MikroTik SXT SA5 ac 5GHz 802.11ac 90° Sector Outdoor AP/CPE RouterOS L4

The MikroTik SXT SA5 ac is part of MikroTik's 802.11ac outdoor product lineup, bringing next-generation Wi-Fi 5 performance to sector-based wireless deployments. Whether deployed as a base station access point serving multiple clients across a 90° arc, or as a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) unit pointed toward a remote tower, the SXT SA5 ac delivers the throughput and flexibility demanded by modern wireless networks.

802.11ac Wireless Performance

The SXT SA5 ac is built around the QCA9892 5GHz wireless chip, supporting the full 802.11a/n/ac standard suite (Wi-Fi 5) with dual-chain operation and a maximum over-the-air data rate of 867 Mbit/s. The 256-QAM modulation and 80 MHz channel width capability of the 802.11ac standard allow significantly higher throughput compared to legacy 802.11a/n equipment. The integrated sector antenna provides a wide 90° beamwidth, making this unit particularly effective as a base-station AP serving client radios spread across a sector. Receive sensitivity ranges from -96 dBm at 6 Mbit/s through to -72 dBm at MCS9, providing robust link quality across varying distances and signal conditions.

The SXT SA5 ac is backwards compatible with existing 5GHz 802.11a/n infrastructure, allowing it to replace legacy access points without requiring a full network overhaul.

The international version (RBSXTG-5HPacD-SAr2) supports the 5150–5875 MHz frequency range, while the US variant (RBSXTG-5HPacD-SAr2-US) is factory-locked to the FCC-permitted 5170–5250 MHz and 5725–5835 MHz sub-bands.

Processing & Storage

The unit is powered by a QCA9557 processor running at 720 MHz on the MIPSBE architecture, paired with 128 MB of RAM and 128 MB of NAND flash storage — a notably larger storage capacity than many comparable outdoor units. The device ships with RouterOS pre-installed and licensed at Level 4, covering the full range of RouterOS features available at that tier, including advanced routing, firewall, QoS, VPN, and wireless management. No separate operating system purchase is required.

Ethernet & Powering

The SXT SA5 ac includes a single Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000) port, which also serves as the PoE input. It accepts passive or 802.3af/at PoE input across a 12–57 V range, with a maximum power consumption of 12 W. The unit is passively cooled with no moving parts, contributing to long-term reliability in outdoor deployments. MTBF is rated at approximately 200,000 hours at 25°C.

Peripherals & Monitoring

A USB Type-A port with USB Power Reset support is included, providing an option for attaching USB modems or storage. On-board diagnostics include a PCB temperature monitor, voltage monitor, and a beeper for audible alerts or alignment assistance during installation.

Build & Installation

The SXT SA5 ac is housed in an IP54-rated outdoor enclosure, tested across a wide ambient temperature range of -40°C to 70°C. The package includes a 24V 0.8A power adapter, a metal mounting ring, a pole mounting bracket, and a Gigabit PoE injector — everything required for a straightforward pole installation. Passive cooling ensures the unit operates silently and without maintenance.

Use Cases

The SXT SA5 ac is well suited for wireless ISP (WISP) base station deployments, point-to-multipoint sector coverage, CPE installations at customer premises, and as an upgrade path for sites running legacy 5GHz 802.11a/n equipment. Its 90° beamwidth makes it a natural choice for sectorised tower installations where four units can provide full 360° coverage.

Key Specifications at a Glance

• Product Code: RBSXTG-5HPacD-SA
• Wireless Standard: 802.11a/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5), 5GHz dual-chain
• Max Wireless Data Rate: 867 Mbit/s
• Antenna: Integrated 90° sector
• Frequency Range: 5150–5875 MHz (International); 5170–5250 MHz & 5725–5835 MHz (US)
• Ethernet Ports: 1x 10/100/1000 Gigabit (PoE-In)
• PoE Input: 802.3af/at, 12–57 V
• CPU: QCA9557, 720 MHz, MIPSBE architecture
• RAM: 128 MB
• Storage: 128 MB NAND
• Operating System: RouterOS Level 4 (pre-installed and licensed)
• USB: 1x USB Type-A with Power Reset
• Max Power Consumption: 12 W
• Weather Rating: IP54
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 70°C
• Cooling: Passive
• MTBF: ~200,000 hours at 25°C
• Certifications: CE, FCC, IC, EAC, RoHS
• Included: 24V 0.8A power adapter, metal ring, pole mounting bracket, Gigabit PoE injector