The hap lite mikrotik router does not work. Strengths and weaknesses of MikroTik hAP lite RB941. Setting an IP address for the router

Mikrotik hAPac comes with the following configuration:

  • MikroTik hAPac (RB962UiGS-5HacT2HnT);
  • Power supply 24V 1200mA;
  • Quick start instructions.

The appearance of the model is not particularly different from the classic MikroTik RB951 device. On the front side there are 5 gigabit Ethernet interfaces and an SFP interface of 1.25 Gbit/s. There is also a connector for connecting the power supply.

hAP ac has the ability to receive power via PoE on the first port. The fifth port can act as a PoE source for MikroTik devices and other compatible devices.

At the top of the model there are port activity indicators, WiFi interfaces and a power light. There are ventilation holes on the top side to remove heat from the device.

On the reverse side of the hAP ac there are special anti-slip feet, holes for attaching to vertical surfaces, a sticker with serial number and MAC addresses of interfaces.

On the side is USB interface to connect peripheral devices. There is also a RESET button here. It is responsible for resetting the device to factory settings and can control the hAPac boot mode.

Another function of this button is to activate WPS mode. Intended for quick setup WIFI between access point and client.

If you look inside the router, you can see the internal structure of the device. The presence of 6 antennas, two of which are attached to the device body. They can be replaced by external antennas if necessary.


By default, in the standard Mikrotik configuration, the first WAN port is connected to the Internet provider cable, it is configured to automatic receipt all settings via DHCP. There are two options here, depending on the equipment used by the provider, either the settings are simply issued via DHCP or via DHCP + binding by MAC address. In the first case, you just need to connect all the cables correctly and Mikrotik will start distributing the Internet; in the second case, you will have to call your provider so that he can make a MAC connection. Setting up Mikrotik in both cases comes down to setting a password for Wifi (see pictures at the end of the article).

We connect to Mikrotik using Winbox (you can use a browser, or you can generally configure everything via SSH, I like Winbox best), when we first connect we will be asked whether to leave the standard configuration or delete it and configure everything from scratch, in this article I will show how with minimal edits you can get what you need from the standard configuration, so click OK.

If your provider distributes the Internet via Ethernet (twisted pair) and uses DHCP settings to distribute settings, all that remains is to configure Wifi - go to the end of the article.

If your provider distributes the Internet via Ethernet (twisted pair) and you have a static IP, then you need a little configuration.
We select IP-DHCP Client in the menu on the left and in the window that opens, select our interface and click the cross, we turn off receiving settings via DHCP, then in the IP menu we select Addresses, there we click the blue plus and in the window we enter the settings issued by the provider, our static IP, mask (Network) and select in Interface the port where the provider cable is connected, by default it is ether1-gateway, click OK. Next, you just need to set a password for Wifi and you can use the Internet.

Some providers use connections via PPPoE, PPTP, SSTP, L2TP protocols to authorize users and account for traffic; in this case, you need to configure the connection. On the left in the menu, select PPP, in the window that opens, click the blue plus and select the protocol we need (usually indicated in the settings sheet issued by the provider along with the contract, or you can find out from technical support), we will configure the PPPoE connection, connections via other protocols are performed in the same way. Select from the PPPoE Client menu:

A window will open in which you need to fill in the fields: Name – the name of the interface, I usually use the name of the provider, to distinguish between interfaces if there is more than one channel, in the Interfaces menu you need to select the first port into which the provider’s cable is connected

Go to the Dial Out tab, here we fill in Service - an arbitrary name, User, Password - we fill in the values ​​​​provided by the provider. Check the boxes – Use Peer DNS and Add Default Route. In the same window, you can click the Apply button, and if everything is correct, the connection will be established and Status: connected will appear at the bottom of the window.

You can go to the Status tab and view connection details, time, connection duration, IP address.

Now, in order for the Internet to appear on devices connected to ports 2-4 and via Wifi, all that remains is to configure NAT. In the menu on the left, select IP-Firewall and go to the NAT tab, there we double-click on the rule in the list and in Out Interface select the name of the interface that we specified earlier when creating the connection (in my case it is maklaud), click OK.

After this, the Internet should appear on all devices connected to Mikrotik.

Now all that remains is to configure Wifi, by default it has no password, if this suits you, the setup is complete, if not, then set a password.

In the menu on the left, select Wireless, go to the Security Profiles tab and click the blue plus, you can write any profile name, the picture shows the most secure option Wifi settings, but many devices do not support WPA2 or AES encryption, so if some device cannot connect, you need to check the remaining boxes in the top square. At the bottom, enter your Wifi password.

Then go to the Interfaces tab and double-click on wlan1, as can be seen from the screenshot with the specified settings, you can squeeze out almost 100 megabits from a Wifi connection, in very unfavorable conditions, there are about 10 points nearby. All my devices support the N standard, so I’m in BAND - I chose to use only it, if you have old B or G standard devices then choose 2Hz-B/G/N. This may reduce the speed.

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From time to time we tell you about different routers. Typically this is TP-LINK devices or ASUS are market leaders. But with enviable regularity, people glorifying MikroTik appear in the comments. At the same time, they are praised for a reason, but for their functionality and stability. Today, using the MikroTik hAP lite (RB941-2nD-TC) as an example, we will try to check whether this is actually true.

Equipment

MikroTik hAP lite is one of the most affordable routers from the manufacturer. It comes in a very simple box made from recycled, unpainted cardboard. It contains a schematic representation of the device, as well as basic information on initial setup(IP address of the router, “admin” login, url address of instructions for updating the firmware).


Inside there is the router itself, a power supply and a miniature brochure.

Design

RB941-2nD-TC looks very simple and cute in its own way. The body is made of glossy plastic, it consists of only two parts, white and blue, and is very light, you might even think that you were holding the frame itself without the “filling.”



Within the manufacturer's line, this is a design with delights; the device is intended, among other things, for home use, although in comparison with all mass-produced routers I would like to call hAP lite a “box”.


The manufacturer has provided only vertical installation, this is clearly hinted at by the shape of the case. There are large ventilation holes on the front and bottom sides.


All elements and connectors are located at the back. These are four network ports with activity indicators, two status diodes, one multifunction key (used for WPS connection, resetting settings, switching to proprietary CAP mode, and also for restoring firmware over the network), as well as a microUSB port. The latter is used not for connecting drives or printers, but for power supply.

The box contains a 5V and 0.7 A power supply, which means that the RB941-2nD-TC can operate from almost any source - from charging your smartphone, PC or power bank. This versatility can be useful, for example, in the event of a power outage - if the provider’s equipment has UPSs, then the router will be able to operate for several hours from a small power bank (stated energy consumption level of up to 3 W) and during this time you will have Internet access.

Software, functionality

The router is built on a Qualcomm Atheros QCA9533 processor operating at a frequency of 650 MHz. Volume random access memory- 32 MB, permanent - 16 MB. All network ports are 100 megabit.

Two antennas with a gain of 1.5 dBi are hidden inside the case; they provide connection speeds of up to 300 Mbit/s according to the 802.11 b/g/n standard. Transmitter power - up to 158 mW (22 dBm).

The router runs Router OS with a Level 4 license - this feature rather affects the corporate functions of the device, which are of little interest to the home user. To configure the router, you can use the WebFig web interface, the Winbox utility, console and remote access. Let's consider (superficially) the first option.

The usual “admin panel” is available at 192.168.88.1. At first glance, the interface is similar to that offered by devices from conventionally competing brands - on the left is a list of items, on the right are parameters. The interface is only available on English language.

For initial setup, you need to use the first Quick Set tab. It allows you to select the type of connection to the provider, the operating mode of the device, and carry out basic Wi-Fi setup (set a password and network name, select a frequency and country). There's a simple map networks of wireless clients.

All other points are intended for fine and thoughtful configuration of the router. I note that if you can figure out the “admin panel” of some TP-LINK or ASUS on the basis of general knowledge, names of specific items, and so on, then such a “number” will not work here. Easy-to-understand settings for guest Wi-Fi networks or parental controls WebFig does not, although similar and much broader functionality is present. To figure out what's what, it's worth looking intoofficial documentation or use one ofstep by step instructions .







Despite the complexity of the configuration, the system allows you to do a lot of interesting things, for example, set up a simultaneous connection to two providers, limit the access speed for clients connected to a specific network port, the router can operate in bridge or repeater mode, VPN connections are supported, and much, much more. other. The only thing is that you will need fundamental knowledge of how networks work and an understanding of the logic for setting up the necessary functions.

Testing and Operation

Since the router only has 100Mbps network ports, I used my home Internet connection at 100Mbps to test the functionality. Both with a cable connection and via Wi-Fi, the access speed corresponded to the declared one.

After several days of use, I had no complaints about the stability of the router; it normally “holds” the home load when, for example, you download torrents on one computer, watch online Full HD videos on another, and at the same time surf on your smartphone. Despite the built-in antennas, the router can create normal coverage in a one- or small two-room apartment. I liked the quick response to changing settings, the built-in firmware update functions without the need to separately select a firmware file, and the ability to overclock the processor.

The manufacturer himself provides more detailed results of the router’s speed characteristics:

Site evaluation

Pros: Simple design, incredible functionality (if you're into it), power via microUSB, price

Minuses: Difficulty setting up for ordinary users

Conclusion: MikroTik hAP lite RB941-2nD-TC is an excellent router that you should give to your girlfriend - if you reinstall Windows once a month, then you can administer it with MikroTik almost every day. Speaking seriously, from the point of view of hardware, hAP ​​lite is similar to other routers for 600 hryvnia, but the main thing here is the software, which will allow you to customize it as finely as even flagship consumer routers do not allow. This device is for those who not only understand how each byte of information “flows”, but also wants to have complete control over them. If you (suddenly) like to spend a long time figuring out how something works, and then enjoy and be proud of the work done - hAP lite is also suitable, because it is an excellent construction toy (or tool) for inquisitive minds and crazy hands, as well as those who want become system administrator. Well, if you are a simple user for whom the router is a utilitarian box that distributes the Internet and requires a reboot once a month, it is better to continue rebooting your existing router.

1. To configure the Mikrotik hAP Lite Wi-Fi router, you will need the winbox program, you can download it at https://mikrotik.com/download

3. After connecting, the following dialog will appear, click remove configuration. This window may not appear if the router has already been configured previously


4. Next you need to update the firmware, you can download it at https://mikrotik.com/download, for hAp Lite the firmware will be in the SMIPS section


5. drag the downloaded file onto the winbox window, wait for the transfer to complete, and reboot the router. To reboot, select Reboot from the System menu. Then reconnect (step 2)





7. Enter the password twice and press Change





9. in the window that opens, click on the blue plus, set the options as in the picture and click OK





11. You will need to enter your username and password from the subscriber card into the appropriate fields and set the options as in the picture




13. In the Firewall window select a bookmark NAT and press the blue plus on the tab General set it as in the picture and go to the bookmark Action


14. On the Action tab, select masquerade and click OK



16. let's go to the bookmark ports, and again to blue plus. Set it as in the picture and press O K . Then repeat the same thing, selecting I from the list ninterface: ether3, ether4, wlan1



18. in the window that appears, click on the blue plus, set everything as in the picture and click ok



20. in the window that appears, click on the button DHCP setup select from the list bridge1 and click Next at all other stages



22. check the circled option and click OK



24. Go to the Interfaces tab, and double click on wlan1. Set the options as in the picture, it is recommended to come up with your own SSID option, this is the name of the network


25. After completing the setup, reboot the router. To reboot, select Reboot from the System menu.

I honestly admit that until recently I was not at all familiar with routers from MikroTik. I heard something, read something, and all the time I thought that it was some kind of network devices for professionals. Complex setup, many functions and all that. But I recently saw several MikroTik models on sale. I decided to buy MikroTik hAP Lite TC to see, configure it myself, and tell you about it.

In this instruction I will show you how to set up MikroTik hAP Lite TC. Using this guide, you will be able to configure almost any MikroTik RouterBOARD router. RouterOS itself, on which devices from this manufacturer operate, is at first glance very complex. In fact, it is complex not only at first glance :) There are actually many different sections, settings, etc. On my router, the RouterOS system itself is in English. As I understand it, there is no option to change the settings language to Russian. But, if you look at it, you understand that for the usual setup of MikroTik you don’t need to climb through any sections at all, look for something, etc. All the most necessary and important settings are on the same page. Which opens immediately after entering the control panel. Now we will look at all this in more detail.

I would also like to say a few words about the MikroTik hAP Lite TC router itself. I liked the device. The body is made of high-quality plastic, although it stinks a little. Inexpensive, cool, apparently powerful and very functional. But most users do not need all this functionality. It's cool that it's powered by microUSB. You can even record from the USB port of a computer or power bank. Or you can easily find another power adapter if the original one breaks. I didn’t like the very boring packaging, completely unclear setup instructions (in English), and most importantly - the absence of a network cable in the kit. These are the MikroTik RouterBOARD routers. By at least hAP Lite TC model.

Judging by the instructions that come with the kit, this manual should be useful to many. As far as MikroTik is concerned, I'm a complete nerd. So the instructions, as you understand, are for dummies like me :)

Connecting the MikroTik router and preparing for setup

To set all the necessary parameters, we first need to connect to the router and connect the Internet to it. Since there is no network cable included, you will most likely connect to it via Wi-Fi networks. You can configure it not only from a laptop or PC. You can use a tablet, phone, or other device.

First, connect the power adapter and plug it into an outlet. You can also immediately connect to the Internet to MikroTik (network cable from your provider or modem). To the port Internet.

If you have a network cable and there is no way to connect via Wi-Fi, then simply connect one end of the cable to the LAN port of the router, and the other to the network card your computer.

If in your case the network is locked with a password, or a password request appears when entering the router settings, then most likely someone has already configured it. Reset the settings according to the instructions: .

It looks like this:

Internet access may not be available immediately. We have not yet configured the router's connection to the ISP. This is fine. Let's move on to the settings.

Setting up MikroTik using the example of the hAP Lite TC model

To enter the router settings, you need to go to the address in any browser 192.168.88.1 . I wrote more about this in the article:. The RouterOS control panel should open immediately (in my case version v6.34.2). Check that the router is working in "Home AP" mode.

As I wrote above, everything basic settings can be set directly to home page"Quick Set". It is divided into blocks. We need to configure the following:

  1. Internet connection.
  2. Wi-Fi network (Wireless).
  3. Set a password to protect the control panel (System).

These settings are quite sufficient in most cases.

Internet setup on MikroTik (Dynamic IP, PPPoE)

Important point! If your Internet is already working through a router, then most likely your provider uses the Dynamic IP connection type, and additional customization need not. Since the connection type is "Automatic" is the default. You can immediately set up a Wi-Fi network.

You should have information about the type of connection your ISP uses. As well as all the necessary data to connect to the Internet (if you do NOT have a dynamic IP). It is also advisable to immediately find out whether the provider binds by MAC address.

So, if you have a “Dynamic IP” connection type, without binding by MAC address, then everything should work right away. If there is a binding by MAC address, then you either need to register the MAC address of the router with your provider (it is indicated in the MAC Address field), or to which the Internet is connected and enter it in the “MAC address” field in the router settings.

Setting up PPPoE

Selecting the type PPPoE connections, set the username and password (they are issued by the provider) and click on the "Reconnect" button. The router should connect to the Internet. If all is well, then proceed to Wi-Fi settings networks. More on this below in the article.

Setting up L2TP/PPTP

First, in the "PPP" section, you need to add "PPTP Client".

Next, set the server address (Connect To), username (User) and password (Password). This data is provided by the provider. Check the box next to "Add Default Route". Then save the profile by clicking on the “Apply” and “Ok” buttons.

Friends, I'm not sure that the instructions for setting up PPTP are correct. Unfortunately, there is no way to check this. If I wrote something wrong, please correct me in the comments.

Setting up a Wi-Fi network and password on MikroTik hAP Lite TC

On the same page we are interested in the "Wireless" section. He's on the left.

In the "Network Name" field, change the name of the Wi-Fi network. In the "Country" drop-down menu, it is advisable to indicate your region, and in the "WiFi Password" field set the password (minimum 8 characters), which will be used when connecting to a Wi-Fi network.

Below you can configure a guest Wi-Fi network and view the list of clients connected via Wi-Fi.

Remember or write down your Wi-Fi password. You can save the settings with the "Apply Configuration" button, or immediately set a password to protect the settings.

Password for the RouterOS web interface

When we went to the address 192.168.88.1, the control panel opened immediately. Anyone connected to the router via a Wi-Fi network or cable can log into it. To protect it, you need to set a password.

On the main page, in the lower right corner, in the "System" section, in the "Password" and "Confirm Password" fields, create and enter a password. Save the settings by clicking on "Apply Configuration".

You will be “kicked out” from the system. And to enter the settings again, you need to specify the password that you set. Username – admin. Now you will need to log in every time you log into RouterOS.

Try not to forget the password, otherwise you will have to reset your MikroTik router and configure everything again.

Afterword

I apologize in advance if I made a mistake somewhere in the instructions. There is no way to check everything for yourself. For example, connection via PPPoE, or PPTP. You need a provider that uses a specific protocol. The setup itself seemed even simpler to me than with popular manufacturers with a more friendly interface. I agree that setting up, for example, filtering by MAC addresses, blocking sites, speed limiting and other functions there will be quite difficult. We need to figure it out.

For a long time I could not understand how the RouterOS system itself works. And I understood. It works "cleanly". Yes, there are a lot of settings there. But everything quickly opens, is saved, deleted, etc. Nothing hangs, and does not reboot several times.

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