Ordering parts for access point - help needed

RouterOS Beginner Basics
1

I’m building a shopping list for 411 or 433 based AP.

Few silly questions… please help first time buyer :slight_smile:

  1. How many radios required for what they call “simultaneous dual-band AP”? One card can handle only one SSID, right?

  2. How many antennas are required for those abgn R52… cards to operate in MIMO? I’m wondering because not only I have to order enough rubber ducky antennas, I also have to make sure I have enough holes in 411/433 case.

  3. Finally, how useful USB port is if I’m not planning to use 3G modem? Can it do hard drive sharing?

2

  1. One card can have multiple SSID’s (via VirtualAP) but they will all need to be on the same band

  2. MIMO (As the name implies) needs more than one antenna per card to work effectively. Basically two antennas, but it will work fine also with one. Second antenna can give you some 10-20% speed boost if you are lucky

  3. you can use it for Webproxy or Logs storage

3

Very lucky.. xD

4

ok, great!

Now the radios, r52n vs r52Hn vs r52n-M - what’s the difference, besides connectors? Which one is better choice for indoor AP?

5

the H model has a slightly better power output, however the MMCX connector is sturdier and holds better.

If you don’t intend to move it a lot, you can just take the R52Hn card, it’s probably the best of the three.

6

I saw one can’t use it in 411 indoor case (overheating I guess). Is it correct?
Can it be used in 433 case?

7

I don’t know why you say that, no problem in indoor case.

The only issue is with MMCX connectors and top slot of RB433, it touches the case top, so it’s not possible to close it.

8

Engenius cards have the mmcx connector on the side of the card.. its better to fit it in a case.

Normis, can you make a new RB433AHLMS¿?

Is like a RB433AH, but with Long Minipci Slots, to fit in 2 or 3 XR5 minipcis without problem. We know it wouldnt fit in the indor case.. but.. who cares?

9

Normis, can you hint if it’s worth waiting for GigE 411/433?
I know you have nothing to announce yet :slight_smile: but I’m asking for a hint, not an announcement

10

I think the GigE boards are RBx00 600 and 800..

11

Either one are not “just” GigE, they would be an overkill for what I need.

My concern is to buy and setup box with 10/100 ports just to find new GigE 411/433 in next month or two…

12

Who will buy then rb600? ; ) rb433ah is faster and cheaper..

13

we will have rb4xx series with gigabit ports