Comparison MikroTik hAP ax S vs MikroTik hAP ax2

Methods for connecting to the Internet (or other external network, such as in bridge mode) supported by the device.

The classic, most common version of such a connection nowadays is LAN (Ethernet), but this is not limited to this. A wired connection can also be made via ADSL or SFP fiber, and wirelessly via mobile networks (using a SIM card, SIM card 5G or an external modem for 3G or 4G), as well as via Wi-Fi. Here is a more detailed description of each option:

— Ethernet (RJ45). Classic wired connection via a network cable via an RJ-45 connector. Also known as "LAN", although this designation is not entirely correct. Nowadays, it is one of the most common methods of wired Internet connection, and is also widely used in local networks. This is due to the fact that the speed of Ethernet is actually limited only by the capabilities of network controllers; at the same time, even the simplest modules support up to 100 Mbps, and in advanced equipment this value can reach 10 Gbps.

— ADSL. A technology primarily used for wired Internet connections over existing landline telephone lines. This is its main advantage — you can use ready-made lines without fiddling with laying numerous addi...tional wires; at the same time, ADSL works independently of telephone calls and does not interfere with them. At the same time, the speed of such a connection is noticeably lower than via Ethernet — even in advanced equipment it does not exceed 24 Mbps. In addition, ADSL traffic is distributed asymmetrically: full speed is achieved only when working for reception, data transmission speed is much lower, which creates problems for video communication and some other tasks. So nowadays, ADSL is gradually being replaced by more advanced standards, although the complete disappearance of this technology is still far away.

— Wi-Fi. Connect to an external data source via Wi-Fi. By definition, this format of operation is used by Wi-Fi adapters (see "Device type"), as well as by most MESH equipment. (However, if the MESH system package includes both nodes and the main control device for them, then the WAN input can be specified for the control device, and often this is not Wi-Fi). Also, this type of data input can be provided in other types of equipment — in particular, routers and access points (for example, to work in bridge or repeater mode).

— 3G modem (USB). Internet connection via 3G mobile network using a separate external modem connected to the USB port. Most often, we are talking about UMTS networks (the development of GSM mobile communications), the most common in Europe and the post-Soviet space; however, it may also be possible to use modems for CDMA networks (EV-DO technology). These nuances, as well as compatibility with specific modem models, need to be clarified separately. However, anyway, 3G may be a good option for situations where a wired Internet connection is difficult or impossible, such as in the private sector. In addition, some Wi-Fi devices with this feature are equipped with autonomous power supplies and can even be used on the go. The data transfer speed of 3G is close to broadband wired connection (from 2 to 70 Mbps with a normal signal, depending on the specific technology); however, it is less than in 4G networks (see below), but 3G coverage is more extensive, and equipment for this standard is cheaper.

— 4G (LTE) modem (USB). Internet connection via 4G mobile network (LTE) using a separate external modem connected to the USB port. The main features are similar to the 3G connection described above, adjusted for the fact that in this case more advanced fourth-generation networks are used. The data transfer rate in such networks reaches about 150 Mbps; they are not as widespread as 3G-connection, but soon we can expect a change in the situation. In addition, it should be noted that in Europe and the post-Soviet space, LTE networks are usually deployed on the basis of 3G UMTS and GSM networks; so in the absence of full-fledged 4G coverage, modems for such networks can work according to the 3G and even GSM standard.

— SIM card. Connecting to the Internet via a mobile network using a mobile operator's SIM card installed directly in the device. The specific type of supported networks depends both on the capabilities of the router and on the conditions of a particular mobile operator; however, all such equipment is compatible with at least 3G networks, and often 4G as well. The features of these networks are described in detail above (you can also read about the advantages of a mobile Internet connection there). This option is convenient because it allows you to do without a separate USB modem — you just need to purchase a SIM card, the cost of which is negligible. In addition, the use of "sim cards" has a positive effect on compactness and ease of carrying. On the other hand, the built-in mobile communication module significantly affects the overall cost — and you will have to pay for it anyway (whereas a model with support for external modems does not have to be bought immediately with a modem, such devices usually allow wired connection). Therefore, you should pay attention to this option if you initially plan to connect to the Internet through mobile networks.

- SIM card (5G). The ability to operate Wi-Fi equipment in high-speed 5G mobile networks with a peak bandwidth of up to 20 Gbps for reception and up to 10 Gbps for data transmission. Implemented via a SIM card with appropriate 5G support. This standard reduces power consumption compared to previous versions, and it also uses a number of complex solutions aimed at improving the reliability and overall quality of communication - in particular, multi-element antenna arrays (Massive MIMO) and beamforming technologies (Beamforming).

— SFP (optics). Connection via fiber optic cable of the SFP standard. Such a connection can be carried out at high speeds (measured in gigabytes per second), and the fiber, unlike the Ethernet cable, is practically insensitive to external interference. On the other hand, the support of this standard is not cheap, and its capabilities are unnecessary for domestic use. Therefore, SFP is found mainly in professional-level Wi-Fi devices.

The maximum speed supported by the device when communicating wirelessly in the 5 GHz band.

This range is used in Wi-Fi 4, Wi-Fi 6 and Wi-Fi 6E as one of the available bands, in Wi-Fi 5 as the only one (see "Wi-Fi Standards"). The maximum speed is specified in the specifications in order to indicate the real capabilities of specific equipment - they can be noticeably more modest than the general capabilities of the standard. Also, in fact, it all depends on the generation of Wi-Fi. For example, devices with Wi-Fi 5 support can theoretically deliver up to 6928 Mbit (using eight antennas), with Wi-Fi 6 support up to 9607 Mbit (using the same eight spatial streams). The maximum possible communication speed is achieved under certain conditions, and not every model of Wi-Fi equipment fully satisfies them. Specific figures are conditionally divided into several groups: the value up to 500 Mbit is rather modest, many devices support speeds in the range of 500 - 1000 Mbit, indicators of 1 - 2 Gbps can be attributed to the average, and the most advanced models in class provide a data exchange rate of over 2 Gbps.

- 160 MHz. The presence of a bandwidth of 160 MHz increases the throughput for data transmission and allows it to approach the maximum theoretical speed.

- 320 MHz. The bandwidth of 320 MHz was introduced in the Wi-Fi 7 standard (see the corresponding paragraph). It provides a significant increase in the speed of data exchange - twice as much compared to the width of the wireless channel of 160 MHz.

In this case, LAN means standard network connectors (known as RJ-45) designed for wired connection of LAN devices — PCs, servers, additional access points, etc. The number of ports corresponds to the number of devices that can be directly connected to wired equipment. way.

In terms of speed, 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet) and 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet) are the most popular options today. At the same time, thanks to the development of technology, more and more gigabit devices are being produced, although in fact this speed is critical only when transferring large amounts of information. At the same time, some models, in addition to the standard speed of the main LAN ports, may have a 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps and even 10 Gbps LAN port with increased bandwidth.

Reassignable WAN / LAN port in the design of the device, which can work both with an external WAN network and with a local LAN. This solution allows you to reduce the total number of connection ports and at the same time expand the functionality of the equipment for flexible adaptation to user needs.

The number of USB 2.0 ports provided in the device design.

In this case, USB serves as a universal interface for connecting peripheral devices to the router. The specific supported USB devices and their use cases can vary. Examples include working with a flash drive used as storage for FTP mode or file server operation (see "Features/Capabilities"), connection to a printer in print server mode (see there), connection of a 3G modem (see "Data Input (WAN-port)"), and so on.

Specifically, USB 2.0 allows data transfer speeds of up to 480 Mbps. This is noticeably less than more advanced standards (starting with USB 3.2 gen1 described below), and the power supply of such connectors is low. However, even such specifications are often quite sufficient, considering the specifics of Wi-Fi device applications. Additionally, a USB 2.0 port can also connect peripherals with newer versions — as long as the power supply is adequate. Therefore, although this standard is considered outdated, it is still widely used in modern wireless equipment. There are even models that provide for 2 or even more USB 2.0 ports, allowing multiple external devices to be used simultaneously — for example, a 3G modem and a flash drive.

Gain provided by each device antenna; if the design provides for antennas with different characteristics (a typical example is both external and internal antennas), then the information, usually, is indicated by the highest value.

Amplification of the signal in this case is provided by narrowing the radiation pattern — just as in flashlights with adjustable beam width, reducing this width increases the illumination range. The simplest omnidirectional antennas narrow the signal mainly in the vertical plane, "flattening" the coverage area so that it looks like a horizontal disk. In turn, directional antennas (mainly in specialized access points, see "Device type") create a narrow beam that covers a very small area, but provides a very solid gain.

Specifically, the gain describes how powerful the signal is in the main direction of the antenna compared to an perfect antenna that spreads the signal evenly in all directions. Together with the power of the transmitter (see below), this determines the total power of the equipment and, accordingly, the efficiency and range of communication. Actually, to determine the total power, it is enough to add the gain in dBi to the transmitter power in dBm; dBi and dBm in this case can be considered as the same units (decibels).

In general, such data is rarely required by the average user, but it can be useful in some specific situations that specialists have to deal with. Detailed calculation methods for suc...h situations can be found in special sources; here we emphasize that it does not always make sense to pursue a high antenna gain. First, as discussed above, this comes at the cost of narrowing the scope, which can be inconvenient; secondly, too strong a signal is also often undesirable, for more details see "Transmitter power".

Rated power of the Wi-Fi transmitter used in the device. If multiple bands are supported (see “Ranges of operation”) the power for different frequencies may be different, for such cases the maximum value is indicated here.

The total transmitting power provided by the device directly depends on this parameter. This power can be calculated by adding the transmitter power and the antenna gain (see above): for example, a 20 dBm transmitter coupled with a 5 dBi antenna results in a total power of 25 dBm (in the main antenna coverage area). For simple domestic use (for example, buying a router in a small apartment), such details are not required, but in the professional field it often becomes necessary to use wireless devices of a strictly defined power. Detailed recommendations on this matter for different situations can be found in special sources, but here we note that the total value of 26 dBm or more allows the device to be classified as equipment with a powerful transmitter. At the same time, such capabilities are not always required in fact: excessive power can create a lot of interference both for surrounding devices and for the transmitter itself (especially in urban and other similar conditions), as well as degrade the quality of the connection with low-power electronics. And for effective communication over a long distance, both the equipment itself and external devices must have the appropriate power (which is far from alway...s achievable). So, when choosing, you should not chase the maximum number of decibels, but take into account the recommendations for a particular case; in addition, a Wi-Fi amplifier or MESH system often turns out to be a good alternative to a powerful transmitter.

The power of the transmitter installed in the equipment when operating in the 2.4 GHz band (see "Frequency Band").

This parameter directly affects the overall power and, accordingly, the communication efficiency. For more on this, see p. "Transmitter power" above, but here we separately emphasize that high power is not always required, and in some cases it is frankly harmful.