HOW TO CHOOSE INDOOR ROUTER WIRELESS - TUTORIAL MIKROTIK [ENG SUB]

Summary

In this tutorial, we explore how to choose the right indoor wireless devices from MikroTik. Unlike outdoor devices, indoor wireless setups require small cell sizes due to client devices like laptops and smartphones having weaker transmit power. We discuss various MikroTik devices designed for specific placements, like ceiling or wall-mounted units, and their advantages. Key considerations include frequency selection (2.4GHz vs 5GHz), the number of users, and device placement for optimal coverage. The video also touches on POE support, interference management, and tips for configuring devices for efficient indoor wireless networks.

Takeaways

• 😀 Choose small indoor wireless cells due to low transmission power of client devices like laptops and mobile phones.
• 😀 Avoid trying to cover large areas with a single indoor access point (AP); multiple APs are necessary for large spaces.
• 😀 Indoor wireless networks generally have a coverage radius of 10-15 meters per AP, depending on obstructions like walls and machinery.
• 😀 Most Mikrotik indoor devices can support 20-40 concurrent users, but more APs are needed for high-density areas like halls or factories.
• 😀 Dual-frequency devices (2.4GHz and 5GHz) provide better performance and reduced interference compared to single-frequency devices.
• 😀 Use 5GHz frequency when possible for cleaner performance and higher throughput, especially in networks with many users.
• 😀 Mikrotik offers a variety of indoor devices for different installation scenarios, such as cAP for ceiling mounts and wAP for wall mounts.
• 😀 Device placement at height (e.g., on the ceiling) helps minimize signal obstructions and maximize coverage.
• 😀 Place wireless devices in the center of rooms, rather than corners, to ensure even signal distribution and better coverage.
• 😀 Avoid using outdoor wireless devices as indoor APs due to their single-frequency support and potential for aesthetic issues and poor coverage.
• 😀 Mikrotik devices like the hAP-ac, cAP-ac, and RB4011 offer advanced features like dual-frequency support and SFP ports for long-range connections.

Q & A

What are the main factors to consider when choosing an indoor wireless device?

When choosing an indoor wireless device, consider the range of coverage (small cells), the number of concurrent users, the frequency to use (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz), and the device's form factor and placement (ceiling, wall, or desktop).

Why is it difficult to cover large areas with a single indoor wireless device?

Indoor wireless networks require multiple access points because client devices, such as laptops and mobile devices, have low transmit power. Additionally, factors like walls and obstacles reduce signal strength, requiring smaller wireless cells to ensure consistent coverage.

What is the typical coverage range of an indoor wireless device?

The typical coverage range of an indoor wireless device is around 10-15 meters in open spaces. However, obstructions such as walls or metal objects can significantly reduce this range.

What is the advantage of using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies in an indoor wireless network?

Using both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies allows for better load balancing, as it divides the client connections between the two frequencies, reducing interference and improving network performance, especially when there are many connected devices.

Why is the 5 GHz frequency preferable over 2.4 GHz for indoor wireless networks?

The 5 GHz frequency experiences less interference and offers wider throughput, making it ideal for high-performance networks. It is especially beneficial when using the latest wireless protocols like 802.11ac.

How does the placement of an indoor wireless device impact its performance?

The placement of an indoor wireless device is crucial. Devices placed at a height, such as on the ceiling, offer better coverage with fewer obstructions. Placing devices in the middle of the room maximizes their coverage area compared to corners or walls.

Can outdoor wireless devices be used indoors?

Outdoor wireless devices can technically be used indoors, but they are often less aesthetically pleasing and may not be as efficient. Outdoor devices typically operate on single frequencies and use directional antennas, which limits their indoor performance.

What is the purpose of Power over Ethernet (PoE) in Mikrotik devices?

PoE allows you to power Mikrotik devices through Ethernet cables, reducing the need for additional power cables. It can also be used to power other devices, like additional access points, via the same Ethernet connection.

What role does the SFP port play in Mikrotik devices?

The SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) port allows for long-distance connections, typically via fiber optics. It is useful when connecting devices over distances greater than 100 meters, improving network scalability and performance.

Why is it important to adjust the TX power of indoor wireless devices?

Adjusting the TX power of indoor wireless devices helps to avoid interference between nearby access points. If the TX power is too high, devices in close proximity may overlap in their coverage, leading to signal interference and reduced performance.