Access Points
MikroTik Access Points: Highly Configurable and High-Performance WLAN with RouterOS
A reliable and high-performance WLAN network is the foundation for modern connectivity in businesses, educational institutions, the hospitality sector, and demanding home networks. MikroTik Access Points (APs), powered by the flexible RouterOS operating system, offer exceptional control and a feature set that allows network administrators, IT professionals, and enthusiasts to implement customized wireless solutions for almost any scenario. From compact indoor APs for offices and homes (e.g., hAP or cAP series) to robust outdoor models and centrally manageable systems via CAPsMAN – MikroTik combines powerful hardware with extremely adaptable software at an often unbeatable price. Discover the world of MikroTik Access Points at etree and design your WLAN network exactly according to your ideas and requirements.
The strength of MikroTik APs lies in the in-depth configurability of RouterOS, which allows precise control over all aspects of WLAN operation, as well as the ability to centrally manage multiple APs via CAPsMAN.
Why MikroTik Access Points? The Convincing Advantages in Detail:
- RouterOS for Maximum Control: Every MikroTik AP runs RouterOS, providing access to a wealth of configuration options for WLAN parameters, security settings, user management, Quality of Service, and much more – far beyond what typical consumer APs offer.
- CAPsMAN – License-Free, Central AP Management: With the "Controlled Access Point system Manager" (CAPsMAN), any number of MikroTik APs can be configured, managed, and monitored from a central MikroTik router. Ideal for larger WLAN installations.
- Support for Current Wi-Fi Standards: Many models support modern standards like Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), offering higher speeds, more capacity, and better efficiency in environments with many client devices.
- Excellent Price-Performance Ratio: Professional features and high configurability at prices often significantly lower than other enterprise WLAN providers.
- Diverse Hardware Options: A wide range of models for different deployment areas – discreet ceiling APs (cAP), versatile desktop/wall APs (hAP), robust outdoor APs (wAP, NetMetal etc.), and specialized devices.
- Advanced Security Features: Support for WPA2/WPA3 (Personal and Enterprise), RADIUS authentication, VLAN tagging, Access Control Lists (ACLs), and detailed firewall rules directly on the AP (in router mode).
- Scalability from Small to Very Large WLAN Installations: From a single AP in a home office to hundreds of APs in campus networks or for WISPs.
- PoE Power Supply for Flexible Mounting: Most MikroTik APs can be powered via Power over Ethernet (passive PoE or 802.3af/at standards), simplifying installation.
- Ideal for Customizations and Complex Network Scenarios: Thanks to RouterOS, even very specific requirements and unusual setups can be realized.
The World of MikroTik Access Points in Detail: Series and Management
MikroTik offers various AP series, all leveraging the flexibility of RouterOS and often centrally manageable via CAPsMAN:
RouterOS on Access Points – The Basis for Flexibility
The RouterOS operating system is the heart of every MikroTik AP. It not only allows operation as a pure Access Point but can also let the device function as a full-fledged router, bridge, firewall, or hotspot gateway. This versatility is a unique selling point.
CAPsMAN (Controlled Access Point system Manager) – Central Control Made Easy
CAPsMAN is a feature integrated into RouterOS that turns a MikroTik router (or a dedicated Cloud Core Router) into a central management controller for all other MikroTik APs in the network. Configurations, firmware updates, monitoring, and roaming behavior can be centrally defined and distributed to the APs without needing to touch each AP individually.
Selected MikroTik Access Point Series:
- hAP Series (e.g., hAP ac lite, hAP ac², hAP ac³, hAP ax lite, hAP ax², hAP ax³): Versatile all-rounders, often used as SOHO routers with integrated WLAN or as powerful access points. The "ax" models bring the modern Wi-Fi 6 standard. Many hAP models have additional Ethernet ports and PoE features.
- cAP Series (e.g., cAP lite, cAP ac, cAP XL ac, cAP ax): Specifically designed for ceiling or wall mounting to ensure discreet and optimal radio coverage in offices, hotels, schools, or public buildings. The design blends subtly into the environment. The cAP ax model supports Wi-Fi 6.
- wAP Series (e.g., wAP, wAP ac, wAP R ac, wAP ac LTE kit): Compact and often robust access points for wall mounting, for both indoor and protected outdoor use. Some models (wAP ac LTE kit) even integrate an LTE modem and can serve as a mobile hotspot or LTE backup.
- Specialized Outdoor Systems (usable as APs – e.g., NetMetal, SXT, LHG, Groove): Although primarily designed for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint radio links, many of these robust outdoor devices can also be configured as powerful outdoor access points to provide WLAN coverage for large outdoor areas.
Key Technologies and Features of MikroTik Access Points:
Modern Wi-Fi Standards: From 802.11ac Wave 2 to Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
MikroTik APs support current Wi-Fi standards depending on the model. Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac Wave 2) already offers good speeds and MU-MIMO. Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) brings significant improvements such as OFDMA (for higher efficiency with many clients), enhanced MU-MIMO (uplink and downlink), BSS Coloring (to reduce interference), and Target Wake Time (TWT) (for longer battery life on mobile clients).
Comprehensive Security Standards and Options
Support for WPA2/WPA3 (Personal and Enterprise) encryption, authentication via EAP methods using a RADIUS server, MAC address filtering, client isolation (prevents communication between WLAN clients), Access Control Lists, and the ability to create detailed firewall rules.
Multiple SSIDs and VLAN Tagging
Allows the creation of multiple separate wireless networks (SSIDs) on a single access point, each of which can be assigned to different VLANs. Ideal for separating employee, guest, and IoT networks.
Wireless Distribution System (WDS) and Mesh Basics
RouterOS supports WDS for building wireless bridges or repeater networks. While MikroTik doesn't offer a proprietary "one-click mesh" like some consumer systems, RouterOS and CAPsMAN can be used to build very flexible and powerful (even dynamic) mesh-like structures with roaming.
Detailed Quality of Service (QoS) for WLAN
RouterOS allows granular control of bandwidth allocation and prioritization for different WLAN clients or services, ensuring that important applications like VoIP or video streaming are prioritized.
Flexible PoE Power Supply
Most MikroTik APs support Power over Ethernet, either according to IEEE 802.3af/at standards or via passive PoE (often in the typical MikroTik voltage range of 12-57V). This simplifies installation in locations without direct power outlets.
Which MikroTik Access Point for Which Use? – Application Examples:
- Covering office environments, practices, or law firms: Use of multiple cAP ax or hAP ax³ models, centrally managed via CAPsMAN, with separate SSIDs and VLANs for employees and guests.
- Building scalable WLAN networks in hotels, schools, universities, or medium-sized businesses: A combination of different cAP and hAP models, depending on area requirements, controlled by a powerful MikroTik router as CAPsMAN controller.
- WLAN for demanding home users needing detailed configuration and features: An hAP ax² or hAP ax³ as a central AP, possibly supplemented by other APs for complete coverage.
- Outdoor WLAN for company premises, beer gardens, campsites, or public areas: Use of robust outdoor APs like the wAP ac series or specially configured NetMetal devices.
- Creation of complex guest networks with Captive Portal (RouterOS Hotspot functionality).
- Temporary WLAN installations for events or construction sites.
What to Look for When Buying a MikroTik Access Point? A Checklist:
- Primary Purpose and Environment: Indoor/Outdoor, Office/Home, user density?
- Required Wi-Fi Standard: Wi-Fi 5/ac for solid performance, Wi-Fi 6/ax for higher efficiency and capacity?
- Management Requirements: Single AP standalone configurable or central management via CAPsMAN for multiple APs?
- Coverage Area and Antenna Type: Internal antennas, external antenna connectors? Radiation pattern?
- PoE Supply: Compatibility with existing PoE switch/injector? Passive PoE or 802.3af/at?
- Security Features: WPA3, RADIUS authentication, VLANs needed?
- Port Configuration: Number of Ethernet ports, PoE passthrough?
- Throughput and Client Capacity: Dependent on Wi-Fi standard, MIMO configuration, CPU.
- Own Technical Knowledge: Willingness to configure RouterOS – consider the learning curve.
- Budget:
At etree, you will find a wide selection of MikroTik Access Points. The detailed product descriptions on our site and the extensive documentation on the MikroTik Wiki will help you find the optimal AP for your WLAN project.