MikroTik GrooveA 52 ac 2.4/5GHz Outdoor AP CPE with Omni Antenna

The MikroTik GrooveA 52 ac is the AP variant of the popular Groove outdoor wireless series, combining dual-band 802.11ac Wi-Fi with a ruggedised weatherproof form factor. Its compact cylindrical housing conceals a capable wireless router, making it an exceptionally flexible unit that can serve as a standalone access point, a client CPE, or a wireless backbone node — all configurable through MikroTik RouterOS.

Dual-Band 802.11ac Wireless

The GrooveA 52 ac is built around the QCA9889 dual-band wireless chip, supporting 802.11b/g/n on 2.4GHz and 802.11a/n/ac on 5GHz — classified as Wi-Fi 5. It operates as a single-chain radio with a maximum data rate of 433 Mbit/s. On 2.4GHz, receive sensitivity ranges from -97 dBm at 1 Mbit/s to -72 dBm at MCS7. On 5GHz, sensitivity spans -93 dBm at 6 Mbit/s down to -69 dBm at MCS9, supporting solid link quality across varying conditions and distances.

The unit includes an N-male RF connector, allowing the user to connect an external antenna in place of the included omni when directional or higher-gain coverage is required. This makes the GrooveA 52 ac particularly adaptable across a wide range of deployment scenarios.

The international version (RBGrooveGA-52HPacn) supports 2412–2484 MHz and 5150–5875 MHz, while the US variant is factory-locked to 2412–2462 MHz, 5170–5250 MHz, and 5725–5835 MHz.

Processing & Storage

The device is powered by a QCA9556 processor at 720 MHz on the MIPSBE architecture, with 64 MB of RAM and 16 MB of FLASH storage. RouterOS is pre-installed and licensed at Level 4, providing the full RouterOS feature set at that tier — including routing, bridging, firewall, QoS, VPN, and wireless management — with no additional software purchase required.

Ethernet & Powering

A single 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet port handles data and power. The GrooveA 52 ac is powered exclusively via passive PoE on this port, accepting 10–30 V input. Maximum power consumption is a very low 5 W, making it efficient for remote or solar-powered installations. Passive cooling ensures silent, maintenance-free operation.

Monitoring & Diagnostics

On-board diagnostics include a PCB temperature monitor, voltage monitor, and a beeper, supporting health monitoring and alignment assistance during installation without additional tools.

Build & Installation

The GrooveA 52 ac is rated IP55 — a step above many comparable units — providing enhanced protection against dust ingress and water jets. It is tested across an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C, making it suitable for a wide range of outdoor environments. Its compact dimensions of 177 × 44 × 44 mm and light form factor make it easy to mount in locations where larger units would be impractical. MTBF is rated at approximately 100,000 hours at 25°C. The package includes a 24V 0.38A power adapter, a Gigabit PoE injector, a 6 dBi/8 dBi dual-band omni antenna, and a metal mounting ring.

Use Cases

The GrooveA 52 ac is well suited for outdoor access point deployments, CPE installations at customer or remote sites, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint wireless backbone links, and any application requiring a compact, dual-band outdoor wireless unit with the power of RouterOS. Its N-male connector and compatibility with external antennas make it highly adaptable for specialised link requirements.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Product Code: RBGrooveGA-52HPacn
• Wireless Standards: 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz) / 802.11a/n/ac (5GHz) — Wi-Fi 5
• Max Wireless Data Rate: 433 Mbit/s
• Antenna: Included 6 dBi/8 dBi dual-band omni; N-male connector for external antenna
• Frequency Range: 2412–2484 MHz & 5150–5875 MHz (International); 2412–2462 MHz, 5170–5250 MHz & 5725–5835 MHz (US)
• Ethernet Ports: 1x 10/100/1000 Gigabit (PoE-In)
• PoE Input: Passive PoE, 10–30 V
• CPU: QCA9556, 720 MHz, MIPSBE architecture
• RAM: 64 MB
• Storage: 16 MB FLASH
• Operating System: RouterOS Level 4 (pre-installed and licensed)
• Max Power Consumption: 5 W
• Weather Rating: IP55
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 70°C
• Dimensions: 177 × 44 × 44 mm
• Cooling: Passive
• MTBF: ~100,000 hours at 25°C
• Certifications: CE, FCC, IC, EAC, RoHS
• Included: 24V 0.38A power adapter, Gigabit PoE injector, 6 dBi/8 dBi omni antenna, metal ring