Equipment selection shapes operational capabilities for years. Mikrotik and Cisco represent opposite ends of the price-performance spectrum, with fundamental trade-offs that suit different organizational contexts.
Cost Comparison
Mikrotik's pricing advantage is dramatic—often 5-10x less than equivalent Cisco hardware. A CCR2004 router handling a gigabit of traffic costs under Rs 80,000; comparable Cisco routing costs several lakhs. For capital-constrained ISPs, this difference enables infrastructure that would otherwise be impossible.
Cisco TCO includes more than hardware. SmartNet maintenance, licensing fees, and software subscriptions add ongoing costs. Mikrotik licenses are perpetual and included with hardware.
Feature Capabilities
RouterOS includes remarkable functionality. BGP, MPLS, traffic shaping, firewall, VPN services—features that require separate Cisco licenses—are standard. For ISP core applications, Mikrotik delivers everything necessary.
Cisco excels at enterprise integration scenarios. Advanced routing features, extensive protocol support, and deep vendor ecosystem integration suit complex environments. If you need something obscure, Cisco probably supports it.
Operational Differences
Cisco's documentation, training resources, and community knowledge are unmatched. Troubleshooting help is readily available. CCNA/CCNP certifications indicate staff capability.
Mikrotik's learning curve is steep for teams without prior experience. Documentation is good but less comprehensive. The community is helpful but smaller. Staff training investments should factor into decisions.
Reliability Considerations
Both platforms are reliable when properly deployed. Cisco's reputation advantage partly reflects its prevalence in mission-critical environments rather than inherent superiority. Many ISPs run Mikrotik in production successfully.
Hardware replacement during failures differs. Cisco's SmartNet provides next-day replacement. Mikrotik lacks formal support programs; maintaining spare inventory provides equivalent protection at lower ongoing cost.
Hybrid Approaches
Many ISPs use both strategically. Cisco at critical aggregation points where support matters most; Mikrotik at the edge where quantity matters. This hybrid approach captures cost benefits while managing risk.