routeros-fundamentals

# RouterOS Fundamentals ## RouterOS Is NOT GNU/Linux RouterOS runs a Linux kernel (5.6.3) but **everything above the kernel is MikroTik's proprietary `nova` system**. This is the single most important fact for agents to internalize. **What does NOT exist on RouterOS:** - No `/bin`, `/usr`, `/etc`, `/var` — no FHS layout - No bash, sh, ash, zsh — no Unix shell at all - No coreutils (`ls`, `cat`, `grep`, `ps`, `mount`, `ip`, `iptables`, etc.) - No glibc, musl, busybox - No apt, pkg, opkg — no package manager (packages are `.npk` files installed via upload + reboot) - No `systemctl`, `service`, init system - No `/proc` or `/sys` accessible from userland - No `docker`, `podman` — RouterOS has its own `/container` subsystem (7.x+) **What DOES exist:** - RouterOS CLI — its own language, not shell. Accessed via SSH, serial, WinBox, or WebFig - REST API at `/rest/` (HTTP, port 80 by default) — the primary programmatic interface - RouterOS scripting language (`.rsc` files) — its own syntax, not bash. See the `routeros-scripting` skill and [Scripting reference](./references/scripting.md) - WebFig (web UI) on port 80 - WinBox protocol on port 8291 **Common agent mistakes to avoid:** - Do NOT try `ssh admin@host 'ls /'` — it opens RouterOS CLI, not a shell - Do NOT suggest `mount`, `fdisk`, `mkfs` — use `/disk` commands instead - Do NOT look for config files at `/etc/` — configuration is in the RouterOS database - Do NOT assume `ping` works the same — it's `/tool/ping` or `/ping`...