MikroTik and Cambium Networks are two well-known companies in the telecommunications field that offer a variety of networking products, including routers, switches, wireless access points, and solutions for long-range wireless networks.

Although both vendors share the network equipment market, there are key differences in their product offerings, technological approaches, and target applications. Here I present some of the most notable differences:

Approach and Applications

• MikroTik specializes in offering a wide range of networking products for different market segments, including small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and advanced home users. Its product range is very diverse, allowing customized solutions for a wide variety of network applications.
• Cambium Networks, on the other hand, focuses more on wireless connectivity solutions for Internet service providers, enterprises, and government and public safety applications. Its strength lies in long-range, highly reliable wireless solutions, such as those used for Wi-Fi in large open spaces, cellular backhaul, and point-to-point (PTP) or point-to-multipoint (PMP) links in rural areas. or difficult to reach.

Product Range

• MikroTik offers a wide variety of products, including routers, switches, wireless access points, and specific networking devices, with notable flexibility in software configurations through its RouterOS operating system. This operating system is known for its wide range of features and customizability, although it may have a steeper learning curve.
• Cambium Networks stands out in robust and scalable wireless solutions, such as its ePMP series for fixed wireless access and PTP and PMP for long-range links. Its products are designed to deliver performance and reliability in challenging environments, and its network management software, cnMaestro, provides a centralized tool for device management and network optimization.

Performance and Specialization

• MikroTik has products that are highly appreciated for their price-performance ratio, offering advanced networking functionalities at competitive costs. This makes them particularly attractive for experimentation, custom deployments, and users with limited budgets who are still looking for advanced features.
• Cambium Networks specializes in performance and reliability in wireless communications, with a focus on technology optimized to provide connection over long distances and in difficult conditions. Their products are often the choice for critical applications where connection stability and large-scale manageability are paramount.

Community and Support

• MikroTik enjoys a large community of users and developers, with a wealth of learning resources available online, which can be useful for troubleshooting or learning how to configure devices effectively.
• Cambium Networks offers technical support and learning resources, geared toward professional deployment and management of large-scale wireless networks, with a focus on reliability and ongoing support for enterprise and government customers.

Both brands have their strengths and ideal applications, and the choice between MikroTik and Cambium Networks will depend on the specific needs of the project, the available budget, and preferences regarding network configuration and management.