Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
CLI reference:/interface/wifi/interface/wireless/system/package
This section covers MikroTik 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) ARM-based devices. These products are special: the same hardware can be configured through either of two RouterOS menus, depending on which driver package is installed. Pick the one that matches the features you need.
wifi-qcom-ac drivers are very resource-heavy. We suggest using our WiFi 5 (802.11ac) devices with their original wireless drivers as they are lightweight.
Two ways to run an 802.11ac device
| If you need… | Install package | Configure under | Documentation |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPA3, fast roaming (802.11r), the new CAPsMAN | routeros + wifi-qcom-ac | /interface/wifi | Wi-Fi 6 / 7 (802.11ax/be) — the /interface/wifi menu is shared |
| Nstreme, Nv2, WDS, HWMP+ mesh, the old CAPsMAN | routeros + wireless | /interface/wireless | 802.11 a/b/g/n — the /interface/wireless menu is shared |
You cannot use both packages at the same time on the built-in radios — see Replacing the 'wireless' package for how to switch.
The new /interface/wifi menu manages Wi-Fi 5 wave2 and newer interfaces, so 802.11ac devices running wifi-qcom-ac use exactly the same configuration as the 802.11ax/be devices documented under Wi-Fi 6 / 7 (802.11ax/be). This section therefore links to that reference rather than duplicating it.
Devices with a choice of driver
The following 802.11ac ARM models can run either wifi-qcom-ac (new /interface/wifi menu) or wireless (legacy /interface/wireless menu):
Audience, Audience LTE kit, Chateau (all variants of D53), hAP ac², hAP ac³, cAP ac, cAP XL ac, LDF 5 ac, LHG XL 5 ac, LHG XL 52 ac, NetMetal ac², mANTBox 52 15s, wAP ac (RBwAPG-5HacD2HnD), SXTsq 5 ac
The wifi-qcom-ac driver upgrade is primarily meant for indoor devices. Even though it can also be installed on our outdoor models (LDF 5 ac, LHG XL 5 ac, LHG XL 52 ac, NetMetal ac², mANTBox 52 15s, SXTsq 5 ac), wifi-qcom-ac is not tailored for outdoor usage. This is primarily because the drivers do not support the distance setting, which is required for links longer than 2 km. We therefore recommend using the wireless drivers on all our outdoor boards.
For choosing packages by device type and CAPsMAN scenario, see the decision tables on the Wireless overview.