MikroTik makes a wide range of networking hardware, from simple home routers to high-performance edge systems like the ROSE data server.

That flexibility is a big part of why people choose MikroTik, but it also makes it harder to know which type of device actually fits a given network.

This guide is not about covering every MikroTik product. It is about helping you choose the right type of MikroTik device for a home, office, or small network, and understanding where products like the hAP ax S and ROSE fit.

Start with what you are trying to solve

Before looking at part numbers, it helps to think about what you actually need the device to do.

Most people we talk to are trying to solve one of three things:

• They need better Wi-Fi
• They need more control over their network
• They need a place to run storage or services close to the network

Once you know which of those applies, the options get a lot simpler.

If you need Wi-Fi

If you need to provide wireless access for phones, laptops, cameras, or other devices, you are looking for a MikroTik Wi-Fi router or access point.

This is where products like the hAP ax S and other Wi-Fi 6 models make sense. These devices handle wireless, routing, and basic firewall in one box. They are commonly used in:

• Home offices
• Small businesses
• MSP installs
• Light ISP customer edge networks

If Wi-Fi is part of the problem you are solving, start here.

If you need more network control

Some networks already have access points, but need better routing, VLANs, or firewalls.

In those cases, people use MikroTik routers that focus on moving traffic and controlling how the network behaves. These devices often offer more ports and advanced routing features, and typically pair with separate access points when Wi-Fi coverage is needed.

This is the layer that sits between your internet connection and the rest of your network.

If you need storage or services at the edge

This is where the MikroTik ROSE Data Server (RDS2216) comes in.

ROSE is not meant to replace a Wi-Fi router. It is meant for networks that need to run things locally, such as file storage, backups, monitoring systems, or internal tools.

It combines:

• High-speed networking
• NVMe storage
• Support for containers

into one system that lives right at the edge of the network. Instead of running a separate router, NAS, and small server, ROSE lets you do that in one device.

How these usually fit together

In a lot of real networks, these pieces are used together.

You might have:

• Wi-Fi devices providing access in the building
• A router handling traffic and security
• A ROSE system running storage or services

Each device has a different job. Problems usually happen when people try to use one device for something it was not designed to do.

How to decide

If you are not sure where to start, ask yourself:

Do I need Wi-Fi where this will be installed?
Do I need advanced routing and traffic control?
Do I need to run storage or services locally?

If you only need Wi-Fi and basic routing, start with MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 devices like the hAP ax S.
If you need more control, look at MikroTik routers.
If you need compute and storage at the edge, ROSE is the right platform.

Where to go next

If you are focused on Wi-Fi, our MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 Home and Office guide is a good place to start.
If you are exploring edge compute and storage, our ROSE Data Server overview explains what this device can do.

Both are written to help you figure out what fits your network.