Plugging a Flash Memory into the USB port of a MikroTik device can be useful for several functions, including use as temporary memory. Here I explain some of the most common uses:

File Storage and Backups

You can use Flash Memory to store configuration files, system backups, scripts, or even firmware updates. This is particularly useful for system recovery in case of crashes or to facilitate the configuration of multiple MikroTik devices with a standard configuration.

Temporary Memory for Logs

Flash Memory can serve as a storage space for system logs. This is useful if you want to keep an extended log of events without consuming the device's internal storage space. You can configure the MikroTik system to send the logs to the USB drive directly.

Storage Extension

For applications or services that require more space than is available internally on the router, such as cached web servers or bulk update packet systems, a Flash Memory can extend the available storage.

Data Transfer Between Devices

If you need to quickly move data between MikroTik devices or between a MikroTik and another device, a USB Flash drive can be a convenient transfer tool.

To use a Flash Memory as temporary memory or for any other purpose, you must first ensure that the RouterOS system recognizes it correctly.

This can be checked in the file menu (/file) after inserting the USB drive. You may need to format the Flash drive with a supported file system (such as FAT32) to ensure that the MikroTik device can read and write to it without problems.

It's important to mention that while using Flash Memory expands storage capabilities and makes file management easier, you should also consider data security and integrity, especially if sensitive settings or critical information are stored on the drive.