to restrict bandwidth for special users or applications to prevent congestion.

e. USB Connections:

The USB port on the hex supports connecting the external storage for local backups or logging to 3G/4G modem for mobile phone backup connections.

Closing Thoughts:

The hex in MikroTik is a feature-enabled, budget-friendly, and exclusive router. So, it is suitable for those who need high control over their network setup than a typical client router gives. Whether you’re a network fan, a small business owner, or an ISP finding an efficient option, the hex provides a good balance of power and price. 

Although, the difficulty of Router OS means that newbies might have to invest time in seeking the interface to get complete potential. For modern users, the MikroTik hex in Pakistan provides customizable settings which make it a popular choice for high-performance networking.

Leave a Comment