MikroTik hardware routers that run RouterOS come preinstalled with a RouterOS license, if you have purchased a RouterOS based device, nothing must be done regarding the license.
For X86 systems (i.e. PC devices), you need to obtain a license key. Each x86 system has a unique identifier called Software ID, which is used for licensing.
The license key is a block of symbols that needs to be copied from your mikrotik.com account, or from the email you received in, and then it can be pasted into the router. You can paste the key anywhere in the terminal, or by clicking "Paste key" in WinBox License menu. A reboot is required for the key to take effect.
| Feature | 0 (Trial mode) | 1 (Free Demo) | 3 (WISP CPE) | 4 (WISP) | 5 (WISP) | 6 (Controller) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless AP mode (PtMP) | 24h trial | - | no | yes | yes | yes |
| PPPoE tunnels | 24h trial | 1 | 200 | 200 | 500 | unlimited |
| PPTP tunnels | 24h trial | 1 | 200 | 200 | 500 | unlimited |
| L2TP tunnels | 24h trial | 1 | 200 | 200 | 500 | unlimited |
| OVPN tunnels | 24h trial | 1 | 200 | 200 | unlimited | unlimited |
| EoIP tunnels | 24h trial | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| VLAN interfaces | 24h trial | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| Queue rules | 24h trial | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| HotSpot active users | 24h trial | 1 | 1 | 200 | 500 | unlimited |
| User manager active sessions | 24h trial | 1 | 10 | 20 | 50 | Unlimited |
| Bonding interfaces | 24h trial | 1 | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
| RADIUS | 24h trial | - | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited | unlimited |
