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 many of the routers that WiFiRanger offers. WiFiRanger pairs MikroTik router boards with WiFiRanger firmware to create a user-friendly mobile router device:

• hAP ac lite ($49.95), which was used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the Core
• hAP ac² ($69.95), which is used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the Spruce
• hAPac ($129.95), which was used by WiFiRanger as the base hardware for the GoAC
• Metal 52 ac ($119.95), 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.

But the major downside is RouterOS, the firmware used in Mikrotik products.  It requires a high level of patience and technical competence to use and is probably the least user and consumer-friendly firmware.

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hAP ac lite

The hAP ac lite is a dual-concurrent Access Point, that provides WiFi 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 output on the last Ethernet port.

Specifications

• Model: hAP ac lite
• Router Specs:
  • # of Connected Devices: Not specified
  • Wi-Fi Router: Yes
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
    • 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n
    • Wi-Fi Antenna: Yes
    • Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
    • Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
    • Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
  • Control Panel and Default 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 100Mbps 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:  $49.99

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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
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
    • 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 ac/a/n
    • Wi-Fi Antenna: Integrated internal omnidirectional
    • Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
    • Claimed Wi-Fi Range: Not specified
    • Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
  • Control Panel and Default 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 1,000Mbps 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:  $129.95

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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 fo the hAP ac²:

• A U.S. version that is factory locked for 2412-2462MHz, 5170-5250MHz, and 5725-5835MHz frequencies. This lock can not 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
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g/n (aka Wi-Fi 4)
    • 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11a/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5)
    • Wi-Fi Antenna:
    • Wi-Fi-as-WAN: Yes
    • Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
    • Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
  • Control Panel and Default 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: $69

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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:
    • 2.4GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 b/g/n
    • 5GHz Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/n/ac
    • Wi-Fi Antenna:
    • Wi-Fi as WAN: Yes
    • Claimed Wi-Fi Range:
    • Guest Wi-Fi Network: Yes
  • Control Panel and Default Password:
    • Control Panel Access: 192.168.88.1
    • Username: admin
    • Default Password: none
  • USB Tethering Support: No
  • Ethernet Ports: Yes - 1
• Cellular Modem: No
• Dimensions: 19" x 2.5" x 1.5"
• Other Ports:
• Power Source: POE (Power Over Ethernet)
• Outdoor Rated: Yes
• Special Features:
• Retail Price:  $119.95

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Review & Testing 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 in the member section below.

Related News & Videos:

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Potential Alternatives to Consider:

For other popular mobile routers on the market we are tracking - here are our featured options:

Learn More About Selecting Mobile Routers

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Purchasing Options

Amazon - Metal 52 ac

Amazon - hAP ac²