SXTsq 5 (High Power) and SXTsq 5 ac: SXT in a new format

The SXTsq family has replenished with two new devices - SXTsq 5 (RBSXTsq5HPnD) and SXTsq 5 ac (RBSXTsqG-5acD). Recall that the company previously announced SXTsq Lite5. This is a further development of the concept embedded in the SXT, but already in a thinner compact case.

SXTsq 5 High Power (article number RBSXTsq5HPnD), as the name suggests, is equipped with a high-power radio module, to be more precise - up to 28 dBm (630 mW). Higher power paired with a powerful 16 dBi antenna will allow you to achieve good performance at much greater distances (than Lite5).

The device is based on the long-familiar to us processor AR9344 architecture MIPSBE. This processor can rightly be called a veteran, while due to its once flagship positions, it still does not lose its relevance, especially against the backdrop of QCA9531 / 9533. One core with a frequency of 600 MHz is quite enough for the tasks for which it is designed - PtP links and work as a CPE.

 There is also a nice bonus - the 4th level of license, which means that the device can work in the access point (AP) mode and allows the connection of several clients.

SXTsq 5 ac (RBSXTsqG-5acD) does not visually differ from the previous news, while using a new hardware platform that supports 802.11ac standard.

RBSXTsqG-5acD is in fact an analog and replacement for SXT 5 ac. A device based on Qualcomm’s modern IPQ-4018 processor with support for the latest revision of the AC standard, 802.11ac Wave 2, has been implemented. The processor is equipped with 4 ARM Cortex A7 cores with a nominal frequency of 717 MHz.

As usual, they were stingy with permanent memory, only 16 MB, but there is a gigabit port and 256 MB of RAM. Unfortunately, Mikrotik did not implement the official 2.4 GHz, supported by the chip itself. All these nuances can be forgiven, given the recommended price tag of $ 55.

We draw your attention to the fact that in the new product RouterOS with a 3rd level of license is preinstalled, so this device can be used for PtP and CPE, AP mode is not supported.

Comparison: Wi-Fi access point MikroTik SXTsq 5 ac and Wi-Fi bridge MikroTik SXTsq Lite5. What to choose?