MikroTik NetMetal ax – Rugged Outdoor WiFi 6 Access Point with 2.5G SFP
MikroTik NetMetal ax is a rugged outdoor dual-band WiFi 6 wireless networking device designed for demanding outdoor deployments, long-range wireless links, remote connectivity and professional network infrastructure. It combines a dual-chain 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11ax wireless radio with a Gigabit Ethernet port, a 2.5G-capable SFP interface, RouterOS v7, passive PoE input, USB connectivity, NanoSIM support and a MiniPCIe expansion slot.
Built around a durable metal enclosure, the MikroTik NetMetal ax is designed for outdoor environments where conventional indoor wireless access points may not provide the required protection or flexibility. The enclosure is rated IP66, providing protection against dust and powerful water jets.
The NetMetal ax also features two external RP-SMA antenna connectors, allowing the installer to select a suitable antenna according to the required coverage, directionality and deployment environment. MikroTik states that, with suitable antennas and environmental conditions, links of up to 30 km are possible; actual achievable distance depends heavily on antenna selection, installation, interference, regulatory limits and link conditions.
Key Features of MikroTik NetMetal ax
- Dual-band WiFi 6 with 802.11ax support
- 2.4 GHz 2×2 wireless radio
- 5 GHz 2×2 wireless radio
- Up to 574 Mbps on 2.4 GHz
- Up to 2400 Mbps on 5 GHz
- 1× Gigabit Ethernet port
- 1× 2.5G-capable SFP interface
- 2× RP-SMA female external antenna connectors
- IP66-rated rugged outdoor enclosure
- Dual-core IPQ-5010 ARM CPU
- 256 MB DDR3L RAM
- 128 MB NAND storage
- RouterOS v7 with Level 4 license
- 1× MiniPCIe slot for supported LTE, LoRa and other expansion applications
- 1× NanoSIM slot
- 1× USB Type-A port
- Passive PoE input
- Passive cooling
- Pole and DIN-rail mounting options
WiFi 6 for Outdoor Wireless Networking
The MikroTik NetMetal ax uses a dual-band, dual-chain WiFi 6 radio supporting the 802.11ax standard. The 2.4 GHz radio supports 802.11b/g/n/ax, while the 5 GHz radio supports 802.11a/n/ac/ax.
The 2.4 GHz radio provides a maximum data rate of up to 574 Mbps, while the 5 GHz radio provides a maximum data rate of up to 2400 Mbps under the specified wireless configuration.
WiFi 6 introduces improvements in wireless efficiency, capacity, power management and performance compared with earlier WiFi generations. The actual wireless throughput experienced by users depends on client capability, channel conditions, antenna selection, regulatory restrictions, interference, distance and network configuration.
External Antenna Support
Unlike many conventional access points with permanently integrated antennas, the NetMetal ax provides two external RP-SMA female antenna connectors.
This gives network installers greater flexibility when selecting an antenna for a specific deployment. Depending on the network design, the device can be configured with suitable directional or omnidirectional antennas.
For long-distance wireless links, antenna gain, alignment, Fresnel-zone clearance, radio-frequency interference and local regulatory requirements are important factors. MikroTik specifically notes that achievable distances depend on the antenna selected and that longer links may have varying reliability.
2.5G SFP for High-Speed Fiber Connectivity
A major feature of the MikroTik NetMetal ax is its SFP interface with support for 2.5 Gigabit connectivity.
This allows the device to be integrated into fiber-based network infrastructures where a standard Gigabit Ethernet connection may become a limitation. A compatible SFP module can be used according to the requirements of the network design.
The device also includes one Gigabit Ethernet port, providing a conventional wired interface for network connectivity and passive PoE input.
Rugged IP66 Outdoor Enclosure
The NetMetal ax is designed for outdoor installations and uses a rugged metal enclosure with an IP66 protection rating. This makes it suitable for environments exposed to dust and powerful water jets.
The device can be mounted on a pole or DIN rail. Its compact metal construction makes it suitable for outdoor wireless infrastructure, remote network locations, towers, industrial environments and other installations where durability is important.
The official specifications list an operating temperature range of approximately -40°C to +70°C, allowing the device to be considered for demanding outdoor environments.
MiniPCIe and NanoSIM Expansion
The MikroTik NetMetal ax includes a MiniPCIe expansion slot and a NanoSIM slot, providing additional flexibility for network deployments.
The MiniPCIe slot can be used for supported expansion hardware such as LTE or LoRa-related modules. This allows the NetMetal ax to be adapted for specialized connectivity requirements rather than limiting it to its built-in WiFi interfaces.
For example, an appropriate LTE modem can potentially be used to provide cellular connectivity or backup connectivity, subject to hardware compatibility and configuration.
RouterOS v7 Networking Platform
NetMetal ax runs MikroTik RouterOS v7 with a Level 4 license. RouterOS provides extensive networking functionality for professional installations, including routing, firewall configuration, VLANs, VPNs, wireless configuration, traffic management and other network-management functions.
This means the NetMetal ax can be deployed in different network roles depending on the requirements of the project. It can function as an outdoor access point, wireless bridge, router or part of a larger MikroTik network architecture.
Outdoor Wireless and Long-Range Applications
The combination of WiFi 6, external antenna connectors, rugged construction and RouterOS makes the MikroTik NetMetal ax suitable for a variety of outdoor wireless deployments.
- Outdoor WiFi coverage
- Long-range wireless networking
- Point-to-Point wireless links
- Point-to-Multipoint wireless deployments
- Wireless bridge applications
- Industrial outdoor networking
- Remote site connectivity
- Outdoor ISP infrastructure
- Campus and warehouse connectivity
- Rural broadband deployments
- Remote monitoring locations
- LTE backup connectivity with compatible hardware
- LoRa-related expansion applications with compatible modules
Passive PoE Power
The NetMetal ax supports passive PoE input through its Ethernet interface. The device can also be powered through its DC jack.
According to MikroTik specifications, the PoE-In input voltage range is 18–28V, while the DC jack supports 12–28V. Maximum power consumption is approximately 25W, while consumption without additional attachments is approximately 12W.
The standard package includes a 24V 1.2A power adapter and a Gigabit PoE injector.
NetMetal ax for ISP and Wireless Networking Projects
For ISPs, wireless internet providers and system integrators, the MikroTik NetMetal ax can provide a flexible outdoor wireless platform with RouterOS management and external antenna support.
The 2.5G SFP interface can be used for suitable fiber connectivity, while the external antennas can be selected according to the required wireless architecture.
For professional wireless projects, the antenna, frequency, channel width, transmit power, regulatory limits and physical installation should be planned according to local requirements and the intended link design.
Technical Specifications – MikroTik NetMetal ax
| Specification |
Details |
| Product Name |
NetMetal ax |
| Product Code |
L23UGSR-5HaxD2HaxD-NM |
| Product Type |
Outdoor WiFi 6 Wireless Router / Access Point |
| CPU |
IPQ-5010 |
| CPU Cores |
2 |
| CPU Frequency |
800 MHz |
| Architecture |
ARM 32-bit |
| RAM |
256 MB DDR3L |
| Storage |
128 MB NAND |
| Operating System |
RouterOS v7 |
| RouterOS License |
Level 4 |
| 2.4 GHz Wireless |
802.11b/g/n/ax, 2×2 |
| 2.4 GHz Maximum Data Rate |
574 Mbps |
| 5 GHz Wireless |
802.11a/n/ac/ax, 2×2 |
| 5 GHz Maximum Data Rate |
2400 Mbps |
| Ethernet |
1 × 10/100/1000 Mbps |
| SFP |
1 × SFP, 2.5G supported |
| Antenna Connectors |
2 × RP-SMA female |
| MiniPCIe |
1 × MiniPCIe |
| SIM |
1 × NanoSIM |
| USB |
1 × USB Type-A |
| PoE Input |
Passive PoE |
| PoE-In Voltage |
18–28V |
| DC Input |
12–28V |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
25W |
| Enclosure Protection |
IP66 |
| Cooling |
Passive |
| Dimensions |
143 × 247 × 48 mm |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to +70°C |
Frequently Asked Questions About MikroTik NetMetal ax
What is MikroTik NetMetal ax?
MikroTik NetMetal ax is a rugged outdoor dual-band WiFi 6 wireless networking device with external antenna connectors, Gigabit Ethernet, 2.5G-capable SFP, RouterOS v7, MiniPCIe and NanoSIM support.
Is MikroTik NetMetal ax a WiFi 6 access point?
Yes. NetMetal ax features dual-band 802.11ax WiFi 6 radios with 2×2 chains on both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. It can be configured for different wireless networking roles using RouterOS.
Does NetMetal ax support 2.5G?
Yes. It includes one SFP interface with support for 2.5 Gigabit connectivity.
Does MikroTik NetMetal ax have Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes. The device includes one 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet port.
Is NetMetal ax suitable for outdoor installation?
Yes. NetMetal ax is designed for outdoor use and has an IP66-rated enclosure. MikroTik specifies an operating temperature range of approximately -40°C to +70°C.
What antennas can be used with MikroTik NetMetal ax?
NetMetal ax has two RP-SMA female antenna connectors and supports compatible external antennas. Antenna selection should be based on the required coverage, link distance, frequency, gain and local regulatory requirements.
How far can MikroTik NetMetal ax reach?
MikroTik states that distances up to 30 km can be possible with suitable antennas. However, actual range depends on antenna selection, installation, line of sight, interference, channel configuration, environmental conditions and regulatory limits.
Does NetMetal ax support PoE?
Yes. NetMetal ax supports passive PoE input through its Ethernet port. The specified PoE-In voltage range is 18–28V.
Does NetMetal ax have an SFP port?
Yes. NetMetal ax includes one SFP interface with support for 2.5G connectivity, providing an option for compatible fiber-based networking.
Does MikroTik NetMetal ax support LTE?
The device includes a MiniPCIe slot and NanoSIM slot, allowing supported cellular hardware such as an LTE modem to be added. Compatibility depends on the selected MiniPCIe module and configuration.
What RouterOS version does NetMetal ax use?
NetMetal ax runs RouterOS v7 and has a Level 4 RouterOS license.
Can NetMetal ax be used for point-to-point wireless links?
Yes. With suitable external antennas and appropriate wireless configuration, NetMetal ax can be used for point-to-point and other long-range wireless networking applications.
What is the difference between NetMetal ax and a normal outdoor WiFi access point?
NetMetal ax combines WiFi 6 with external antenna connectivity, RouterOS v7, a rugged IP66 enclosure, 2.5G-capable SFP, MiniPCIe expansion and NanoSIM support. This gives network professionals more flexibility than a conventional fixed-antenna outdoor access point.
Explore MikroTik Networking Products
For more MikroTik networking solutions, explore the MikroTik Networking Products in India collection from IPVoice Technologies.
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