The power of MikroTik in your pocket!
The MikroTik mAP and mAP Lite are compact wireless access points designed for versatility, portability, and the full feature set of MikroTik’s RouterOS. These devices cater to network professionals, travelers, and even vehicular networking setups due to their portability and flexibility in power and functionality.
Here’s a detailed comparison of both models, focusing on their features and suitability for specific use cases:
MikroTik mAP
Product Page: MikroTik mAP (RBmAP2nD)
Key Features:
- Size and Design:
- Compact form factor (size: 68x68x19mm) makes it pocket-friendly.
- Magnetic base for easy mounting on metallic surfaces, ideal for vehicles or temporary setups.
- Power Options:
- Powered by a micro USB port, making it compatible with power banks, car chargers, or USB wall adapters.
- Supports passive PoE (Power over Ethernet), allowing flexible power sourcing.
- Connectivity:
- 2 Ethernet ports, with one capable of PoE output to power another device.
- Wireless 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n support for Wi-Fi connectivity.
- RouterOS Features:
- Supports all RouterOS Level 4 capabilities, including:
- Routing, VPN, DHCP/DNS services, firewall, bandwidth management, and more.
- Acts as a full-featured wireless access point.
- Supports all RouterOS Level 4 capabilities, including:
Use Cases:
- Traveling: Ideal for creating a secure wireless network in hotels or public places. Its Ethernet port allows connecting to wired hotel networks to create a private Wi-Fi network.
- In-Vehicle Networking: The magnetic base and USB power make it perfect for vehicular setups like connecting passengers or IoT devices.
- Network Professionals: Its dual Ethernet ports and full RouterOS feature set are useful for testing and configuring networks.
MikroTik mAP Lite
Product Page: MikroTik mAP Lite (RBmAPL-2nD)
Key Features:
- Size and Design:
- Even smaller than the mAP (size: 48x49x11mm), making it ultra-portable.
- Lightweight but lacks the magnetic base.
- Power Options:
- Also powered via micro USB, offering compatibility with portable power sources.
- No PoE capability, limiting its power versatility.
- Connectivity:
- 1 Ethernet port, making it more limited in wired network configurations compared to the mAP.
- Wireless 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n support.
- RouterOS Features:
- Offers the same RouterOS Level 4 features as the mAP:
- Routing, VPN, wireless access point, DHCP/DNS server, etc.
- Compact yet capable of performing advanced network tasks.
- Offers the same RouterOS Level 4 features as the mAP:
Use Cases:
- Traveling: Perfect for a personal, portable access point, though limited by the lack of multiple Ethernet ports.
- Network Professionals: A highly portable option for carrying the full power of RouterOS in your pocket.
- Vehicular Networking: Usable but less ideal than the mAP due to no magnetic base and fewer connectivity options.
Comparison: mAP vs. mAP Lite
| Feature | MikroTik mAP | MikroTik mAP Lite |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Larger (68x68x19mm) | Smaller (48x49x11mm) |
| Weight | Heavier | Ultra-light |
| Ethernet Ports | 2 (1 PoE out) | 1 |
| Wireless | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | None | None |
| Power Options | Micro USB, PoE | Micro USB only |
| Magnetic Mounting | Yes | No |
| RouterOS Features | Full RouterOS Level 4 | Full RouterOS Level 4 |
Conclusion: Use Case Considerations
For Traveling:
Both devices are suitable for portable networking. The mAP is more versatile due to its additional Ethernet port, PoE capabilities, and magnetic base. The mAP Lite is ideal for ultra-light travel where minimal hardware is preferred.
In Vehicles:
The mAP excels with its magnetic base, allowing secure placement on metallic surfaces, and PoE functionality adds versatility for powering additional devices. The mAP Lite is less suited due to the lack of these features.
For Network Professionals:
Both devices offer the same powerful RouterOS feature set. The mAP is better for environments requiring wired network configurations, while the mAP Lite is perfect as an emergency device for diagnostics and setup due to its smaller size.
Final Note: While both devices provide full RouterOS functionality in compact forms, the choice between the mAP and mAP Lite will depend on whether the priority is portability or functionality. For those needing greater connectivity options, the mAP is the clear winner, while the mAP Lite is the ultimate lightweight alternative.
