MikroTik CHR, your router in the cloud

What is a MikroTik server?

MikroTik is one of the best-known router brands in the world and its operating system is called RouterOS. CHR, short for Cloud Hosted Router, is RouterOS running on a cloud server instead of a physical box. The result is a complete router with a fixed IP in a data centre, with no hardware to buy and no shipping to wait for.

CloudSnap sells CHR on the accounts that carry a MikroTik image and bills it by the hour. The admin password is also set for you once the server is built, so you can sign in without delay. Linux is available on every server, MikroTik only on those accounts.

How it differs from a Linux server

A Linux server is a general-purpose system on which you install any software. CHR is a specialised router with network tools such as firewall, NAT, routing and tunnels ready, managed in MikroTik's own language and interface. If you know RouterOS, CHR is a familiar, quick environment.

What a MikroTik server is good for

Wherever a router is needed in the cloud, CHR does the job.

Tunnels and links between networks

Join two or more networks with tunnels. WireGuard, IPsec, GRE, EoIP and L2TP are all in RouterOS, and the server's fixed IP is a good meeting point for your sites.

A VPN server

Build a VPN endpoint so users or offices connect securely. RouterOS supports several VPN protocols at once and managing users and access is simple.

Routing and firewall

Run firewall rules, NAT and advanced routing in a flexible environment. Queues and bandwidth management are ready in RouterOS too.

Testing and training

Try your configurations before they reach real hardware, or build a live lab for MikroTik courses. Delete the server when you are done so the cost stops.

Managing with Winbox and SSH

You manage CHR with Winbox, SSH or WebFig. Winbox is MikroTik's official graphical tool and puts the settings in a few windows; SSH is for those who prefer the command line. The IP and sign-in details appear in the Telegram bot and the web panel once the server is built.

Power on, off, restart and reinstall happen from the same bot and panel. Export your configuration once and keep it, so it can be loaded again onto a fresh server if needed.

A few security notes

Change the admin password right after signing in. Disable services you do not need, limit management access to specific IPs and set up the firewall before opening services.

The right plan

CHR is light and runs comfortably on small plans. For more traffic and busy tunnels, take a plan with a stronger processor and more bandwidth. See prices on the pricing page.

If you need general-purpose software, a Linux server or a Windows server are the other options, and all of them are managed with the same wallet and the same bot.

Why a MikroTik server from CloudSnap

Because you have your router with no hardware and no waiting: you choose, it is ready in minutes, it is billed by the hour and the admin password is set for you. Support is answered by a person. Build your router and bring your network to the cloud.