MikroTik is a Latvian company that was founded in 1996 to develop routers and wireless ISP systems. MikroTik currently provides hardware and software for Internet connectivity in most countries around the world.
In addition to router boards, MikroTik offers a plethora of other internet-based equipment.
MikroTik provides the base hardware for several of the routers that WiFiRanger offers or has offered. WiFiRanger pairs MikroTik router boards with WiFiRanger firmware to create a user-friendly mobile router device:
- hAP ax² - a Wi-Fi 6 router with faster internals but lacking a USB port
- hAP ac², which is used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the Spruce
- hAP ac lite, which was used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the Core
- hAPac, which was used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the GoAC
- Metal 52 ac, which was used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the EliteAC
- WiFiRanger's Sky series was based on a MikroTik raw board, with WFR's own housing/antennas
But, for those who are DIYers, going straight to the source to create your own router set-up based on MikroTik's hardware can save you a hunk of money.
The major downside of MikroTik is RouterOS, the firmware used in their products. It requires a high level of patience and technical competence to use and is probably the least user- and consumer-friendly firmware.
Product Variations
hAP ax2
hAP ax²
This version of hAP router series was released in October 2022. It provides Wi-Fi 6 support (802.11ax) and a faster processor and internals compared to the hAP ac2 but lacks a USB port, so USB tethering is not supported
Specifications
- Model: hAP ax²
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Maximum Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: 1200Mbps
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Internal
- Wi-Fi-as-WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not Specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Control Panel Access: 192.168.88.1
- Username: admin
- Default Password: none
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN / WAN Switchable), 1xPOE
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 34 x 119 x 98mm
- Other Ports: None
- Power Source: 12-28V DC (AC Adapter Included) or POE
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $79
hAP ac lite
hAP ac lite
The hAP ac lite is a dual-concurrent Access Point, that provides Wi-Fi coverage for 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies at the same time. Other features include a USB port for attaching extra storage or a 3G/4G modem, and PoE (Power Over Ethernet) output on the last Ethernet port.
Specifications
- Model: hAP ac lite
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Maximum Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: TBD
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Control Panel Access: http://192.168.88.1
- Username: admin
- Default Password: none
- USB Tethering Support: 1X USB Port for 3G/4G modem
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Fast Ethernet (WAN / LAN Configurable), 1x PoE
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 4.5" x 3.5" x 1"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12v or 110v AC
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $62
hAP ac
hAP ac
The hAP ac is a dual-band device with gigabit ports that allow the full advantages of 802.11ac technology speed, while maintaining compatibility with legacy devices in 2GHz 802.11 b/g/n and 5GHz a/n modes. Omnidirectional antennas allow for mounting of the hAP ac in almost any location. Other features include a USB port for attaching extra storage or a 3G/4G modem and PoE output on the last Ethernet port.
Specifications
- Model: hAP ac
- Router Specs:
- #of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Maximum Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: TBD
- Wi-Fi Antenna: Integrated internal omnidirectional
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Control Panel Access: 192.168.88.1
- Username: admin
- Default Password: none
- USB Tethering Support: 1X USB Port - Most modems, hotspots and smartphones supported.
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit (WAN / LAN Configurable), 1x PoE
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 5.4" x 4.5" x 1"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12v or 110v AC
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $129
hAP ac2
hAP ac²
The hAP ac² router provides Wi-Fi coverage for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies simultaneously. Five 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports provide Gigabit connections for wired devices. A USB port can be used for connection to a 4G/LTE modem.
There are two router versions available for the hAP ac²:
- A U.S. version that is factory locked for 2412-2462MHz, 5170-5250MHz, and 5725-5835MHz frequencies. This lock cannot be removed.
- And International hAP ac² version supports 2412-2484MHz and 5150MHz-5875MHz range.
Specifications
- Model: hAP ac²
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router: Yes
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Maximum Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: TBD
- Wi-Fi Antenna:
- Wi-Fi-as-WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Control Panel Access: 192.168.88.1
- Username: admin
- Default Password: none
- USB Tethering Support: Yes - One port - Type A
- Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit Ethernet (LAN / WAN Switchable)
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 34 x 119 x 98mm
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: 12V or 24V DC Power / AC Power Adapters Optional
- Outdoor Rated: No
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $79
Metal 52 ac
Metal 52 ac
The Metal 52 ac features a Gigabit Ethernet port and a selectable wireless band (2.4GHz or 5GHz, up to 80 MHz wide channel). The Metal 52 ac supports 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and all the legacy wireless modes as well (802.11 b/g/n for 2.4GHz and 802.11 a/n/ac for 5GHz).
Specifications
- Model: Metal 52 ac
- Router Specs:
- # of Connected Devices: Not specified
- Wi-Fi Router:
- Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) - Simultaneous 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz
- Maximum Theoretical Wi-Fi Speed: TBD
- Wi-Fi Antenna:
- Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
- Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
- Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
- Default Control Panel Address and Password:
- Control Panel Access: 192.168.88.1
- Username: admin
- Default Password: none
- USB Tethering Support: No
- Ethernet Ports: 1x
- Cellular Modem: No
- Dimensions: 19" x 2.5" x 1.5"
- Other Ports:
- Power Source: PoE
- Outdoor Rated: Yes
- Special Features:
- Retail Price: $129
News, Videos & Status
We have tested several of WiFiRanger's products that are built on this hardware and MIA Contributor "Joe the Computerguy" tested a MikroTik hAP ac lite - results are included in the member section below.
Additionally, we tested the MikroTik Metal 52 ac in our mid-2022 head-to-head Wi-Fi comparison testing:
Related News Center Articles:
Alternatives to Consider
For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:
This Review Contains Additional Member Exclusive Content!
We are Honored to be Member Funded! No ads, no sponsors, no selling (but may contain affiliate links)
Our members fund our in-depth independent reviews.
This entry may contain additional member exclusive content such as testing notes, field testing data, user interface tours, comparisons to alternatives, analysis, tips, videos and discounts.
Members also get interactive guidance, alerts, classroom and more.
Are you a member? Please log in above to access your member exclusive content!
Member Exclusive Content Below
- Thoughts & Analysis - Favorite Features & Potential Downsides
- Deep Dive
- Hardware Notes
- Hands on Testing Notes
- Summary
- Conclusion and Recommendations
Purchasing Options
Purchasing Links & Disclaimer
We don't sell stuff, we are primarily member funded. Some links below may be affiliate links (see our disclaimer), which also helps fund MIRC.
The vendors displayed below provide larger discounts to our MIAs that we have negotiated instead of displaying affiliate links while they are logged in.
MIA Discounts - Learn & Save!
Our Mobile Internet Aficionados (MIA) get special discounts from the below vendors. Members please check for discount codes before ordering. With savings up to 11% off, you could save more than your membership cost!
Amazon (affiliate links):
Routers can serve as a central conductor of your local area network in your RV and boat. Mobile routers are different from residential routers in that they typically support multiple internet sources like cellular and Wi-Fi, can be powered off of 12v or AC and support external antenna for better receiving signal.
But you might not need a router in your setup. Here's a quick video overview the variety that routers come in:
Mobile Internet Resource Center (dba Two Steps Beyond LLC) is founded by Chris & Cherie of