When upgrading ROS on RouterBoard, what else should be upgraded?

• A. Firmware
• B. RAM
• C. CPU
• D. Bootloader

Answer: (A)

Upgrading RouterOS on a RouterBoard should be paired with updating the firmware because the firmware provides the low-level hardware initialization and drivers that RouterOS relies on. When you move to a newer RouterOS version, the kernel and drivers may expect updated firmware features or addresses; without that alignment, hardware components can behave unpredictably or not work at all. Updating the firmware ensures the boot process, hardware drivers, and any integrated components (like wireless or switch chips) match the new software, delivering compatibility and stability.

RAM and CPU are fixed hardware on most RouterBoard devices, so they aren’t something software updates alter. The bootloader is a separate program that starts the device and is not routinely updated during a standard ROS upgrade; it carries its own risks and is only changed when specifically advised by MikroTik. So, upgrading the firmware is the appropriate accompanying step with a ROS upgrade.