MikroTik LDF 5 5GHz 9dBi Lite Dish Feed Outdoor CPE Point-to-Point

The MikroTik LDF 5 takes a creative approach to long-distance outdoor wireless: rather than integrating a large parabolic reflector directly into the product, the unit is designed to clip into the existing mount of a standard offset satellite TV dish, using the dish itself as a passive reflector to dramatically amplify the radio signal. This approach allows users to leverage widely available and affordable satellite dishes to create high-gain 5GHz point-to-point links at a fraction of the cost of a traditional dish-integrated wireless unit.

Concept & Antenna Performance

The LDF 5 has a built-in 9 dBi antenna, which operates as the feed element for the offset dish. When installed in a satellite dish of up to 100 cm in diameter, the combined system can deliver antenna amplification of up to 33 dBi — significantly extending achievable link distances. This makes the LDF 5 particularly attractive for long-distance point-to-point and point-to-multipoint backbone links where high gain is required but budget is a constraint.

Wireless Performance

The LDF 5 uses the AR9344 wireless chip to deliver dual-chain 5GHz 802.11a/n (Wi-Fi 4) connectivity with a maximum wireless data rate of 300 Mbit/s. Receive sensitivity ranges from -96 dBm at 6 Mbit/s to -75 dBm at MCS7, supporting reliable operation over long distances and in challenging signal environments. The international version (RBLDF-5nD) supports the 5150–5875 MHz frequency range, while the US version (LDF 5 US) is factory-locked to 5170–5250 MHz and 5725–5835 MHz.

Processing & Storage

The unit is powered by an AR9344 processor running at 600 MHz on the MIPSBE architecture, with 64 MB of RAM and 16 MB of FLASH storage. RouterOS comes pre-installed and licensed — no additional software purchase is needed. RouterOS provides a comprehensive networking feature set including routing, bridging, firewall, QoS, VPN, and wireless management, accessible via WinBox, WebFig, or CLI.

Ethernet & Powering

A single 10/100 Fast Ethernet port handles data and power input. The LDF 5 accepts passive PoE in the 10–30 V range, with a maximum power consumption of 6 W — making it efficient and suitable for remote installations. Passive cooling ensures silent, maintenance-free operation in outdoor environments.

Build & Installation

The LDF 5 is housed in a compact enclosure measuring 84 × 84 × 115 mm, rated IP54 for outdoor use and tested across an ambient temperature range of -40°C to 70°C. MTBF is approximately 100,000 hours at 25°C. The unit is designed to mount directly into the LNB holder of a standard offset satellite dish — no special adapter is required for typical installations. The package includes a 24V 0.38A power adapter and a PoE injector.

Use Cases

The LDF 5 is ideal for long-distance 5GHz point-to-point links where an existing satellite dish can be repurposed, budget-conscious WISP backbone deployments, remote CPE installations requiring high-gain directional connectivity, and any scenario where achieving maximum link distance at minimum cost is the priority.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Product Code: RBLDF-5nD
• Wireless Standard: 802.11a/n (Wi-Fi 4), 5GHz dual-chain
• Max Wireless Data Rate: 300 Mbit/s
• Built-in Antenna Gain: 9 dBi
• Max System Gain (with dish): Up to 33 dBi (with dish up to 100 cm diameter)
• Frequency Range: 5150–5875 MHz (International); 5170–5250 MHz & 5725–5835 MHz (US)
• Ethernet Ports: 1x 10/100 Fast Ethernet (PoE-In)
• PoE Input: Passive PoE, 10–30 V
• CPU: AR9344, 600 MHz, MIPSBE architecture
• RAM: 64 MB
• Storage: 16 MB FLASH
• Operating System: RouterOS (pre-installed and licensed)
• Max Power Consumption: 6 W
• Weather Rating: IP54
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 70°C
• Dimensions: 84 × 84 × 115 mm
• Cooling: Passive
• MTBF: ~100,000 hours at 25°C
• Certifications: CE, FCC, IC, EAC, RoHS
• Included: 24V 0.38A power adapter, PoE injector