Common MikroTik hEX Problems and How to Fix Them

The network issues always have a way of showing up at the most inopportune time. One minute, all things are going fine, and the next minute, the web becomes slow, phones begin to hang, and people inquire about what has happened. When your MikroTik router does not behave as expected, do not worry. Use a simple step-by-step process of troubleshooting.

The MikroTik hEX is popular due to its strong features for firewalling and controlling traffic. However, this flexibility makes troubleshooting problems on such routers more difficult. Due to the fact that even a simple configuration error can lead to radical problems.

This guide shows how to find and fix common MikroTik RouterOS problems. You will also learn how to use tools that come with the program to fix problems faster. By using a logical process, network managers can control downtime. 

Introduction to MikroTik hEX and Router OS Distribution

MikroTik is a Latvian company renowned for its high-performance networking products and innovative solutions. As a trusted Mikrotik Router Distributor in Pakistan, we proudly offer a wide range of their devices. Among them, hEX is a powerful gigabit Ethernet router designed for advanced network management. It is powered by RouterOS, an operating system that turns ordinary hardware into fully-featured network routers and control platforms, delivering reliability and efficiency for both small and large-scale networks.

MikroTik is a popular choice for businesses, ISPs, and networking fans all over the world because it has cheap hardware. It also has a strong operating system and licensing that can be scaled up or down. Because so many people use it, there is a lot of information available to help users fix problems and improve network speed.

Common MikroTik Problems and How to Fix Them

1. Unable to Access the Router

You cannot connect to the MikroTik hEX through the web interface or SSH. The router appears online, but management access fails.

Possible Causes

• Often, entry is blocked because the IP address or subnet configuration is wrong.

• Rules in the firewall could stop management data.

• Ethernet cables that are damaged, loose, or not connected can also make it impossible to link.

How to Fix It

Start with a physical check. Verify that all cables are secure and port LEDs are active. Use WinBox with the router’s MAC address if IP access fails. Check the rules for the inputs on your firewall and let management in from networks you know. Reset the router by holding the reset button for 5–10 seconds if access remains unavailable. 

2. No Internet Access

Internet connection is another challenge despite local network access. Connected devices cannot open websites or reach online services due to interruptions.

Possible Causes

• WAN interface setup is wrong.

• Not having or setting up the right NAT disguise rules.

• Broken or unavailable DNS services.

• Limited ISP service for a short time. 

Fixing it

Check the state of the WAN link. An active IP address and the word "Running" should be on it. Look over the NAT rules and make sure there is a disguise rule for traffic going out. To check if your connection is working, ping a public IP address like 8.8.8.8. Ping a domain name to verify it if DNS resolution is successful. Call your ISP to make sure the service is available if all the settings are correct.

3. A Slow Router and a High Use of CPU

The router reacts slowly or stops working altogether. A lot of CPU time is spent for a long time.

Causes 

• Too many firewall or mangle rules.

• A lot of traffic from people or services.

• Malicious traffic or denial-of-service attempts.

Fixing It

Use the profiling tool to find tasks that use a lot of resources. Combine similar conditions. Use address lists to easily understand firewall rules. Turn on FastTrack for established links to make the CPU less busy. Watch live traffic with Torch to find trends that don't make sense if there is a need to block sites that look sketchy.

4. IP addresses clash on the network

Devices suddenly disconnect or can't find an IP address.

Causes 

• DHCP address groups that overlap.

• Multiple devices are using the same static IP address.

Fixing it

Check the settings for the DHCP server to make sure that the groups don't overlap. Look for duplicate IP numbers on the network. Fix problems by changing DHCP ranges or giving out static addresses in the right way.

5. Problems with the VPN connection

VPN clients can't connect or can connect but don't send any data.

Causes 

• Not setting up the VPN server correctly.

• Firewall rules stop VPN ports from opening.

• NAT rules are missing for VPN data.

Fixing It

Make sure the VPN server settings are right for the protocol you chose. Make sure that NAT rules correctly handle data from the VPN address pool. Look for mistakes in login or encryption in the system logs.

7. Problems with wireless connectivity

Wireless users often lose their links. They also get weak signals or experience slow speeds.

Possible Causes 

• Close wireless networks.

• Picking the wrong channel or setting the wrong protection level.

• Low power for transfer.

Fixing It

Look at the close frequencies and pick one that isn't too crowded. Change the power of the transmission to get an even range. Make sure the client's wireless protection settings are the same as the server's.

Shop Now

Best Practices to Prevent MikroTik Issues

Preventive maintenance is essential for stability. This reduces downtime and prevents unexpected failures.

Always update MikroTik hEX to the latest stable version. Updates increase performance and fix known bugs. Also, enhance the protection of security features. Schedule updates during low-activity periods to minimise disruption.

Create regular configuration backups and securely store them. The creation of regular backups allows restoring the system quickly in case of a failure of changes or hardware. Export configurations before making big updates or rule changes.

Use Safe Mode when trying out new settings. In Safe Mode, changes are undone immediately if the session ends. Lockouts that happen because of a bad firewall or route rules can't happen with this feature.

Make sure that all changes to the settings are clearly documented. Keep track of the times and effects of each change. Maintaining detailed records makes fixing problems easier. It also allows for future network growth.

MikroTik Troubleshooting - Essential Tools and Their Uses

It is essential to be aware of the tools MikroTik offers before tackling various network problems. Through the tools, the concerned individual can identify and resolve possible problems.

Traceroute: This is used to identify the actual path taken for the packets of data to reach a final destination. This is very useful in tracing and troubleshooting any sort of routing issues or problems.

Torch: Watches activity on each interface in real time. It shows which IPs or services are using the most data. It can help to find traffic jams or strange behavior.

Log: The MikroTik firewall keeps track of system events. Looking at logs can help you find problems with network setup or strange behaviour.

Safe Mode: It lets you test modifications without being locked out. Safe mode will reset the router to the prior condition if a configuration modification breaks the connection.

Winbox: A graphical control interface that makes setting up and fixing problems easier. It is good for visualising interface status and routing tables.

Ping Watchdog: Checks for connectivity to a certain IP address. It can restart or send an alert if the target stops being available. This makes sure that important links stay open.

The Bandwidth Test Tool checks the link's capacity and finds speed bottlenecks. It measures how fast data can flow between MikroTik devices.

IP Scan: This finds devices on a section of the network. Good for finding IP conflicts, illegal devices, or DHCP assignments that don't work right.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting MikroTik routers requires a methodical and informed approach. Most problems are sourced from configuration issues rather than hardware faults. Early symptom detection also lets managers deal with problems before they get worse. Understanding the Uses Of Mikrotik Hex can also help network administrators configure the device more effectively and prevent common errors. By using systematic ways to fix known problems, network stability can easily be maintained with fewer issues. Troubleshooting MikroTik routers requires a methodical approach, as most issues stem from configuration rather than hardware. For reliable performance, it’s essential to purchase MikroTik hEX routers from a trusted supplier like Ultra Tech.

Collaborate with Ultra Tech for Affordable MikroTik Solutions

Ultra Tech is a reliable distributor of MikroTik hEX routers and networking solutions in Pakistan. Our services offer high-performance, full-tested routers and professional advice to businesses and network specialists to establish safe, steady and effective networks. Regardless of whether you require small office implementations or implementations suitable for an enterprise, Ultra Tech provides you with excellent hardware, timely assistance and total solutions to maintain your network operating well. Our entire line of MikroTik products and services can be viewed at our website or by calling us up at present.

Lahore Office
Office # 21, 1st Floor, Hafeez Center
Gulberg III, Lahore, Pakistan
Phone: 042-35712273, 042-35712274, 042-35712275
Email: info@ultratech.pk