MTCRE Lab 1.3: Understanding Administrative Distance

Objective

In this lab, we will explore how Administrative Distance (AD) affects route selection and failover behavior in a MikroTik RouterOS environment. Using EVE-NG and four CHR routers, we’ll build a small routed network where R1 has two static paths to reach a remote network hosted on R4. The primary route will use R2, while a secondary backup route through R3 will have a higher administrative distance. By observing the routing table and using tools such as /tool traceroute and ping, we will demonstrate how RouterOS automatically prefers the route with the lowest distance and seamlessly switches to the backup path when the primary link fails. This exercise reinforces key routing principles—route preference, redundancy, and failover—providing a hands-on understanding of how real routers make intelligent routing decisions based on administrative distance.