Awesome Router - $45 + GST (MikroTik)

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Zeon

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# 175026 15-Jun-2015 00:05

Hey guys,
I seriously can't believe how good value this is but MikroTik have released a REALLY cheap fully functional router. 650MHZ CPU, 802.11n access point and RouterOS (meaning heaps of features) all for $45 + GST:
http://www.gowifi.co.nz/coming-soon-new-products/mikrotik-hap-lite-802.11n-rout.html

I got one to replace a Draytek modem/router I had got from a friend for my new place (ADSL2 only unfortunately). The whole Draytek would crash (no ping to LAN) and the wireless range was poor.

Also went with Snap for static IPv6 support. RouterOS has fully support.

Can only go to 100mbps but for $45.... this is an amazing piece of equipment with more functionality than the fancy looking routers for like 1/5 the price...

DarkShadow

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# 1324672 15-Jun-2015 00:14

Does it come with new software or the same WinBox? How easy do you find it to use?

michaelmurfy

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# 1324713 15-Jun-2015 08:15

DarkShadow: Does it come with new software or the same WinBox? How easy do you find it to use?

It comes with a RouterOS Level 4 license meaning it is perfect as a general purpose router / access point. RouterOS is not the easiest to set up at all but it is very functional and stable once it is set up. There are so many possible options you're able to set up. You usually use WinBox to manage the router.

At this price however it is a perfect way to get into RouterOS!

Michael Murphy | https://murfy.nz
A quick guide to picking the right ISP | The Router Guide | Community UniFi Cloud Controller | Ubiquiti Edgerouter Tutorial

sbiddle

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# 1324719 15-Jun-2015 08:26

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I've deployed a few of these in the last week as EoIP tunnel endpoints. They're an extremely low spec device and I wouldn't want to rely on them for anything more than a 30Mbps connection as it's very easy to saturate the CPU. The new 6.29 Fasttrack does make a huge difference for NAT performance, but Fasttrack does have it's limitations right now.

Wireless performance is terrible IMHO. It's fine in the same room, but I have one at home right now for testing and the signal is far worse than a 751 or 951.

As a VPN or EoIP tunnel endpoint they're brilliant and nothing else is going to come close pricewise!

eXDee

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# 1324731 15-Jun-2015 08:46

sbiddle:
Wireless performance is terrible IMHO. It's fine in the same room, but I have one at home right now for testing and the signal is far worse than a 751 or 951.

Plus it's 2.4ghz only, which is nearly a waste of time in some areas. Not that i'd expect much more at this price point.

scampbell

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# 1329532 22-Jun-2015 20:53

Key points for wireless - it is a dual chain device which is good. The aerials are only 1.5dB gain which is low and the power at MCS7 is 16dBm which is not bad. The RB951G 23dBm and 2.5dB gain. In reality these are too powerful in some cases and we often turn the power down to around 20dBm anyway.

The hAP Lite is a nice small home router - which is its target market. If you load it up with lots of rules and features like hotspot etc then perhaps you might be best looking at a higher end model anyway.

hAP Lite

If you load it up with lots of rules and features like queues, hotspot etc then perhaps you might be best looking at a higher end model anyway. Excellent bang for the buck though.

Zeon

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# 1335781 2-Jul-2015 14:31

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I've found the wireless performance to be good out in suburbia - my house isn't too big but wireless works well in all parts. IPv6 works great... everything is good and still so stoked about the price.