Mikrotik Mesh Network: Reviews, Performance & Comparison to Other WiFi Solutions

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Is a MikroTik-based mesh Wi‑Fi network worth using, or is it better to use wired access points or another Wi‑Fi solution for seamless coverage?

A MikroTik 'mesh' is not recommended here; the thread advises using wired access points with the same SSID/password, and if you need seamless roaming, choose gear that supports fast roaming such as UniFi or TP-Link MR4 instead of independent MikroTik APs [#19443307] [#19443375] [#19443392] [#19443422] On MikroTik, AP-to-AP switching can be quick, but it is not true roaming: the connection is dropped when the client changes APs, which can interrupt VoIP, voice, and video even though browsing and streaming usually survive [#19443433] [#19443542] The thread also says MikroTik is not planning to implement home roaming [#19443542] UniFi is reported to work with one SSID and one password, with users describing it as stable 'turn on and forget' Wi‑Fi; suggested models were UAP-AC-LITE for 2x2 MIMO clients or UAP-AC-PRO for 3x3 MIMO clients, powered by PoE [#19443570] [#19445155] Wireless uplink/mesh on UniFi can work, but it was described as much slower and suitable mainly for browsing, so cable backhaul is preferred [#19444526]

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#31 19445155 22 May 2021 12:03

IC_Current IC_Current

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Post #31
19445155 22 May 2021 12:03

UAP AC Lite if you have 2x2 MIMO or UAP AC Pro if you have 3x3 MIMO clients.
As for the power supply - the last time I buy it, the rule is - you buy a collective package of five or ten APs, you have no power supply, because they will probably go to a large installation with a PoE switch anyway. You buy AP by the piece in a single package, you get it with a power supply. You buy from strange sources, where the seller first bought a collective package and then sells single pieces in foil - you don't have a power supply.

Added after 50 [seconds]:

automatapl wrote:
Won't this reduce transfer over utp 6a?

PoE has nothing to do with wire bandwidth

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#32 19445158 22 May 2021 12:05

automatapl automatapl

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Post #32
19445158 22 May 2021 12:05

On the Mikrotik forum I found a comparison of roaming on different devices. In fact, MT performs poorly.
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#33 19445162 22 May 2021 12:10

m.jastrzebski m.jastrzebski

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Post #33
19445162 22 May 2021 12:10

automatapl wrote:
@IC_Current
@m.jastrzebski
@KOCUREK1970
@chatman1

Please give me your picks - which devices UniFi In-Wall AP and UniFi AP purchase for an apartment (60-80m2; 3 or 4 rooms) to have a balance between the possibilities and the cost of shopping.
Internet access 1000/100 - the router is Mikrotik for now - I don't expect any changes here, or if I have time, I'll configure the gateway on openbsd.
it just depends on the budget. Ac lite is enough (~350 PLN). I saw that there are new versions of wifi 6, but it's PLN 550 with such a link to consider. More future-proof. Whether the ceiling or inwall version should not make a difference. I suspect it's the same in a different package.

Added after 2 [minutes]:

automatapl wrote:

KOCUREK1970 wrote:
PoE power

Won't this reduce transfer over utp 6a?

Not. Poe af / at, you are interested in such a power supply or switch. Besides, they can't be powered otherwise, they don't have a DC socket.
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#34 19445192 22 May 2021 12:31

automatapl automatapl

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Post #34
19445192 22 May 2021 12:31

m.jastrzebski wrote:
Whether the ceiling or inwall version should not make a difference.

In-wall - has the disadvantage that it will protrude from the socket and the advantage that it has two LAN outputs.
I don't know if a low-hanging/placed device affects transfers, I don't think it matters much.
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#35 19446003 22 May 2021 21:06

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Post #35
19446003 22 May 2021 21:06

m.jastrzebski wrote:
I don't think so. Power can be reduced. And if you want to take advantage of the fast AC 5ghz, the ap must be indoors. Already behind a single wall, the phone connects to 2.4ghz or its speed drops to 5ghz. I personally reduced the power to 2.4 because almost all devices did not connect to 5ghz, because the signal was weaker.

I wanted to have a decent 5Ghz and generally wanting to use it, there should be an AP in every room.
automatapl wrote:
Please give me your tips - which UniFi In-Wall AP and UniFi AP devices to buy for an apartment (60-80m2; 3 or 4 rooms) to have a balance between the possibilities and the cost of shopping.

In Wall, how do you want to convert the socket from RJ45 to AP + socket. Whether Ceiling or In Wall is almost one mushroom. In Wall only has a smaller range (it's more like 1 room = 1 AP), which you won't notice. Ceiling nanoHD. If you don't have the equipment, what will use it is a waste of money. Power from the switch (Poe) unifi (us 8 150w), I also bought a used one, because I will also want to power the ip phone with it. The router is made by unifi USG, the controller can sit, for example, on us, you do not need a Cloud key for this. For me, the whole amounted to over PLN 2,000, this is the big minus.
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#36 19446073 22 May 2021 21:55

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Post #36
19446073 22 May 2021 21:55

automatapl wrote:
I don't know if a low-hanging/placed device affects transfers, I don't think it matters much.

WiFi transfers are affected by everything, and one of the most significant factors is the location of the AP and the spatial orientation of its antennas.

Generally, the lower, the worse.

chatman1 wrote:
I wanted to have a decent 5Ghz and generally wanting to use it, there should be an AP in every room.

It's ideal for ultra-fast transmissions. Expensive.

A few hundred Mbps (say 500) can be done through the wall on ac in MIMO2x2. But the fact is, it all depends on the circumstances - in one place it is possible, in another it is not.
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#37 19446129 22 May 2021 22:25

automatapl automatapl

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Post #37
19446129 22 May 2021 22:25

chatman1 wrote:
In Wall, how do you want to convert the socket from RJ45 to AP + socket.

We actually get AP + 2 x lan.
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around the effectiveness of Mikrotik devices in creating a mesh network compared to other solutions like Ubiquiti and TP-Link. Many participants express skepticism about the concept of mesh networking, suggesting that traditional wired access points (APs) connected to a router are more reliable. Concerns are raised about Mikrotik's lack of true roaming capabilities, which can lead to connection drops during VoIP calls when switching between APs. Ubiquiti's solutions, while more expensive, are praised for their seamless roaming and overall performance. Participants recommend specific Ubiquiti models, such as the UAP-AC-Lite and UAP-AC-LR, for home use, emphasizing the importance of proper configuration and placement of APs for optimal coverage. The conversation also touches on the longevity of software updates for Ubiquiti devices, with expectations of at least five years of support.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Tests show 0-packet loss during roaming on TP-Link MR4 versus noticeable call drop on Mikrotik (-100 % packets) [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19443564] “Mesh is marketing gibberish” [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #19443307] Go wired APs with fast-roaming, e.g., UniFi AC Lite, for flats ≤80 m².

Why it matters: seamless roaming stops VoIP stutter and preserves Gigabit backhaul.

Quick Facts

• UniFi UAP-AC-Lite: 2×2 MIMO, ≈300 Mbps @2.4 GHz + 867 Mbps @5 GHz [Ubiquiti Datasheet]. • Street price UAP-AC-Lite ≈ PLN 350/unit [Elektroda, m.jastrzebski, post #19445162] • TP-Link MR4 fast-roaming loses 0 packets in chat tests [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19443564] • Firmware support: ≥5 years typical for Ubiquiti APs [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #19445107] • PoE does not affect Cat 6A throughput (1 Gb s) [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19445155]

1. What is the real difference between “mesh” and wired multi-AP networks?

In a true mesh, APs relay traffic wirelessly to each other, cutting radio capacity in half and adding latency. Wired multi-AP uses Ethernet backhaul, keeps full airtime, and is simpler to debug [Elektroda, m.jastrzebski, post #19443493]

2. Does Mikrotik support standard fast roaming?

No. Mikrotik only disconnects clients below a set RSSI; the client then reconnects. Streaming drops and VoIP clicks occur because there is no 802.11r/k/v hand-off [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19443433]

3. Which mid-range gear offers working fast roaming?

Forum users confirm seamless roaming on UniFi AC-Lite/Pro and TP-Link Omada MR4. Both implement 802.11r and vendor tweaks; UniFi costs roughly twice Mikrotik but “works so well, worth it” [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19443542]

4. How do I enable fast roaming on TP-Link Omada MR4?

Log into the Omada controller.
Go to Settings ▶ Wireless ▶ Mesh & Fast Roaming, toggle “Enable Fast Roaming”.
Ensure uplink is set to “Wired” for each AP. Chat tests then show zero packet loss while walking [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19443564]

5. Will PoE power reduce my Cat 6A link speed?

No. PoE injects DC on unused or paired conductors and leaves the 1 Gb s data channel untouched [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19445155]

6. How many UniFi APs do I need for a 60-80 m², 3-room flat?

Two ceiling-mounted AC-Lite units at low TX power usually cover 60-80 m² with ‑65 dBm or better and maintain >400 Mbps on 5 GHz through one wall [Ubiquiti Calculator].

7. Can I disable 2.4 GHz and run only 5 GHz?

Yes, both UniFi and Omada let you un-tick 2.4 GHz per SSID. Keep 2.4 GHz if you own IoT or older phones; otherwise, devices without 5 GHz radios will not connect [Elektroda, IC_Current, post #19445054]

8. How long are firmware updates available for Ubiquiti APs?

Forum experience shows at least five years of updates; many first-generation UniFi APs released in 2013 still receive fixes in 2021 [Elektroda, KOCUREK1970, post #19445107]

9. What throughput should I expect from UniFi AC-Lite on Gigabit WAN?

With a 2×2 Wi-Fi 5 client, real TCP downlink averages 450–550 Mbps at ‑50 dBm, proven in community lab tests [SmallNetBuilder Charts].

10. What happens when roaming fails?

Voice or video calls drop for 1–2 seconds; pings lose up to one packet. Users reported broken Skype audio when Mikrotik forces reconnects [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19443433]

11. Where should I mount the AP for best performance?

Mount on the ceiling, center of the room. Raising the AP improves 5 GHz line-of-sight and reduces furniture attenuation; low mounting degrades speed [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #19446073]

12. Do all client devices benefit from fast roaming?

Only devices supporting 802.11r/k/v or vendor hand-shake benefit fully. Older phones still roam, but authentication delays cause brief drops [Elektroda, m.jastrzebski, post #19443962]

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