The MikroTik hAP ax lite (L41G-2axD) is a surprisingly compact and stylish wireless router with support for IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a standards, a dual-core 800 MHz processor, RouterOS v7, Wi-Fi 6 support, and, interestingly, a USB Type-C port for power connection. In this review, we will see how well all of the above is combined with each other and what else is interesting about the new product.
The box
But let’s take things one step at a time. The user will receive the product in a small cardboard box made from recycled materials. As for the packaging design, the manufacturer is still committed to simplicity and restraint, preferring recycled materials rather than flashy packaging decorative elements. Among the most interesting “things”, we noticed a sticker on one of the side walls with various technical data on it. Details are below.
Data from the box walls
And, in fact, an illustration of the sticker mentioned in the previous section. Additional comments, in my opinion, are superfluous.
The scope of delivery
The product package includes three “things”: the device itself – the MikroTik hAP ax lite router (L41G-2axD), a power adapter, and, in fact, a short user manual in several languages. There is no Ethernet cable. Is this a disadvantage? It is rather a remark. In most cases, you will not need to use it at the stage of building a network. However, exceptions are also possible, so if you decide to buy L41G-2axD, pay attention.
Key technical characteristics of MikroTik hAP ax lite
- The connection standard is IEEE 802.11ax/ac/n/a;
- The connection speed is 1000 Mbps;
- The interface for connecting to a local network/computer is Gigabit Ethernet;
- The number of LAN ports (RJ-45) is 4 pcs;
- The interface for connecting to the Internet (WAN) is Ethernet;
- Built-in switch;
- The number of WAN ports is 1 pc;
- The number of LAN ports is 3 pcs;
- The wireless communication standard is 802.11ax;
- WI-FI speed is up to 600 Mbps;
- WI-FI antennas are internal;
- The power supply is 220V;
- The voltage is 5 V;
- Weight – 476 g.
Materials used in the case
But let’s go further. The MikroTik hAP ax lite (L41G-2axD) case is a combination of mostly glossy plastic with a very small number of matte inserts. As for metal, which is also present, we are talking about the elements of Ethernet ports plus the edging of the TypeC port. That’s on the outside. As for the presence of metal parts inside the case, we will leave this issue for consideration in a separate section.
The L41G-2axD is a desktop router, and the shape of the product and the exquisite design of the model speak in favor of this. As for me, it’s a pity to hide this “baby” somewhere behind a cabinet or wall – it should be, as they say, in plain sight.
Impressions on the build quality
What you need to know about this item. First of all, the white part of the case is one solid piece of plastic, and given its noticeable thickness, there can be no questions about the build quality or the quality of the material itself.
The salad part is attached to the main body with special snaps – the characteristic gaps are easily visible on the panel below. How good is the build quality? Personally, I have no questions – the product feels monolithic and I did not notice even a slight example of “looseness” of parts, a characteristic smell of cheap plastic or other, let’s say, examples of the manufacturer’s desire to save money on the case. In this regard, the product looks great, and without discounts and conventions.
About the design
The model’s sophistication has already been mentioned above. In general, in my subjective opinion, we have one of the most interesting solutions from the design point of view, which will be beneficial to complement both the strict business interior of an office or even a company reception, and your room at home. It is characterized by a combination of calm and stylish colors, surprisingly compact dimensions and an elegant stand that is one with the body. Undoubtedly, this point should also be attributed to the strengths of the model.
Ergonomics
Let’s move on! On the side walls of the hAP ax lite (L41G-2axD), you can easily spot the MikroTik logos. There is a ventilation “array” in the front, top and bottom, through which air circulates. Of course, the system is cooled passively, that is, there are no fans inside. Personally, I liked the cooling quality – you won’t find anything to complain about in this regard.
On the top panel, it is easy to notice the MODE button – I personally liked this placement – it is convenient.
Behind it are four RJ-45 ports, three of which are WAN and one LAN or Internet – whoever prefers. The corresponding indication, of course, is also taken into account. Just below the ports there are two LEDs with pwr and usr signatures – it is easy to understand what we are talking about. Well, there are two more elements here – the Reset button and, in fact, the USB Type-C port for connecting power.
Finally, there is a small sticker on the bottom of the panel with various technical data, some of which we will return to when we talk about connecting and setting up the device for the first time later.
Wireless capabilities
- Wireless communication standards: 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n/ax.
- Antenna gain dBi for 2.4 GHz: 4.3.
- 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi generation 6.
- AX600 WiFi speed.
Hardware
“The “heart” of the system is a 2-core 800 MHz IPQ-5010 processor, which is accompanied by 256 MB of RAM and 128 MB of internal memory. The latter is used by service providers, for example, to update firmware.
The antennas are built-in with a dual amplification circuit of up to 4.3 dBi and a completely redesigned design.
First connection and basic settings
So, what is the procedure here? First, connect the power to the router and the corresponding cable to the port labeled “Internet”. Next, wait a minute for the router to start up.
After that, we find ours in the list of available networks and connect to it – the standard password is “find” on the bottom of the router, on the sticker mentioned above.
Next, open a browser and configure the router. The address is 192.168.8.1.
The first time you enter the page, you will be asked for your login and password – look at the same sticker.
Next, we recommend that you change the default password to your router with yours – everything is intuitively simple.
After that, we get to the quick setup page. If the system doesn’t “transfer” you, click the Quick Set button on the top right. Here you change the network name and password, select your country and some other settings.
Next, you reconnect through the list of available networks.
Features of the RouterOS v7 operating system
Implemented “under the hood,” RouterOS v7 has a lot of various networking improvements compared to the previous version, as well as file systems and hardware drivers. That’s why we decided to take a closer look at it.
So, what has changed in this particular version? First of all, IPv6 routing. Next, each protocol now has a separate process, full support for IPv6 recursive route, and support for Equal-Cost Multi-Path and Variable Refrigerant Flow for IPv6. Thanks to all of the above, all processes are now improved, and the time spent on their execution is much less.
The item that deserves special attention is BGP, or rather, the increase in its performance. In addition, there is support for RPKI, extended large and extended community filtering.
It’s also interesting that in RouterOS v7, OSPF is a separate process, which means no loss of communication when used with another protocol.
Another interesting thing is that the new version of this axis has the ability to include a protocol for accelerating and shaping network traffic flows in the system packet, and, in addition, we now have a completely new alternative to “wifiwave2” with support for 802.11ac Wave2, WPA3, and 802.11w control frame protection.
Testing
Below are the results of testing in the gigabit network of the BEST Internet provider. You can find the maximum official results in the corresponding table of characteristics above.
Expert opinion
MikroTik hAP ax lite (L41G-2axD) is a noteworthy model of a wireless router for an apartment, small house or office. The model has a great design, quick setup and stable connection, extensive OS features (which will undoubtedly interest a more advanced user), and good speeds.
The price of the model is 1600 UAH (USD 44).
