MikroTik Cloud Hosted Router (CHR) is a virtual version of the MikroTik RouterOS operating system designed to run on virtual machines and cloud servers.
Instead of using dedicated hardware routers, administrators can deploy MikroTik CHR on a virtual server and use it as a powerful software router.
If you want to deploy RouterOS in the cloud, you can start a MikroTik VPS and run a fully functional router with dedicated resources.
What Is MikroTik CHR?
MikroTik CHR is a version of RouterOS specifically built for virtual environments such as KVM, VMware, and other hypervisors.
It provides the same networking capabilities as MikroTik hardware devices but runs entirely as a virtual machine.
RouterOS features include:
- advanced routing protocols
- firewall configuration
- VPN services
- traffic shaping
- network monitoring
This makes MikroTik CHR a popular solution for network administrators and internet service providers.
Why Run MikroTik on a VPS?
Running MikroTik CHR on a VPS allows administrators to deploy routers in data centers without purchasing physical hardware.
Advantages include:
- fast deployment
- high network bandwidth
- remote management
- scalable resources
- redundant infrastructure
A MikroTik VPS allows you to run RouterOS in a stable environment with low latency and reliable connectivity.
Typical Use Cases
MikroTik CHR is commonly used for many different networking scenarios.
- VPN gateways
- site-to-site tunnels
- traffic routing
- DDoS mitigation
- network monitoring
Because RouterOS supports many networking protocols, it can replace traditional hardware routers in many environments.
MikroTik VPN Capabilities
MikroTik RouterOS supports multiple VPN protocols that allow secure connections between networks.
Popular VPN technologies supported by MikroTik include:
- WireGuard
- OpenVPN
- L2TP
- IPsec
If you only need a dedicated VPN server, you can also deploy specialized solutions such as a WireGuard VPS or an OpenVPN VPS.
MikroTik vs Traditional Firewall Appliances
Many network administrators compare MikroTik with firewall platforms such as pfSense or FortiGate.
While MikroTik provides powerful routing features, firewall-focused platforms may provide additional security features.
For example:
- pfSense VPS focuses on firewall and security
- FortiGate VPS provides enterprise firewall capabilities
The best choice depends on your network requirements.
Performance Considerations
MikroTik CHR performance depends on the server resources available.
Important factors include:
- CPU performance
- network throughput
- available RAM
- virtualization performance
Deploying MikroTik on a high-performance VPS allows administrators to handle large volumes of network traffic.
Managing MikroTik CHR
MikroTik routers can be managed using several tools:
- WinBox
- WebFig
- command-line interface
- API integrations
This makes it easy to manage virtual routers even in complex environments.
Conclusion
MikroTik CHR is a powerful virtual router that allows network administrators to deploy advanced networking services without dedicated hardware.
Running RouterOS on a MikroTik VPS provides the flexibility, performance, and scalability required for modern networks.
