MikroTik RouterBOARD RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL (cAP XL) – Extended Ceiling Access Point

Description

MikroTik RouterBOARD RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL (cAP XL) – Extended Ceiling Access Point

The MikroTik RouterBOARD RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL, also known as the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL, is a premium ceiling-mounted wireless access point designed for larger, high-demand wireless networks. It builds on the design of MikroTik’s popular cAP ac model but offers increased power, range, and capacity to cater to more demanding environments. With advanced features and dual-band connectivity, the cAP XL is perfect for enterprise applications, educational institutions, hospitality, and large commercial spaces.

Key Features and Benefits

1. Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL supports dual-band Wi-Fi, delivering high-speed connectivity on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands.
  • The 2.4 GHz band offers better range and penetration through walls and obstacles, making it ideal for large buildings and expansive spaces.
  • The 5 GHz band delivers higher throughput, which is perfect for devices that require faster speeds, such as laptops, smartphones, and high-bandwidth applications.
• 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) provides faster data rates and better overall performance compared to older standards like 802.11n.

2. Higher Power and Enhanced Performance

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is equipped with more powerful hardware compared to its predecessor, supporting larger user densities and heavier network traffic.
• With improved signal strength and data throughput, it ensures that large areas can be covered with consistent performance, even in environments with high wireless demands.
• It is designed to support more simultaneous clients than standard access points, making it ideal for enterprise-grade wireless networks.

3. Ceiling-Mountable Design

• Like the rest of MikroTik’s cAP series, the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL features a discreet ceiling-mountable design. The device is ideal for commercial spaces where aesthetic appeal and unobtrusive installation are important.
• The ceiling mount ensures optimal wireless coverage by distributing the Wi-Fi signal evenly throughout the area, making it a great choice for open-plan offices, conference rooms, shopping malls, and more.

4. Power over Ethernet (PoE)

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL supports PoE (Power over Ethernet), which allows the device to be powered and connected to the network using a single Ethernet cable. This simplifies installation by eliminating the need for an additional power outlet.
• It supports 802.3af/at PoE standards, so you can power the device using a PoE injector or a PoE-enabled switch.

5. RouterOS Operating System

• Running on RouterOS, MikroTik’s feature-rich operating system, the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL offers robust networking features such as:
  • Advanced security: WPA2/WPA3 encryption, VPN support, and firewall settings.
  • VLAN support: Segment your network for improved traffic management.
  • QoS (Quality of Service): Optimizes performance by prioritizing certain types of traffic.
  • Hotspot system: Allows businesses to set up a guest Wi-Fi network with customizable login pages.
  • Traffic shaping and bandwidth management: Ensures optimal network performance by controlling bandwidth distribution.

6. High-Speed Ethernet and Gigabit Ports

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL comes with Gigabit Ethernet ports for high-speed connectivity. This ensures that the device can handle large amounts of network traffic without bottlenecks, supporting high-demand applications such as video streaming, VoIP calls, and heavy data transfers.

7. Extended Coverage and Improved Antennas

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL features external dual-band antennas (2x 2dBi) that offer improved wireless coverage, especially in larger areas.
• The advanced antenna design ensures that the cAP XL can cover larger areas than typical access points, providing reliable performance even in challenging environments.
• The 5 GHz band offers a higher throughput, while the 2.4 GHz band ensures better coverage through walls and obstacles.

8. Multi-Mode Operation

• The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is highly flexible, supporting various operating modes to suit different network requirements:
  • Access Point (AP) mode for providing wireless coverage.
  • Station (Client) mode to connect to an existing wireless network.
  • Bridge mode to extend a network by connecting two or more access points.
  • AP Bridge mode for creating a network bridge using multiple APs.
• These modes ensure that the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XLcan be used in various configurations, depending on the network setup.

9. Easy Setup and Management

• Like other MikroTik devices, the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is easily manageable through:
  • WinBox: A desktop management tool that offers an intuitive graphical user interface for configuring the device.
  • WebFig: A web-based graphical interface that can be accessed from any browser for quick setup and management.
  • Command Line Interface (CLI): For advanced users who prefer more control over the configuration.
• Zero-touch provisioning ensures that large deployments can be configured remotely with minimal setup.

Specifications

• Wireless Standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (Wi-Fi 5)
• Frequency Bands: Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Wi-Fi Speed:
  • 2.4 GHz: Up to 400 Mbps
  • 5 GHz: Up to 866 Mbps
• Antenna: Dual external antennas (2 x 2dBi)
• Ethernet Ports: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet port (RJ45)
• Power Input: 10-30V DC, powered via PoE (802.3af/at)
• Max Power Consumption: 9W
• Dimensions: 240mm x 240mm x 43mm
• Mounting: Ceiling mountable
• Operating System: RouterOS
• Security: WPA2, WPA3, 802.1X, VLAN support, firewall, VPN
• Software Features: QoS, Traffic Shaping, Hotspot, Advanced Security, VPN, VLANs
• Max Clients: High client density support
• Operating Temperature: -40°C to 70°C

Applications and Use Cases

1. Enterprise Environments:

   • The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is perfect for large office spaces, conference rooms, and other enterprise environments where high-speed, reliable wireless access is crucial. It supports a large number of concurrent users, making it ideal for high-density deployments.

2. Educational Institutions:

   • Universities, schools, and campuses can deploy the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL to provide seamless Wi-Fi coverage in classrooms, libraries, and lecture halls. With its PoE capabilities, it simplifies installations in areas where traditional power outlets are limited.

3. Retail and Hospitality:

   • Hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces can use the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL to deliver guest Wi-Fi services. Its advanced security features can help manage guest access and ensure the network is isolated from critical systems.

4. Public Venues:

   • The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is well-suited for public venues like airports, shopping malls, and exhibition centers. It ensures high coverage and performance, allowing for seamless wireless connections in large areas.

5. Home Networks:

   • In larger homes or multi-floor buildings, the RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL provides reliable coverage, ensuring that every part of the home gets fast and stable wireless access, even in the most challenging environments.

Installation and Setup

1. Mounting:

   • The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is designed to be ceiling-mounted. The included mounting bracket allows for easy installation in ceilings, ensuring optimal coverage. Alternatively, it can be mounted on walls or other elevated positions for better performance.

2. PoE Power:

   • The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is powered using PoE (802.3af/at), allowing for easy installation without the need for additional power outlets. This reduces the clutter of power cables and simplifies network setup.

3. RouterOS Configuration:

   • The RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL is configured via RouterOS, which can be accessed using WinBox, WebFig, or CLI for those who require more advanced configurations.
   • Zero-touch provisioning allows the device to be automatically configured upon connecting to the network, making it ideal for large-scale deployments.

Conclusion

The MikroTik RouterBOARD RBcAPGi-5acD2nD-XL (cAP XL) is a powerful ceiling-mounted wireless access point that delivers high performance and extended coverage for demanding environments. With its dual-band Wi-Fi, PoE support, RouterOS functionality, and enterprise-grade performance, the cAP XL is an excellent choice for businesses, educational institutions, and other high-density applications. Whether you’re setting up a large office network, expanding coverage in a commercial space, or managing a campus-wide network, the cAP XL ensures stable, reliable, and high-speed wireless access.

For more information or to purchase the MikroTik cAP XL, visit Radox Kenya or the MikroTik official website.