In today’s demanding network environments, having a reliable outdoor wireless solution isn’t just a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working on remote surveillance, rural connectivity, or setting up point-to-point links, you need hardware that can withstand the elements and deliver stable performance. That’s where the MikroTik BaseBox 5 comes into play. Known for its high durability and performance, the MikroTik RB912UAG-5HPND-OUT is a powerful and flexible wireless router designed for outdoor deployments that need both range and stability.
What is MikroTik BaseBox 5 and Why It Stands Out
The MikroTik BaseBox 5, model RB912UAG-5HPND-OUT, is an outdoor wireless system based on MikroTik’s RB912 series. Built on a solid foundation of the RB912UAG board, it comes enclosed in a robust and weatherproof case, making it ideal for outdoor installations. It supports a 5GHz radio with high output power, Gigabit Ethernet, a USB port, and miniPCIe slot for additional 3G/4G modems or wireless cards. This gives the device an impressive range of customization and expandability.
As part of MikroTik’s BaseBox series, it’s designed for integrators and engineers who require a powerful board combined with rugged hardware. You get the flexibility of using various antennas with standard RP-SMA connectors and come equipped with a waterproof cable connector, mounting loops, and a grounding cable.
Key Features of MikroTik RB912UAG-5HPND-OUT
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the BaseBox 5 an ideal choice for outdoor wireless connectivity:
- High Output Power: The unit includes a built-in 5GHz 802.11a/n radio with output power up to 30dBm, ensuring long-range point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication.
- Gigabit Ethernet Port: Equipped with a Gigabit Ethernet port, it allows maximum throughput and is perfect for high-speed applications, ensuring there’s no bottleneck on the wired side.
- Expansion via miniPCIe and USB: You can add a 3G/4G modem or a second wireless card through the miniPCIe slot, and connect storage or other devices using the USB 2.0 port.
- Rugged Outdoor Design: Encased in a durable, weatherproof housing, it’s built to survive tough weather conditions. Whether you mount it on a tower or rooftop, it keeps delivering.
- RouterOS Level 4 License: The BaseBox 5 ships with RouterOS Level 4, giving you advanced routing, firewall, hotspot, and wireless access point functionality right out of the box.
Top Benefits of MikroTik BaseBox 5
- Versatility in Outdoor Environments: Thanks to its rugged housing, high power radio, and support for long-distance antennas, it’s perfect for wide-area wireless coverage or bridging.
- Expandable Functionality: The additional miniPCIe and USB ports give integrators the ability to customize deployments based on different use-cases, from backup links to multi-radio applications.
- Reliable Performance: With a strong processor and Gigabit Ethernet, the RB912UAG-5HPND-OUT ensures stable, high-throughput wireless communication, even under heavy load.
- Value for Money: Given its capabilities and robust hardware, the Best Price BaseBox 5 tag is no exaggeration — it’s one of the most cost-effective outdoor wireless routers on the market.
Use Cases: Where BaseBox 5 Excels
- Point-to-Point Links – Perfect for establishing high-throughput wireless bridges between two distant locations.
- Outdoor Access Points – Use it as a base station with sector antennas to cover large outdoor spaces.
- Surveillance Systems – Ideal for connecting IP cameras over long distances without digging trenches or laying cables.
- Wireless ISPs – Great for WISPs looking to deliver last-mile connectivity in rural or semi-urban areas.
- Disaster Recovery Networks – Quick to deploy and reliable, making it ideal for temporary installations.
Two Practical Use Case Scenarios
1. Smart Agriculture Connectivity
In large farms and agricultural setups, laying cable isn’t practical. With the BaseBox 5, you can connect sensors, cameras, and control stations wirelessly across wide areas. Its durability ensures it works through dust, rain, and high temperatures without issue.
2. Temporary Event Networks
Whether it’s a festival or a construction site, the BaseBox 5 allows you to quickly deploy reliable Wi-Fi coverage or backhaul links without needing permanent infrastructure.
Comparison with Similar MikroTik Products
Feature | BaseBox 5 | NetMetal 5 | NetBox 5 | LHG 5 ac |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wireless Band | 5GHz | 5GHz | 5GHz | 5GHz |
Wireless Standard | 802.11a/n | 802.11a/n/ac | 802.11a/n | 802.11a/n/ac |
Antenna Included | No | No | No | Yes (Integrated Dish) |
RouterOS License | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 3 |
USB Port | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Gigabit Ethernet | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
miniPCIe Slot | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Outdoor Rating | IP54 | IP66 | IP65 | Integrated |
Customization | High | High | Medium | Low |
Price Range | Mid | High | Mid | Budget |
The BaseBox 5 stands out for its balance of flexibility, customization, and price — making it a great middle-ground solution.
Technical Specifications
Specification | Details |
---|---|
Product Code | RB912UAG-5HPnD-OUT |
Architecture | MIPSBE |
CPU | AR9342 |
CPU Core Count | 1 |
CPU Frequency | 600 MHz |
RAM Size | 64 MB |
Storage | 128 MB NAND |
Wireless Band | 5 GHz |
Wireless Standards | 802.11a/n |
Antenna Connectors | 2x RP-SMA |
Ethernet Port | 1x Gigabit Ethernet |
USB Port | 1x USB 2.0 |
miniPCIe Slot | 1 |
Power Input | 8-30V Passive PoE or DC Jack |
Max Power Consumption | 11.5 W |
License Level | RouterOS Level 4 |
Operating System | MikroTik RouterOS |
Operating Temp | -30°C to +70°C |
Dimensions | 246 x 135 x 50 mm |
Weight | 390 g |
Included | Pole mount, ground wire, waterproof Ethernet connector |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the wireless range of the MikroTik BaseBox 5?
It depends on the antenna used, but with a good directional antenna, it can achieve several kilometers of range.
2. Can I use this device indoors?
Technically yes, but it is optimized for outdoor use with its weatherproof housing and mounting kit.
3. Is the BaseBox 5 compatible with 802.11ac?
No, it supports 802.11a/n. If you need ac, consider the NetMetal or LHG 5 ac series.
4. Does it come with an antenna?
No, you need to purchase a compatible 5GHz antenna separately.
5. Can I add a SIM card for LTE connectivity?
Not directly, but you can add a 3G/4G modem via the miniPCIe slot.
6. What’s the power input requirement?
It supports passive PoE or DC input between 8V and 30V.
7. Is RouterOS pre-installed?
Yes, it comes with RouterOS and Level 4 license pre-installed.
8. What are the mounting options?
Pole mounting is supported by default. It includes mounting loops and grounding wire.
9. Can I use it as an Access Point?
Absolutely. With RouterOS Level 4, it can serve as a full-featured wireless access point.
Jack Murphy –
Quite happy with the features and it works just as described