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A Deep Dive into RouterOS 7.15 , 7.15.1, and 7.15.2

30.05.2024
Wireless Netware Technology Ltd.

Key Updates in the MikroTik World:

 

MikroTik has recently released RouterOS version 7.15 and 7.15.1, bringing many improvements and new features that cater to network professionals. 

 

Before an upgrade:
1) Remember to make backup/export files before an upgrade and save them on another storage device.
2) Make sure the device will not lose power during upgrade process.
3) Device has enough free storage space for all RouterOS packages to be downloaded.
 

Here’s a detailed look at the most significant updates and improvements in this release:

1. System Enhancements

 

 Support for AMPERE(R) and ARM64 CHR Installations: This version introduces new ARM64 CHR images and ISO files, expanding compatibility and performance on newer hardware platforms.

 

 Optimization and Stability: Numerous optimizations have been made to improve system stability, including better handling of disk operations and fetch commands.

2. Routing and VPN Improvements


 BGP Enhancements: Key improvements include initial support for vpnv6, better synchronization for input.accept-nlri address lists, and improved handling of multiple AFIs in BGP sessions. IPv6 is now the default address-family for BGP sessions.

 

 VPN Updates: Enhanced VPN functionalities, including the use of VRF interfaces as gateways for leaked connected routes, improving network security and efficiency.

 

 Loopback Route Handling: Significant change where loopback addresses are no longer redistributed as connected routes. This has sparked discussions in the community about potential impacts on existing configurations

3. Bridge and VLAN Enhancements
 

 MLAG and MVRP Support: Significant enhancements in MLAG peer-port configuration, dynamic VLAN creation, and added MVRP support, which improve network flexibility and reliability.

 

 Protocol-Mode Stability: Enhanced stability for STP, RSTP, and MSTP protocols, ensuring more reliable network bridging operations.

4. Certificate and Security Upgrades
 

 ACME Server Support: Added support for different ACME servers for SSL certificates, improved RSA key signature processing speed, and better certificate management options.

 

 Improved Security Features: Enhanced security with support for importing pbes2 encrypted private keys and better handling of certificate-related files.

5. LTE and Wireless Improvements
 

 Modem Support: Enhanced support for various LTE modems, including better APN authentication for FG621-EA modem and improved interface initialization reliability on DFS channels.

 

 Wireless Enhancements: Improved regulatory compliance, stability on DFS channels, and new options for channel selection and interface initialization.

6. Console and Scripting
 

 New Commands and Options: The console now supports additional commands and parameters, such as

'byte-array', 'proplist', and 'rows', improving script automation and configuration flexibility.
 

 Error Handling and Logging: Improved logging for script execution failures and more robust error handling mechanisms.

7. Storage and File Systems
 

 exFAT and ext4 Support: Enhanced support for these file systems, including new formatting options and improved handling of non-ASCII file names.

 

 Auto-Configuration for Media Sharing: New options to auto-configure media sharing, making it easier to manage multimedia files.

8. Network Discovery and DHCP
 

 LLDP Enhancements: Added support for various LLDP TLVs, improving network topology discovery and management.

 

 DHCP Enhancements: VRF support added to DHCPv4-Relay, enabling more flexible network configurations.

9. User Interface and Management

 

 Winbox Enhancements: New options and improved user experience in Winbox, including better handling of SSH keys, SFP monitoring, and WiFi interface configurations.

New Changes in 7.15.1 (2024-Jun-10)
 

 GP: Fixed BGP sessions missing vpnv6 afi and corrupted as-path.

 

 Health: Fixed board-temperature for KNOT device and missing health for CRS112-8G-4S.

 

 Install: Fixed ARM64 cdrom install.

 

 LTE: Fixed LTE interface initialization for Chateau 5G, multiple dialer instances issue, and unresponsive PPP link recovery.

 

 PoE-out: Fixed silent firmware upgrade fail on CRS112-8P-4S.

 

 PPP: Fixed dynamic queue default name.

 

 Route: Fixed memory leak and missing route parameters.

 

 WiFi: Fixed signal strength reporting and improved WPA3 PMKSA handling.

 

 Winbox: Fixed skin file issue in user group menu and missing system note on login.

 

RouterOS Version 7.16 beta Released

 

 Bridge: Added dynamic tagged entry for VLAN interface on vlan-filtering bridge.

 

 Certificate: Improved DNS challenge error reporting and added no-key-export parameter for import.

 

 Console: Added dry-run parameter for file import simulation and new transform modes for convert command.

 

 DHCP: Improved insert-queue-before behavior and added DNS probe to Netwatch.

 

 LTE: Improved LTE capabilities command and fixed support for Fibocom modem fm150-na.

 

 Modem: Improved KNOT BG77 modem firmware update support and added authentication for EC200A.

 

 QoS-HW: Added new monitoring properties for ports and global QoS stats.

 

 SFP: Fixed jumbo frame processing and SFP28 interface issues.

 

 WiFi: Added spectral-scan and spectral-history tools, and fixed dynamic VLAN assignments.

 

 Winbox: Added Import Router ID parameter and fixed duplicated MVRP Attributes table.

Minor Changes in 7.15.2 , (2024-Jun-28)


BTH: Improved system stability.


Defconf: Configured the default-route property for PPP clients only on devices with a built-in modem.


Modem: Fixed modem firmware upgrade for Chateau 5G and Chateau 5G R16 (introduced in v7.15).


Route: Fixed incorrectly handled route distinguisher and route targets (introduced in v7.15).


SSH: Fixed SSH cryptographic accelerator selection (introduced in v7.14).


Switch: Fixed limited Tx traffic on Ethernet ports for CRS354 devices (introduced in v7.15).


System: Fixed an issue where routing configuration was missing after performing a reset, adding a new configuration and then upgrading (introduced in v7.15).


Winbox/Webfig: Fixed skins (introduced in v7.15).

User Feedback and Community Reactions 

 

The MikroTik community has provided a mix of feedback on this update:

 

 Positive Feedback:

 

  • Users appreciated the extensive changelog and significant improvements in version 7.15.
  • Successful updates across multiple routers and improvements in available memory.
  • Engaging technical specifics enhancements in advanced monitoring features like spectral scan tools.
  • Numerous changes and bug fixes, specifically appreciating the resolution of issues like MQTT support.

 

 Negative Feedback:

 

  • Disappointment over certain issues not being addressed, such as WireGuard fixes.
  • Connectivity issues post-update, particularly with WiFi configurations on certain devices.
  • Concerns about changes in loopback route handling affecting existing network configurations.
  • Issues with device roaming and WiFi stability introduced in 7.15.
  • Problems with SSH authentication impacting remote management capabilities.

 

 

These updates underscore MikroTik’s commitment to enhancing its RouterOS with cutting-edge features and robust performance, ensuring that network administrators have the necessary tools to manage and secure their networks effectively.

 

For a complete list of changes and more detailed information, you can visit the MikroTik changelog page and the official release notes.

 

 

How to Upgrade RouterOS in WinBox

 

To further assist you in keeping your MikroTik devices up to date, we have created a detailed YouTube video tutorial on upgrading RouterOS using WinBox. This video will guide you through:

 

1. Understanding Software Packages: Learn about the different software packages available for RouterOS and how to identify the correct package for your device's architecture.

 

2. Using WinBox for Upgrades: Step-by-step instructions on using WinBox to upgrade your device, including:

 

 Checking for updates and downloading the latest versions.
 Manually uploading packages.
 Using the 'Check for updates' feature for automatic upgrades.

 

3. Firmware Updates: Ensuring that your device's firmware is also up to date after upgrading RouterOS.

 

4. Downgrading RouterOS: Instructions on how to revert to a previous version if needed.

 

 

Watch the full tutorial here to ensure your MikroTik devices are running the latest and most stable versions of RouterOS. If you have any questions or run into issues, feel free to leave a comment on the video, and we'll be happy to assist you.

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