MikroTik Wi-Fi 6: What You Need to Know

Table of Contents

Understanding Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) Technology Fundamentals

Key Wi-Fi 6 Features in MikroTik Implementation

OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access)

• Divides channels into smaller sub-channels called Resource Units (RUs)
• Allows simultaneous transmission to multiple devices
• Reduces latency by up to 75% in dense environments
• MikroTik automatically manages RU allocation in RouterOS 7.10+

MU-MIMO Enhancements

• Supports 8 spatial streams (compared to 4 in Wi-Fi 5)
• Enables uplink MU-MIMO (not just downlink)
• Increases network capacity by 4x in ideal conditions
• MikroTik hAP ax³ supports 4×4 MU-MIMO on 5GHz

1024-QAM Modulation

• Increases data rates by 25% over 256-QAM
• Requires excellent signal quality (SNR above 35dB)
• Maximum theoretical speed reaches 9.6 Gbps
• MikroTik devices achieve up to 1.2 Gbps real-world throughput

Target Wake Time (TWT)

• Schedules device wake times to conserve battery
• Reduces power consumption by up to 30%
• Essential for IoT device deployments
• Configurable through RouterOS wireless advanced settings

BSS Coloring

• Marks frames with color codes to identify networks
• Reduces interference from neighboring networks
• Improves spatial reuse in dense deployments
• Automatically enabled in RouterOS 7.13+

MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 Product Lineup: Complete Hardware Overview

hAP ax Series – Small Office and Home Solutions

hAP ax² (C52iG-5HaxD2HaxD)

• Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Antennas: 2×2 MIMO on both bands
• Maximum Speed: 574 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 1200 Mbps (5GHz)
• Ethernet Ports: 5x Gigabit
• CPU: IPQ-6010 864MHz quad-core
• RAM: 1GB
• Price Range: $89-99 USD
• Power: 24V 1.2A adapter included

hAP ax³ (C53UiG+5HPaxD2HPaxD)

• Bands: Dual-band (2.4GHz and 5GHz)
• Antennas: 4×4 MIMO on 5GHz, 2×2 on 2.4GHz
• Maximum Speed: 574 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 4800 Mbps (5GHz)
• Ethernet Ports: 4x Gigabit + 1x 2.5 Gigabit
• CPU: IPQ-8072A 2.2GHz quad-core
• RAM: 1GB
• Price Range: $139-159 USD
• Power: 48V 0.8A PoE or adapter

hAP ax lite (L41G-2axD)

• Band: 2.4GHz only
• Antennas: 2×2 MIMO
• Maximum Speed: 574 Mbps
• Ethernet Ports: 4x Gigabit
• CPU: MT7531 dual-core 800MHz
• RAM: 256MB
• Price Range: $39-49 USD
• Power: 12V 1A adapter included

Enterprise Access Points

cAP ax (cAPGi-5HaxD2HaxD)

• Form Factor: Ceiling mount
• Bands: Dual-band concurrent
• Antennas: 2×2 MIMO integrated
• Maximum Speed: 574 Mbps + 1200 Mbps
• Ethernet: 2x Gigabit (PoE-in + pass-through)
• Power: 802.3at/af PoE
• Price Range: $89-99 USD

Audience LTE6 kit

• Special Feature: Integrated LTE Category 6 modem
• Bands: Tri-band (2.4GHz + 5GHz + LTE)
• Maximum Speed: 300 Mbps LTE + Wi-Fi 6 speeds
• Use Case: Failover and mobile deployments
• Price Range: $329-379 USD

RouterOS Wi-Fi 6 Configuration: Step-by-Step Guide

Prerequisites

• RouterOS version 7.10 or later installed
• Wi-Fi 6 capable MikroTik hardware
• Valid RouterOS license (Level 4 or higher for access points)
• WinBox or terminal access to the device

Basic Access Point Configuration

1: Create Security Profile

/interface wifi security
add name=wifi6-security authentication-types=wpa2-psk,wpa3-psk \
    wpa2-pre-shared-key="YourSecurePassword123!" \
    wpa3-pre-shared-key="YourSecurePassword123!" \
    group-encryption=ccmp,gcmp \
    management-protection=allowed

2: Configure 5GHz Radio

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.mode=ap \
    configuration.ssid="MikroTik-WiFi6-5G" \
    configuration.country=united-states \
    security=wifi6-security \
    channel.frequency=5180,5220,5260 \
    channel.width=80mhz \
    datapath.bridge=bridge1

3: Configure 2.4GHz Radio

/interface wifi
set wifi2 configuration.mode=ap \
    configuration.ssid="MikroTik-WiFi6-2G" \
    configuration.country=united-states \
    security=wifi6-security \
    channel.frequency=2412,2437,2462 \
    channel.width=20/40mhz \
    datapath.bridge=bridge1

Advanced Wi-Fi 6 Settings

Enable OFDMA and MU-MIMO

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.tx-chains=0,1,2,3 \
    configuration.rx-chains=0,1,2,3 \
    configuration.mimo=mu-mimo \
    configuration.guard-interval=he-gi-0.8

Configure Target Wake Time (TWT)

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.twt-responder=yes \
    configuration.twt-required=no

BSS Coloring Configuration

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.bss-color=auto

CAPsMAN Configuration for Centralized Management

CAPsMAN Controller Setup

# Enable CAPsMAN manager
/interface wifi capsman
set enabled=yes interfaces=bridge1

# Create configuration profile
/interface wifi configuration
add name=cap-config-5g ssid=Enterprise-WiFi6 \
    mode=ap country=united-states \
    security.authentication-types=wpa2-eap,wpa3-eap

# Create provisioning rule
/interface wifi provisioning
add action=create-dynamic-interface master-configuration=cap-config-5g \
    name-format=cap-%I radio-mac=00:00:00:00:00:00

CAP Device Configuration

# Set device as CAP
/interface wifi cap
set enabled=yes discovery-interfaces=ether1 \
    caps-man-addresses=192.168.88.1

VLAN Configuration for Guest Network

# Create VLAN interface
/interface vlan
add name=guest-vlan vlan-id=100 interface=bridge1

# Configure separate WiFi for guests
/interface wifi
add name=wifi-guest master-interface=wifi1 \
    configuration.ssid=Guest-WiFi6 \
    configuration.mode=ap \
    datapath.bridge=bridge1 \
    datapath.vlan-id=100

MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 Performance: Real-World Benchmarks

Testing Environment

• Test Device: hAP ax³
• Client Device: Intel AX210 Wi-Fi 6E adapter
• Testing Tool: iperf3 version 3.12
• Distance: 5 meters, line of sight
• Environment: Office with minimal interference

Throughput Results

5GHz Band Performance

• 80MHz Channel Width: 850-950 Mbps
• 160MHz Channel Width: 1.4-1.6 Gbps
• Single Stream (phone): 280-320 Mbps
• Two Streams (laptop): 600-700 Mbps

2.4GHz Band Performance

• 20MHz Channel: 110-130 Mbps
• 40MHz Channel: 220-270 Mbps
• Legacy Device Support: 50-80 Mbps (802.11n)

Multi-Client Scenarios

• 10 Clients: 80-100 Mbps per client average
• 25 Clients: 35-50 Mbps per client average
• 50 Clients: 15-25 Mbps per client average
• Maximum Concurrent: 128 clients tested stable

Latency Measurements

• Idle Network: 1-2ms average
• 50% Load: 3-5ms average
• 90% Load: 8-12ms average
• Jitter: Less than 2ms in all scenarios

Range Testing Results

• Indoor (drywall): 25-30 meters reliable connection
• Indoor (concrete): 15-20 meters reliable connection
• Outdoor (clear): 100-150 meters at reduced speed
• 5GHz Penetration: 2-3 walls maximum
• 2.4GHz Penetration: 4-5 walls maximum

Enterprise Deployment Best Practices for MikroTik 802.11ax

Network Planning Guidelines

Coverage Design Principles

• Target -65 dBm signal strength for primary coverage
• Maintain -75 dBm minimum at cell edges
• Overlap cells by 20-30% for seamless roaming
• Use 20MHz channels in high-density areas
• Deploy APs every 15-20 meters in open offices

Channel Planning Strategy

• 2.4GHz: Use channels 1, 6, 11 only
• 5GHz: Utilize all available DFS channels
• Enable automatic channel selection with exclusions
• Schedule channel optimization during off-hours

# Configure automatic channel selection
/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.channel.frequency=5180,5200,5220,5240 \
    configuration.channel.secondary-frequency=auto \
    configuration.channel.skip-dfs=no \
    configuration.channel.reselect-interval=1h

Security Configuration

WPA3-Enterprise with RADIUS

# Configure RADIUS server
/radius
add address=192.168.1.10 secret=RadiusSecret123 \
    service=wireless timeout=3s

# Create enterprise security profile
/interface wifi security
add name=enterprise-security \
    authentication-types=wpa3-eap \
    eap-methods=eap-peap,eap-ttls \
    tls-mode=verify-certificate \
    tls-certificate=cert1

MAC Authentication Bypass

# Enable MAC authentication
/interface wifi access-list
add mac-address=AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF \
    interface=wifi1 \
    action=accept

# Configure MAC RADIUS authentication
/interface wifi security
add name=mac-auth \
    authentication-types=open \
    radius-mac-authentication=yes

High-Density Optimization

Client Load Balancing

# Set client limits
/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.client-limit=50 \
    configuration.signal-threshold=-75

# Enable band steering
/interface wifi steering
add name=band-steer \
    trigger=signal \
    signal-threshold=-65 \
    5ghz-preference=yes

Airtime Fairness Configuration

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.airtime-fairness=yes \
    configuration.multicast-rate=24mbps \
    configuration.broadcast-rate=24mbps

QoS and Traffic Management

DSCP Mapping for Voice and Video

# Create mangle rules for QoS
/ip firewall mangle
add chain=forward dscp=46 action=mark-packet \
    new-packet-mark=voice passthrough=no
add chain=forward dscp=34 action=mark-packet \
    new-packet-mark=video passthrough=no

# Configure queue tree
/queue tree
add name=voice parent=wifi1 packet-mark=voice \
    priority=1 queue=wireless-default
add name=video parent=wifi1 packet-mark=video \
    priority=2 queue=wireless-default

MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 vs. Competitors: Honest Comparison

Feature Comparison Matrix

MikroTik Advantages

• No recurring subscription fees
• Full routing capabilities (OSPF, BGP, MPLS)
• Extensive scripting and automation support
• Complete CLI control
• Lower total cost of ownership
• No vendor lock-in for management

MikroTik Limitations

• Steeper learning curve than competitors
• Limited cloud management options
• Smaller ecosystem of third-party tools
• Less polished web interface
• Documentation can be technical

Best Use Cases by Vendor

Choose MikroTik When:

• Budget is a primary concern
• Advanced routing features are needed
• Custom configurations are required
• You have networking expertise in-house
• Avoiding vendor lock-in is important

Consider Alternatives When:

• Simplified management is priority
• Cloud-based dashboard is required
• Limited IT staff available
• Warranty and support are critical
• Integration with specific ecosystems needed

Troubleshooting Common MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 Issues

Connection Problems

Client Cannot Connect to Wi-Fi 6 Network

• Symptom: Devices see network but fail authentication
• Common Causes:
  • WPA3 compatibility issues
  • Management frame protection conflicts
  • Outdated client drivers

Solution:

# Enable WPA2/WPA3 mixed mode
/interface wifi security
set [find name=wifi6-security] \
    authentication-types=wpa2-psk,wpa3-psk \
    management-protection=optional

Intermittent Disconnections

• Check signal strength:

# Monitor client signal levels
/interface wifi registration-table
print detail where interface=wifi1

• Adjust roaming thresholds:

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.signal-threshold=-80 \
    configuration.disconnect-threshold=-85

Performance Issues

Slow Speeds Despite Good Signal

• Check channel utilization:

# View channel usage
/interface wifi frequency-monitor wifi1

• Verify channel width:

# Check current channel configuration
/interface wifi print detail where name=wifi1

• Review rate selection:

# Force higher minimum rates
/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.basic-rates=12,24 \
    configuration.supported-rates=12,18,24,36,48,54

High Latency Under Load

• Enable WMM/QoS:

/interface wifi
set wifi1 configuration.wmm=yes \
    configuration.wmm-params=default

CAPsMAN Issues

CAP Not Joining Controller

• Verify connectivity:

# On CAP device
/ping 192.168.88.1
/interface wifi cap print

• Check certificates:

# Regenerate certificates if needed
/certificate
remove [find]
/interface wifi cap
set enabled=no
set enabled=yes

Diagnostic Commands

Essential Monitoring Commands

# View wireless statistics
/interface wifi monitor wifi1

# Check registration table
/interface wifi registration-table print stats

# Monitor frequency usage
/interface wifi frequency-monitor wifi1

# View interface counters
/interface wifi print stats

# Check system resources
/system resource print

# View wireless logs
/log print where topics~"wifi"

Performance Testing Commands

# Bandwidth test to another MikroTik
/tool bandwidth-test address=192.168.1.1 \
    protocol=tcp direction=both duration=30

# Ping with statistics
/tool ping 8.8.8.8 count=100 size=1400

Future of MikroTik Wireless: Wi-Fi 6E and Beyond

Wi-Fi 6E Development Status

• RouterOS 7.14+ includes preliminary 6GHz support
• Hardware development ongoing for 6E devices
• Expected product release: 2024-2025
• Regulatory approval pending in multiple regions

Anticipated Wi-Fi 6E Benefits

• 1200MHz of additional spectrum (5925-7125MHz)
• Seven additional 160MHz channels
• No legacy device interference
• Lower latency for AR/VR applications
• Mandatory WPA3 security

Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) Roadmap

• 320MHz channel width support planned
• Multi-Link Operation (MLO) development
• 4096-QAM modulation capability
• Target speeds up to 46 Gbps theoretical
• Expected MikroTik adoption: 2025-2026

RouterOS Development Priorities

• Enhanced roaming protocols (802.11k/v/r)
• Improved DFS channel handling
• AI-based interference mitigation
• Cloud management API development
• Container support for edge computing

Conclusion: Is MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 Right for Your Network?

Key Takeaways

• MikroTik Wi-Fi 6 delivers enterprise features at SMB prices
• RouterOS 7 provides comprehensive 802.11ax support
• Performance matches or exceeds similarly-priced competitors
• No licensing fees reduce total cost of ownership
• Advanced routing integration sets MikroTik apart

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

Perfect Fit:

• Small to medium offices (20-200 users)
• ISP customer premises equipment
• Educational institutions with IT expertise
• Remote sites requiring routing features
• Budget-conscious deployments

Consider Alternatives For:

• Large enterprise deployments (500+ APs)
• Environments requiring cloud dashboards
• Organizations with limited IT staff
• Deployments needing vendor support SLAs

Implementation Recommendations

Start Small

1. Deploy one hAP ax² or ax³ for testing
2. Configure basic settings and evaluate performance
3. Test client compatibility thoroughly
4. Document configuration for scaling

Scale Gradually

1. Add CAPsMAN controller for centralized management
2. Deploy additional CAP devices as needed
3. Implement advanced features incrementally
4. Monitor performance metrics continuously