I have a wAP ac (arm), 7.16.1 and using the “wireless” package.
Should I be using the “qcom ac” package instead?
“Should”, no.
Advised, yes.
There is a remarkable difference in wifi performance when you can use wave2 drivers and as of 7.16 storage problem for those 16Mb-devices is reduced (not entirely gone but for simple AP function, it’s ok).
The wifi-qcom-ac package breathes new life into this old device.
Thank you for the explanation.
I don’t quite understand the difference between should and advised.
I just uploaded wifi-qcom-ac-7.16.1-arm.npk.
It shows in FILES.
Rebooted, but it was not installed and disappeared from FILES.
Did it again and this time clicked DISABLE for the wireless package.
Rebooted and same result.
Am I doing this incorrectly?
You asked if you should use it. No, you do not have to.
Old wireless also works.
That’s what “should” means in the context of the question you asked.
But it is advised, as in RECOMMENDED by most users here knowing what it means. It makes a HUGE difference … really.
Assuming ROS version 7.13 or higher:
First set wireless to be removed.
Reboot.
Wireless package should be gone.
Only THEN you will have the required space to install qcom-ac file.
Reboot
Wifi-qcom-ac will be present and active.
All your wifi settings are now under wifi menu structure.
There is extensive documentation, also on replacing:
https://help.mikrotik.com/docs/spaces/ROS/pages/224559120/WiFi#WiFi-Replacing’wireless’package
Hmmm …
To do this, it is necessary to uninstall the ‘wireless’ package, then install ‘wifi-qcom-ac’.
So extensive they missed 2 reboot steps to make it clear, as shown by the last posts in this thread 
That worked!
Running qcom-ac now. Configured only the most basic (wpa2 w/passphrase; band/channel) and I have 3 clients connected already.
I will be watching for fewer disconnects.
Thank you.
“Extensive” does not necessarily mean “accurate”, let alone “clear”.
Part of the uninstall process is a reboot.
And that is explained here:
https://help.mikrotik.com/docs/spaces/ROS/pages/40992872/Packages
Thank you all again for your help.
I could have searched out the upgrade documentation, but too often the documentation is not clear, not up to date, and/or not easily found.
Instead, I came here, and the generous members provided the information needed, as you have many times, saving me untold frustration and time.
This is not a condemnation of Mikrotik – I’m a huge fan.
Nor is this a condemnation of members or comments on this board – I am an even bigger fan of the members here.
I’ve got quite thick skin and am happy to be shown where I am wrong (it means I’ve learned something). I simply feel that politeness and courtesy are cheap and typically are far more productive.
I think/ hope we all (most ?) here have the same intentions. Help others and learn something out of it while doing so.
Some members can be quite snappy and vocal but even for those I think the underlying motivation is the same.
Absolutely!
That became obvious to me when I first got a MT device and came here for help.