Chapter 1.2 – RouterOS Licenses
RouterOS Licenses
RouterBOARD devices come pre-installed with a RouterOS license. This means that if you purchase a RouterBOARD device nothing needs to be done about the license.
On the other hand, when working with X86 systems (for example PCs), you do need to obtain a license key.
The license key is a block of symbols that need to be copied from your mikrotik.com account, or from the email you receive.
Example of License Key received by email
License key for your router,
-----BEGIN MIKROTIK SOFTWARE KEY-----------
LlCoU6wx6QFaGCbTieJCgAcloa4cPrF776F/9=Dxk+0+vZ39KBonqfyXrfBdrng3ajK/zFGr8KtgAcU3e2HLNA==
-----END MIKROTIK SOFTWARE KEY--------------
Example of License Key from the mikrotik.com account
You can copy the key anywhere in the terminal window, or by clicking “Paste key” in the Winbox Licenses menu. It is necessary/required to do a reboot for the key to take effect (be activated).
The RouterOS licensing scheme is based on the SoftwareID number that is associated with the storage medium (HDD, NAND).
Information can also be read from the CLI console
/system license print
software-id: 5ATP-QYIX
level: 4
features:
License Levels
We have 6 types of licenses whose main differences are shown in the table below:
- Level 0 (L0) : Demo (24 Hours)
- Level 1 (L1) : Free (Very limited)
- Level 3 (L3): It is a license only for Wireless or WISP CPE stations (WiFi Client, client or CPE). For x86 architectures, the Level 3 license cannot be purchased individually. If you wish to order more than 100 L3 licenses, you must write an email to [email protected]
- Level 4 (L4) : WISP (Required for an Access Point)
- Level 5 (L5) : WISP (More Capabilities)
- Level 6 (L6): Controller (Unlimited capabilities)
Important information about Licenses:
- The license level determines the capabilities allowed on a Router
- RouterBOARD comes with a pre-installed license, which varies depending on the type of RouterBOARD architecture.
- For an X86 system, licenses must be purchased. A license is valid for only one computer
- The Level 2 (L2) license was a transitional license between the old-legacy license format (pre v2.8). These licenses are no longer available. If you have this type of L2 license, it will work, but when upgrading you will have to purchase a new license.
- The BGP dynamic protocol is included in the Level 3 License (L3) only for RouterBOARDs. To activate BGP on other devices you will need an L4 license or higher.
- All licenses:
- They never expire
- They include free support via email for 15 to 30 days
- Can use an unlimited number of interfaces
- Licenses are only valid for a single installation
Licenses come with unlimited software upgrade capability
Typical Uses:
- Level 3: CPE, Wireless Clients
- Level 4: WISP
- Level 5: Broad WISP
- Level 6: internal ISP infrastructures (Cloud Core)
Changing License Levels
- Cannot update license level. If you wish to use a different License level, then the appropriate/required level must be purchased. Great care must be taken when purchasing the license, as you must choose the appropriate licensing level.
- Why can't I change the license level (upgrade)? A practical example would be to upgrade a vehicle's engine from 2L to 4L, for which you need to pay the difference. For this reason, licensing levels cannot be changed easily. This is a policy used by many software companies.
Use of Licenses
Can the drive be formatted or re-flashed?
Formatting, and re-imaging the drive with tools other than MikroTik (for example DD and Fdisk) will destroy your license. You should exercise caution and contact MikroTik support before doing this. It is not recommended as MikroTik support may deny your request to replace a license. For this reason MikroTik provides the Netinstall tools or CD installation.
How many computers can the license be used with?
At the same time, the RouterOS license can only be used on a single system. The license is linked to the HDD (hard drive) where it is installed. However, you can move the HDD to another computer system. You cannot move the license to another HDD. If the HDD is formatted or overwritten with the RouterOS license, all content on the drive will be erased, and a new license must be purchased. If the license was accidentally removed, you should contact the support team for help.
Can the HDD be used for any activity other than RouterOS?
It can not
Can the license be moved to another HDD?
If your current HDD is destroyed, or can no longer be used, you can transfer the license to another HDD. To execute this activity, you must request a replacement key that will cost 10 USD.
What is the replacement key?
It is a special key that is issued by the MikroTik Support Team if you accidentally lost the license. MikroTik support decides whether or not it is your fault directly. This replacement key costs $10 and has the same features as the one you lost. It is possible that before the support team issues the key, they may ask you for proof that the old drive is in fact damaged. In some cases this may mean that you must send the dead drive to MikroTik.
Note: Only one replacement key can be issued for each original key. You cannot use the key replacement procedure twice for a single key. In these cases, a new key must be acquired.
For a more detailed review on Licensing, we recommend visiting the following link:
- Share this Article
