We have OSPF authentication in the OSPF interfaces, by creating them statically we can indicate authentication.

To configure OSPF authentication in MikroTik and ensure that only authorized routers can exchange routing information with your network, you can follow these steps.

OSPF (Open Shortest Path First) is a dynamic routing protocol that uses authentication to increase the security of routing updates. MikroTik RouterOS offers several authentication options for OSPF, including password authentication and MD5 authentication.

Step 1: Access OSPF

First, access the OSPF configuration on your MikroTik via WinBox or the command line interface:

• WinBox: go to Routing → OSPF.
• CLI (Command Line Interface): Access through the terminal with the command /routing ospf.

Step 2: Configure OSPF Area Authentication

OSPF allows authentication to be configured at the area level. You can specify a password that all routers in the same OSPF area must use.

1. Create or Edit an OSPF Area:
   • WinBox: Navigate to Routing → OSPF → Areas, select an existing area or create a new one.
   • CLI: Use the command /routing ospf area add name=nombre_area authentication=md5 to create a new area with MD5 authentication or /routing ospf area set [find name=nombre_area] authentication=md5 to modify an existing one.
2. Specify Authentication on OSPF Interfaces: For each OSPF interface that belongs to the configured area, you must specify the authentication and password (or MD5 key).
   • WinBox: go to Routing → OSPF → Interfaces, select an interface, and in the tab Authentication, set the Type a MD5 and defines the MD5 Key.
   • CLI: Use the command /routing ospf interface add network=IP_de_interfaz authentication=md5 md5-key-id=1 md5-key=clave_secreta.

Step 3: Repeat for All Routers in the Same Area

You must repeat the authentication configuration process for all routers that will connect within the same OSPF area, ensuring that the authentication settings and keys match.

Additional considerations

• Consistency: It is crucial that all routers in the same OSPF area have consistent authentication settings. If the configurations differ, the routers will not be able to establish an OSPF adjacency.
• Security: Although authentication improves security, also consider other security measures to protect your OSPF network, such as implementing firewalls and using VPNs for cross-site connections.

Setting up authentication in OSPF is an important step in securing your network in MikroTik, ensuring that only authorized devices participate in the OSPF route exchange.