---
title: "Configure Mikrotik Lora9 Gateways"
canonical: "https://help.scopious.co.nz/space/KB/179994636/Configure%20Mikrotik%20Lora9%20Gateways"
format: markdown
---
> ⚠️ Mikrotik Lora9 gateways are not our recommended choice of gateway as they support SemTech [UDP Packet Forwarder](https://github.com/lora-net/packet_forwarder) protocolonly and not SemTech [LoRa Basics Station](https://github.com/lorabasics/basicstation) protocol. This makes the network less secure and more vulnerable to packet tampering and false packet injection.

> ℹ️ We highly recommend setting up and testing gateways in a stable environment with reliable power and internet connectivity before deploying them in the field. This helps identify and fix configuration or connectivity issues that are harder to address on-site.

Follow these steps to setup Mikrotik Lora9 Gateways to connect to the Scopious Network.

1. If you are using an external antenna, attach that to the gateway before continuing (to prevent RF damage to the componentry).
2. Use your computer to connect to the WiFi of the Lora9 unit (Ether1 is configured as WAN by default).
3. Login with Winbox and leave the default config on OR remove default config if you want to configure your own firewall.
4. Upgrade Router OS to the latest long term supported version
5. Reboot the router:
  1. Go to System → Reboot
6. Add LORA package if necessary
7. Upgrade Routerboard
8. Reboot the router:
  1. Go to System → Reboot
9. Open a new Terminal and run the following script:
10. Configure gateway network interface to allow gateway to connect to the internet: *(note you may lose connectivity with the gateway when changing these settings, so ensure they are set correctly so you can re-establish communication with the gateway)*
  1. Go to Interfaces
  2. Set network parameters so gateway can connect to the internet. How you configure this will be dependent on your backhaul method (LAN or cellular).
11. Test internet connectivity:
  1. Go to Tools -> Ping
  2. Enter `8.8.8.8` into the ‘Ping To’ box, select the external facing interface, and click ‘Start’
  3. Ensure all packets are responded to (0% packet loss)
12. Test network server connectivity:
  1. Follow the instructions to [test gateway configuration](https://scopious.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/KB/pages/75169790/Add+a+gateway#3.-Test-gateway-configuration)
13. Backup the configuration for future use.

> ℹ️ Your gateway should now be configured correctly and is ready for deployment.