Setting up VPN between MikroTik: Complete Guide 2026

If you want to set up a VPN between MikroTik to bypass restrictions and protect your data, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will share with you all the necessary steps and tips. We will talk about protocols, settings, and speed testing. Ready? Let’s go!

What is a VPN and how does it work?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a technology that creates a secure connection between your device and the internet. It encrypts your traffic, making it inaccessible to third parties. This is especially useful when you need to bypass restrictions imposed by your internet provider or Roskomnadzor.

Definition of VPN

A VPN allows you to connect to the internet through a secure server. Your data passes through this server, which hides your real IP address and encrypts the traffic. This helps protect your privacy and bypass geographical restrictions.

Advantages of using a VPN

Using a VPN has many advantages. First, there’s security. Your data is encrypted, and even if someone intercepts your traffic, they won’t be able to decrypt it. Second, a VPN helps bypass site restrictions, such as YouTube, TikTok, or Telegram, which are often blocked in Russia.

How a VPN helps bypass restrictions

When you connect to a VPN, you are effectively masking your internet connection. This makes it impossible for your provider to see which sites you visit. Restrictions imposed by providers will not work, as they cannot determine which site you are interacting with. This is especially relevant in the context of DPI, when service providers try to limit access to certain resources.

Setting up VPN on MikroTik: step-by-step guide

Now let’s move on to the practical part — setting up a VPN between MikroTik. The process may seem complicated, but I will try to explain everything step by step.

Preparing for setup

Before you begin, make sure you have access to your MikroTik device. You will also need a VPN server to connect to. This can be your own server or a service like NvoVPN.

Setting up protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and others

On MikroTik, you can use various VPN protocols. The most popular ones are WireGuard and OpenVPN.

WireGuard is a modern protocol that provides high speed and security. It is easier to set up and less resource-intensive compared to other protocols.

OpenVPN is an older protocol, but still very reliable. It supports many features but can be more complicated to set up. To configure OpenVPN, you will need to create certificates and set up configuration files.

Testing the connection

After setting up the VPN, it is important to test the connection. To do this, simply connect to the VPN and check your IP address through services like WhatIsMyIP. This will help you ensure that you are indeed connected to the VPN server.

Comparing VPN protocols for MikroTik

Let’s compare different protocols so you can choose the most suitable one for your needs.

WireGuard vs OpenVPN

WireGuard has lower latency and establishes connections faster than OpenVPN. However, OpenVPN is more versatile and suitable for older devices. If you have a modern MikroTik, I would recommend WireGuard. But if you are working with outdated models, OpenVPN may be the better choice.

IKEv2 and its advantages

The IKEv2 protocol is also worth mentioning. It provides fast connection recovery, which is useful if you frequently switch between networks. Additionally, IKEv2 works well on mobile devices.

Shadowsocks and VLESS/XRay

Shadowsocks is a proxy protocol that is often used to bypass restrictions. It is less noticeable than standard VPNs and can be useful in conditions of strict control. VLESS and XRay are more modern protocols offering improved security and performance features.

Troubleshooting connection and performance issues

Sometimes, issues may arise when setting up a VPN. Let’s look at the most common ones and how to resolve them.

Common connection issues

If you are experiencing connection issues, check your MikroTik settings and make sure you are using the correct credentials to connect to the server. Often, the cause of problems can be incorrect certificates or configuration files.

How to bypass provider restrictions

If you encounter restrictions, try using different ports or protocols. Sometimes changing the port to 443 can help bypass restrictions. Also, pay attention to using protocols that are less noticeable to DPI.

Optimizing VPN speed

To improve connection speed, try selecting a server that is closer to you. Also, disable unnecessary features like encryption if permissible. Sometimes it is worth testing different protocols to find the fastest option.