On MikroTik devices, both the access-list as connect-list They are tools used to manage and control wireless access, but they are applied in different contexts and have different purposes. These lists are part of the wireless interface configuration of RouterOS, MikroTik's operating system.

Access List

Una access-list It is used to control access to the wireless network based on the MAC address of the client device. It works at the base station or access point level and can allow or deny specific devices access to the wireless network. You can configure an access-list to specify which devices are authorized to connect based on their MAC addresses.

Features:

• Defines rules based on MAC addresses to allow or restrict network access.
• You can assign priorities to specific devices, ensuring they have better access or reserving bandwidth.
• Useful for networks where access control at the device level is critical.

Connect List

Una connect-list It is used on the client side (for example, on a wireless station or client) to determine which networks or access points this client can connect to. Allows you to specify criteria such as SSID, frequency band, and the MAC address of the access point, making it easy for the client device to connect only to authorized or preferred networks.

Features:

• Manages the client's connection policy, determining which access points it can connect to.
• It can be used to prevent the client device from connecting to unwanted or unsecured access points.
• Helps automate network selection in environments with multiple networks available.

Key Differences

• Area of ​​application: Access-lists are used on access points to control which devices can connect to them, while connect-lists are used on client devices to control which networks or access points they can connect to.
• Purpose: Access-lists focus on security and network access control by the access point. Connect-lists, on the other hand, help customers select preferred or allowed networks to connect to, improving customer connectivity management.

In summary, the access-list and connect-list in MikroTik allow fine-grained and flexible control over how client devices interact with wireless networks, either restricting or allowing access to these networks. These tools are essential for network administrators looking to optimize the security and efficiency of their wireless networks.