MikroTik Wireless Standards and Technologies

1. IEEE 802.11 Standards

The IEEE 802.11 standards define the specifications for wireless local area networks (WLANs). MikroTik devices support various 802.11 standards, including:

• 802.11a: Operates in the 5 GHz frequency band, offering higher data rates but shorter range compared to 2.4 GHz.
• 802.11b: Operates in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, providing a maximum data rate of 11 Mbps.
• 802.11g: Also operates in the 2.4 GHz band, but with higher data rates up to 54 Mbps, backward compatible with 802.11b.
• 802.11n: Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, offering higher data rates up to 600 Mbps through multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) technology.
• 802.11ac: Operates in the 5 GHz band, providing even higher data rates up to 6.9 Gbps, leveraging wider channels and more spatial streams.

Example: Imagine a highway with multiple lanes. 802.11n is like a highway with more lanes (MIMO) allowing more cars (data) to travel simultaneously, thus increasing the overall traffic flow (data rate).

2. MikroTik Wireless Technologies

MikroTik incorporates several advanced wireless technologies to enhance performance and reliability:

• MikroTik SXT: A series of wireless devices that support various 802.11 standards and offer features like MIMO, beamforming, and high-power amplifiers for extended range and better signal quality.
• MikroTik RBD: A series of wireless devices designed for point-to-point (PTP) and point-to-multipoint (PTMP) connections, ideal for long-distance links and high-bandwidth applications.
• MikroTik CAPsMAN: Centralized Access Point System Management, which allows for centralized management of multiple access points, simplifying configuration and ensuring consistent performance across the network.
• MikroTik Wireless Radios: Customizable wireless radios that can be configured for various scenarios, such as high-density environments, long-range links, or high-speed data transfers.

Example: Think of CAPsMAN as a traffic control center that manages multiple intersections (access points) to ensure smooth traffic flow (network performance) across a city (network area).

By understanding these standards and technologies, you can effectively design and manage wireless networks using MikroTik devices, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.