I am considering the SXT 5HnD. I would like to ask what AP hardware would best support 30+ clients (or more), average client distance 1 to 3+ miles.
All clients will have great line-of-site to my microwave tower (nothing in the way because my tower is on top of a montian next to my city)
My APs will be simple - bridge the WAN to the ethernet and let a DHCP server hand out live IP address to the SXT 5HnD clients. The SXT 5HnD clients will then NAT the customer ethernet LAN.

First - AP antennas; I want to cover between 90 to 180 degrees. I am thinking two 90 degree antennas. What are the best AP antennas to use? What is the polarity of the SXT 5HnD ?

Second - The Mikrotik AP motherboard - what is best? Should I be use a set of RB-433AH or go with a set of RB-493G. With a RB-486G I can then use gig ethernet links to the AP which might help AP throughput to many clients. What is best? If I use a RB496G, what outdoor case is suggested.

Third - What wireless interface cards should I be using? the R52N, R52nM or ???

Last - what kind of results have WISPs had with the SXT 5HnD in a larger network?

As soon as I figure out what works best, I will be getting my orders ready.

Thank You.

Tom Jones - a WISP located in North Idaho USA

I have had good success with the Ubiquiti sectors. They are dual polarity so you can do two n chains or split your clients between the two poles.

I would use a 433 for the ap.

Nv2 would give you a great and scalable platform.

I can give you more direction if you email me info (at) learnmikrotik.com.

I agree, we too use UBNT 16dB sectors with RB433AH and R52n-M Great results! We have gotten 5mbit over 43KM with -88signal!!!!! (not production, only test)

We use: http://www.stelladoradus.com/dual.polarity.antennas.php
No need for a separate housing. Just pigtails in the signal path.

how effectively can we use the dual chains/dual polarity on SXT??

If we can really hv separate tx and rx chains on the sxt with ubnt 16 dbi/120 deg sectors with dual poles and r52Hn mini pci cards i do not see any reason to get less than 50 clients in 3 miles radius. however i think it wld be best to hv 3 seperate 433ah each with just 1 r52hn card connected to one sector.