The Lab

The Lab is a testing ground for networking research and discussion, designed to enable experimentation of network concepts in a realistic working environment.

Guest Network Configuration Template

Complete guest network configuration in 5 minutes. VLAN-based guest WiFi setup with complete isolation from internal networks, DHCP configuration, bandwidth limits, firewall rules, and optional captive portal. Includes verification commands and alternatives.

Bandwidth Policy Template

Ready-to-use bandwidth management policies for common office scenarios using Simple Queue and Queue Trees. Includes per-user limits, department-based allocation, priority-based QoS for VoIP, guest network limits, guaranteed bandwidth for servers, and time-based controls.

VLAN Configuration Template — 3-VLAN Office Setup

Production-ready 3-VLAN office configuration for MikroTik RouterOS 7. Corporate, guest, and IoT networks with complete isolation, DHCP servers, firewall rules, bandwidth management, and comprehensive testing procedures. Includes customization options.

Lesson 4.5: Quick Win — Set Up a Guest Network

Build complete guest network in 30 minutes. Combine VLANs (isolation), DHCP (auto IP assignment), firewall (Internet-only access), and bandwidth limits (50 Mbps). Includes optional captive portal, client isolation, and security verification ensuring guests can't access office network.

Lesson 4.4: Queue Trees & Priorities

Advanced QoS using mangle rules to mark traffic and queue trees for protocol prioritization. Prioritize VoIP and gaming over downloads, use PCQ for fair sharing, create hierarchical bandwidth allocation by department, and monitor marked traffic in real-time.

Lesson 4.3: Simple Queue — Bandwidth Basics

Control bandwidth with Simple Queue. Learn max-limit vs guaranteed bandwidth (limit-at), priority system (1-8), and bursting for better user experience. Configure per-user limits, guest network sharing, service guarantees, and monitor/troubleshoot queue performance.

Lesson 4.2: VLANs — Segmenting Your Network

Segment networks with VLANs for security and organization. Configure bridge VLANs, assign ports (tagged/untagged), set PVID, and enable VLAN filtering. Covers guest WiFi isolation, management access control, VoIP with QoS, and firewall rules for inter-VLAN restrictions.

Lesson 4.1: DHCP & IP Management

Set up DHCP server with IP pools, network configuration, and lease management. Assign static leases for servers and devices. Learn best practice IP address organization, DHCP options (DNS, domain, NTP), and troubleshoot common DHCP issues like clients not getting addresses.

Module 4: Control It — Bandwidth, VLANs, QoS

Manage network resources professionally in 64 minutes. Set up DHCP, segment with VLANs, control bandwidth per user, prioritize critical traffic, and build secure guest networks. Learn to organize IP addresses, isolate devices, and prevent bandwidth abuse with QoS.

VPN Troubleshooting Flowchart

Complete VPN troubleshooting decision trees for IPsec, WireGuard, and L2TP. Step-by-step diagnostics for connectivity issues, handshake failures, authentication errors, and routing problems. Includes common error messages and solutions.