Finding the right router for office use is not the same as for home use. In an office environment, there are usually many users accessing the network at the same time, therefore, the internet must remain stable, and it is quite possible that the network will require better control, security, and bandwidth management.
Among the many router brands that offices use, MikroTik and TP-Link are two very popular ones. Both being quite reputable, but each designed to cater to slightly different types of users.
TP-Link boasts of its simple setup, strong WiFi offer, and user-friendly features. On the contrary, MikroTik is more focused on offering you networking controls, routing features, firewall rules, and bandwidth management capabilities that are very sophisticated.
Which one then will suit your office better? Here is a friendly comparison of the two.
Quick Overview
Both MikroTik and TP-Link manufacture routers suitable for a variety of environments including homes, offices, shops, schools, warehouses, and business networks but the approach of each differs considerably.
|
Brand |
Best Known For |
|
MikroTik |
Advanced routing, firewall, bandwidth control, business networks |
|
TP-Link |
Easy setup, WiFi coverage, affordability, plug-and-play use |
If installing and configuring a small office router is your main concern, then TP-Link would be the simpler option for your needs. However, if you want to have finer control over users, set internet limits, firewall rules, VPNs, and manage overall network performance, MikroTik is usually the stronger option.
Ease of Setup
Usually, most office users care a lot about how difficult a setup would be since not all offices are fortunate enough to have a network engineer available at hand.
TP-Link
In general, it is easier to configure TP-Link routers. A lot of models are equipped with simple web dashboards and mobile app support. Setting WiFi name, password, guest network, parental controls, and basic security settings is possible even by non-technical persons.
This makes TP-Link an excellent match for very small offices, shops, and businesses that want the shortest time from unboxing to working.
MikroTik
MikroTik routers are very technical. They operate on RouterOS, an operating system that offers the highest degree of customization but is not very simple for a beginner. You would probably need some networking skills to execute firewall rules, queues, VLANs, VPNs, and routing policies.
In micro-businesses, a MikroTik strategy can be extremely effective if there is a knowledgeable IT person or a hired installer.
Verdict: TP-Link is simple to use for starters whereas MikroTik is a strong choice for the very knowledgeable ones.
Performance for Office Use
Besides common tasks like WiFi, sharing files and video conferencing, office routers must also support printers, POS systems, CCTV, and sometimes guest WiFi.
TP-Link will do a solid job in smaller and medium-sized offices where the primary focus is on reliable internet and decent WiFi coverage. TP-Link routers provide dual-band or tri-band WiFi options which allow the network traffic to be split into separate bands for better efficiency.
The use of MikroTik in office demand goes beyond stable internet. MikroTik is an excellent traffic management tool. Network administrators can limit specific user bandwidth, get video calls prioritized, multiple internet connections managed, and separate networks created for staff, guests, and equipment.
Verdict: TP-Link is advisable for simple office internet whereas the use of MikroTik-based network is ideal for controlled and complex networks.
WiFi Coverage
The extent of WiFi coverage depends on device model, antenna pattern, office area, walls, and device placement.
TP-Link WiFi Coverage
TP-Link ranges from WiFi routers and mesh systems to WiFi 6 capable WiFi mesh routers. So, even if your office has coverage as the main wireless requirement, TP-Link is likely to be your easiest choice. Small to medium offices can be effectively covered by WiFi 6 capable, mesh support and multi-antenna equipped models.
MikroTik WiFi Coverage
MikroTik, a brand well-known for offering wireless routers, however, a majority of MikroTik products are more about routing and network management compared to consumerstyle WiFi convenience. In many work environments, MikroTik acts as the main router, whereas WiFi coverage is delivered through separate access points.
Verdict: TP-Link usually yields better for simple WiFi coverage. MikroTik, however, is what you get when you bring along the access points.
Security and Firewall Control
Offices are a place where security must not be compromised especially since several users, devices, and even guests connect to the same network.
By providing features such as WiFi encryption, guest networking, access control, and firewall configurations, TP-Link routers have capable security tools to cover many small office scenarios.
On the other hand, MikroTik lets you go really deep. Besides firewall rules and blocking unwanted traffic, you can even manage VPN access, create VLANs, and control how the different users or departments interact with the network.
Verdict: For in-depth security and firewall control, MikroTik is the way to go.
Bandwidth Management
Let's talk about the biggest advantage of MikroTik over TP-Link.
Say one user is streaming videos at a high quality bit rate or downloading lots of files, the rest of the office network will be disrupted unless there's a bandwidth management system that prevents this. MikroTik offers such a system and it is very comprehensive - thanks to queues and traffic rules, among other features. It is perfectly possible to set limits for the speed at user level, give priority to certain devices, or maintain a strong control on the use of the internet.
Although offering QoS features is a good point for TPLink, however, in most cases, the QoS features of TP-LINK are simpler and less detailed than that of MikroTik.
Verdict: MikroTik wins hands down for bandwidth management.
VPN and Remote Access
There are lots of offices that have a requirement for VPN to facilitate working from home, establishing branches, or secure access to office systems.
The great thing about MikroTik which actually should be regarded as a strong point of it is the ability to support VPN configurations and even more so just as a strong point is that it is capable of supporting various VPN protocols and giving much more control over routing and firewall settings.
On the other hand, TP-Link offers VPN features for many business routers, setting up and flexibility depending on the model.
Verdict: MikroTik is better for advanced VPN and remote office networking.
Price Comparison in Pakistan
Wifi Router prices in Pakistan vary depending on model, WiFi standard, ports, stock, warranty, and dollar rate.
As a general idea:
|
Wifi Router Type |
Approx. Price Range in Pakistan |
|
Basic TP-Link office router |
Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 12,000 |
|
TP-Link WiFi 6 router |
Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 35,000+ |
|
MikroTik basic router |
Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 |
|
MikroTik advanced router |
Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 80,000+ |
|
Business access points |
Rs. 12,000 to Rs. 50,000+ |
TP-Link is generally cheaper for basic WiFi requirements. The price of MikroTik depends largely on the model, but if we are talking about advanced features of networking, MikroTik undoubtedly has more to offer than TP-Link.
Before purchasing, it is important to check warranty, model number, number of ports, WiFi support, in addition to seeing if the router will perfectly fit your office size.
Which One Is Better for Small Offices?
The main requirement of a small office with 5 to 15 users would be WiFi, browsing, email, POS, and video calls. So, in most cases, TP-Link is quite adequate.
Reasons to choose TP-Link could be the following:
-
Easy setup
-
Good WiFi coverage
-
Affordable price
-
Simple office internet
-
Guest WiFi support
Still, if a small office wants user limits, separate networks, or better internet control, MikroTik is an excellent option.
Which One Is Better for Medium or Large Offices?
Medium and large offices will probably benefit more from using MikroTik. It allows not just better control over routing, firewall, bandwidth, etc but also VLANs, VPNs, and multi-WAN setups.
Reasons to pick MikroTik for your office include ones
-
Desire for bandwidth management
-
Multiple internet connections
-
Need to make advanced firewall rules
-
VPN setup
-
Separate staff and guest networks
-
Desire for better control over users and devices
If you want to use WiFi in different areas of your office, you might want to consider using MikroTik together with access points.
MikroTik vs TP-Link: Final Verdict
Both MikroTik and TP-Link are well-known router brands, they are designed to cater to different office needs.
If your priority is a small, inexpensive, easy-to-use router with decent WiFi coverage, then TP-Link is your best choice.
If your office demands professional-level features like network control, bandwidth management, firewall rules, VPN access, VLANs, and the ability to handle multiple internet connections, then MikroTik is the way to go.
In most cases, a solitary router may not fulfill the requirements of a well-connected office. A powerful arrangement might involve the deployment of a MikroTik router for network control and the utilization of TP-Link access points for WiFi coverage.
Powerhouse Express offers a wide range of products including routers, networking devices, access points, switches, and other office connectivity products that cater to the requirements of small businesses, offices, shops, and commercial networks throughout Pakistan.
FAQs
Q1. Is MikroTik better than TP-Link for office use?
If your office needs features like advanced control, bandwidth management, VPNs, firewall rules, and multi-internet connections, then MikroTik would be the right choice. On the other hand, if you just want simple WiFi and easy setup, go for TP-Link.
Q2. Is TP-Link good for office use?
Definitely, TP-Link is the best choice for small and medium offices that require stable WiFi, simple setup, guest network, and affordable pricing.
Q3. Why do offices use MikroTik routers?
The primary reason offices go for MikroTik routers is that they offer the features necessary in a business environment such as advanced network control, bandwidth limits, firewall rules, VPN support, VLANs, and multi-WAN options.
Q4. Which router is best for a small office?
For small offices that only need basic internet and WiFi functionalities, TP-Link is generally the best option. However, if the office wants features like user control or bandwidth limits, then MikroTik would be more suitable.
Q5. Can MikroTik improve internet speed?
While MikroTik cannot make your internet connection faster than what your internet plan offers, it can enhance network performance by managing bandwidth, preventing misuse, and prioritizing important traffic.
Q6. Do I need a network expert for MikroTik?
If you are only doing a basic setup, then guided help should suffice for a few users. However, for more complex settings such as VLANs, VPNs, queues, and firewall rules, it is advisable to hire a network professional.
Q7. Can I use MikroTik with TP-Link access points?
Yes, of course. This kind of setup is very common in offices. MikroTik can take care of routing and bandwidth management while TP-Link access points can be used to provide WiFi throughout the office.