Outdoor wireless infrastructure
MikroTik Metal 52 ac in Dubai, UAE
A compact, metal-enclosed outdoor RouterOS device for software-selectable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz wireless deployments. The Metal 52 ac can be configured as an access point, backbone radio or CPE, with a Gigabit Ethernet interface and flexible external antenna options through its N-type connector.
Confirm before ordering
International model: RBMetalG-52SHPacn
Band is software selectable, not simultaneous
Passive PoE input: 10–30 V
Single wireless chain
Antenna and local channel plan must fit the project
802.11ac / Wi-Fi 5
2.4 GHz or 5 GHz
1 × Gigabit port
RouterOS Level 4
IP55 product specification
Direct answer for buyers
The MikroTik Metal 52 ac is an outdoor wireless RouterBOARD for projects that need a small, rugged and configurable radio rather than a conventional indoor access point. It is mainly used for outdoor access, point-to-point or point-to-multipoint links, remote-site connectivity and CPE deployments. It should be considered by IT teams, wireless integrators, service providers, facilities operators and businesses that are comfortable working with RouterOS or using qualified installation support. Before proceeding, confirm the correct international model, required operating band, antenna pattern, legal channel plan, expected link budget, passive PoE source, Ethernet cable route and whether a one-chain 433 Mbit/s radio is appropriate for the required application.
What the Metal 52 ac does
The device combines RouterOS, a high-power single-chain wireless interface, one Gigabit Ethernet port and an outdoor metal enclosure. The radio can be configured for either the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz band, allowing the same hardware platform to fit different frequency plans. It may operate as an access point, wireless bridge, station or CPE depending on configuration and network design.
Its N-male connector gives the installer control over antenna choice. The supplied omni antenna can support straightforward local coverage, while a suitable sector, panel or dish may be selected for a more focused link. Antenna selection must respect connector type, frequency support, local regulatory limits and the intended coverage geometry.
Who should consider it
The Metal 52 ac may fit organisations that need a compact outdoor radio mounted directly beside the antenna, reducing feeder-cable losses and simplifying pole installation. Typical buyers include system integrators, internet service providers, hospitality operators, logistics sites, industrial facilities, farms, construction projects, schools with detached buildings and businesses extending connectivity to gates, yards or remote offices.
It is less suitable where simultaneous dual-band service, multiple spatial streams, high-density user access, several Ethernet ports, 802.3af/at PoE or modern Wi-Fi 6 client capacity is required. In those cases, a different MikroTik outdoor platform should be assessed.
Business challenges this product can address
Connecting a detached location
A workshop, guard house, warehouse annex or remote office can be connected wirelessly when trenching fibre or copper is impractical. Link viability still depends on clear line of sight, distance, antenna gain, interference and local rules.
Outdoor local coverage
With a suitable omni or sector antenna, the device can provide outdoor access in yards, compounds or hospitality areas. User density and throughput expectations should be reviewed because it is a single-chain radio.
Flexible band planning
The same unit can be deployed on 2.4 GHz for compatibility or 5 GHz for wider channels and typically cleaner spectrum. Only one band operates at a time, so the choice must be made during configuration.
Compact pole installation
The weather-resistant metal enclosure and direct antenna connector support a compact mast arrangement. Correct grounding, cable strain relief, sealing, vertical orientation and surge protection remain part of a professional installation.
Core capability band
Selectable 2.4/5 GHz operation
The radio supports 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz and 802.11a/n/ac on 5 GHz, with channel widths up to 80 MHz where regulation and configuration permit.
RouterOS control
RouterOS enables bridging, routing, firewall rules, VLANs, queues, monitoring and wireless configuration. The practical feature set depends on design, software version and administrator expertise.
External antenna flexibility
The N-male connector allows the device to be paired with a compatible omni, sector, panel or dish antenna, subject to frequency, polarity, connector and regulatory requirements.
Outdoor mechanical format
The IP55-rated enclosure is designed for outdoor mounting. Installation quality remains critical to water resistance, cable integrity and long-term reliability.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor wireless bridge | A compact single-chain radio meets the target capacity. | Distance, Fresnel clearance, antennas, spectrum and mounting. |
| Outdoor access point | Coverage is modest and client density is controlled. | Antenna pattern, client mix, channel plan and expected throughput. |
| CPE deployment | RouterOS station modes match the upstream wireless design. | Protocol compatibility, authentication and antenna alignment. |
| Passive PoE site | A 10–30 V passive PoE source is available. | Do not assume a 48 V 802.3af/at switch is directly compatible. |
| High-capacity modern WLAN | Usually not the preferred fit. | Evaluate multi-chain Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 alternatives. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | MikroTik |
|---|---|
| Product name | Metal 52 ac |
| Product code | RBMetalG-52SHPacn (international version) |
| Product type | Outdoor AP, backbone radio or CPE |
| Architecture / CPU | MIPSBE, QCA9556, single core, 720 MHz |
| Memory / storage | 64 MB RAM, 16 MB flash |
| Operating system | RouterOS, Level 4 license |
| Wireless bands | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, software selectable |
| Wireless standards | 802.11a/n/ac and 802.11b/g/n |
| Maximum radio data rate | 433 Mbit/s, one wireless chain |
| Ethernet | 1 × 10/100/1000 Ethernet port |
| Antenna connection | N-male connector; angled adapter supplied |
| Included antenna | Dual-band omni antenna; manufacturer lists 6 dBi / 8 dBi included part |
| Power input | 10–30 V passive PoE |
| Maximum power consumption | 11 W |
| Dimensions | 215 × 60 × 38 mm |
| Tested ambient temperature | −40°C to 70°C |
| Ingress rating | IP55 on the current product specification page |
| Included parts | 24 V 0.8 A adapter, Gigabit PoE injector, omni antenna, angled N connector and mounting rings |
| UAE availability | Contact FourTeck for current options, quantity and lead time. |
Published wireless and Ethernet figures are manufacturer test or link-rate values, not guaranteed application throughput. Real performance varies with channel width, interference, protocol overhead, antenna system, distance, obstructions, RouterOS configuration, packet size and client capability.
Compatibility and dependency notice
The Metal 52 ac uses passive PoE in the 10–30 V range. A standard 48 V 802.3af/at switch should not be treated as directly compatible unless an approved voltage-conversion solution is included. The radio band is selected in software; it does not provide simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz service. Frequency availability is region dependent, and the international model must be configured with the correct country setting so RouterOS applies the appropriate regulatory limits. External antennas must support the chosen band, connector arrangement and deployment objective. The included omni antenna is useful for straightforward coverage, but it is not automatically the right choice for a long-distance bridge. For directional links, both ends should be engineered as a complete radio system.
From requirement to working link
Define the role
Decide whether the unit will operate as an outdoor AP, bridge endpoint, backbone radio or CPE.
Survey the site
Review distance, line of sight, Fresnel clearance, mounting height, power, cable path and interference.
Select the antenna
Match the antenna type, gain, beamwidth, polarity, connector and frequency to the coverage plan.
Build the bill of materials
Include radios, injectors, power supplies, outdoor cable, surge protection, grounding and mounting parts.
Configure and secure
Update RouterOS, set country, create strong credentials, configure VLANs, bridge or routing, and restrict management access.
Capability focus: radio flexibility without dual-band complexity
A key reason to consider the Metal 52 ac is its ability to operate in either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz using the same hardware. This can simplify procurement for integrators handling varied outdoor projects. The 2.4 GHz band may help with compatibility and propagation around light obstacles, while 5 GHz can offer wider channels and a broader selection of cleaner frequencies in some environments. The correct choice depends on the local spectrum survey, client capabilities, link distance, antenna system and applicable UAE regulations.
The flexibility should not be mistaken for simultaneous dual-band operation. A deployment that needs 2.4 GHz for legacy clients and 5 GHz for higher-capacity users at the same time will require another platform or separate radios. Likewise, a one-chain design cannot provide the spatial-stream capacity of 2×2 or 4×4 products. FourTeck can help compare this model with newer outdoor MikroTik radios when client count, aggregate throughput or long-term lifecycle objectives make an alternative more appropriate.
Capability focus: RouterOS control at the network edge
RouterOS is more than a simple access-point interface. Depending on the deployment, the Metal 52 ac can participate in VLAN-based segmentation, Layer 2 bridging, IP routing, firewall policy, DHCP services, traffic shaping, monitoring and remote management. This makes the device useful when the outdoor radio must also perform controlled network functions rather than merely convert Ethernet to wireless.
That flexibility also increases the importance of configuration quality. Default credentials must be replaced, management access should be restricted, unnecessary services should be disabled, and software should be maintained according to the organisation’s change-control policy. Complex firewall rules, queues and routing functions can reduce throughput compared with ideal test results. Buyers should therefore define whether the device is expected to behave primarily as a transparent bridge or as a routed edge node. For business-critical links, backup configuration, monitoring and recovery procedures should be included in the operational plan.
Capability focus: antenna choice and link engineering
The direct N-type connection is one of the Metal 52 ac’s most useful design features. Mounting the radio beside the antenna can reduce RF cable loss, which is particularly valuable at 5 GHz. An omni antenna radiates around the mounting point and may suit local access coverage. A sector antenna concentrates energy across a defined angle, while a panel or dish can support a focused point-to-point or CPE link. Higher antenna gain narrows the beam and increases alignment sensitivity; it does not automatically solve interference or obstruction problems.
A professional link plan considers transmit power, legal EIRP, antenna gain, cable and connector losses, receive sensitivity, fade margin, polarization, mounting stability and the Fresnel zone. In Dubai and across the UAE, rooftop heat, wind exposure, dust, cable UV resistance and grounding also deserve attention. FourTeck can help buyers assemble the requirement for a quotation, but final radio engineering may require a site survey and qualified installer.
Suitable business environments
Warehouses and logistics yards
Extend connectivity to loading areas, gate offices, temporary cabins or remote scanners where a wired route is difficult. Coverage and roaming requirements should be checked before using a single radio as a broad yard WLAN.
Hospitality and leisure sites
Connect pool areas, gardens, detached facilities or service buildings. Client density, guest isolation, captive portal design and weatherproof cabling should be included in the solution.
Industrial and utility compounds
Provide a managed wireless path to monitoring equipment, workshops or operational buildings. Electromagnetic noise, hazardous-area rules and redundancy requirements may call for specialised design.
Education and campus extensions
Link nearby buildings or outdoor service points without immediate trenching. Network segmentation, bandwidth control and safeguarding policies should be maintained across the wireless bridge.
Service-provider CPE
Use the device as a customer-side endpoint where the upstream wireless protocol and frequency plan are compatible. Antenna selection, installation repeatability and remote management are central to operational success.
Temporary project connectivity
Support construction cabins, events or temporary offices when a reusable outdoor radio is useful. Power safety, mast stability, interference and responsible spectrum use remain mandatory.
Operational and integration considerations
The Metal 52 ac should be treated as part of a wider network system. The upstream switch must provide the correct Ethernet and VLAN design, while the power source must match passive PoE requirements. Shielded outdoor-rated Cat6 cable is generally appropriate for the physical link, with surge protection and grounding selected according to the installation environment and local electrical practice. The device should be mounted vertically with the cable feed pointing down, and cable weight should not pull on the Ethernet port.
For a bridge, determine whether Spanning Tree, VLAN trunks, management VLANs or routing boundaries are required. For an access-point role, define SSIDs, authentication, client isolation, DHCP placement and bandwidth policies. For a CPE role, confirm the upstream AP’s wireless protocol, encryption method, channel width and MAC-level behaviour. Monitoring should cover signal strength, noise, CCQ, data rate, Ethernet errors, CPU load, temperature and voltage. A configuration backup and documented recovery method are recommended before the unit is installed in a difficult-to-access location.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quotation
Procurement checklist
✓ Exact international model RBMetalG-52SHPacn
✓ Required quantity and deployment sites
✓ Preferred radio band and channel-width policy
✓ Antenna type, gain, connector and mounting
✓ Passive PoE source and cable length
✓ Outdoor cable, grounding and surge protection
✓ Link distance and line-of-sight survey
✓ RouterOS configuration and security scope
✓ VLAN, bridge, routing or CPE requirements
✓ Installation, alignment and testing responsibility
✓ Spare-unit or redundancy expectation
✓ UAE availability, warranty and lead-time confirmation
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help translate a general outdoor-connectivity request into a clearer product and service requirement. Assistance may include confirming the correct international Metal 52 ac model, reviewing whether the one-chain architecture is suitable, identifying antenna and mounting needs, outlining passive PoE requirements, preparing a bill of materials and coordinating a quotation. Where configuration support is requested, the scope can cover initial RouterOS setup, management access, country settings, bridge or routing design, VLANs, wireless security and basic monitoring.
For projects that require higher throughput, simultaneous dual-band service, multiple chains, integrated directional antennas, fibre interfaces or 802.3af/at powering, FourTeck can also discuss suitable alternatives from the broader networking portfolio. Buyers can review additional business technology products, explore available installation and configuration services, or contact FourTeck with the project requirement.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik Metal 52 ac, as supply can depend on quantity, vendor lead time and the exact international variant. A useful request should include the number of units, intended band, antenna requirement, installation location, passive PoE plan and required configuration services. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the bill of materials is confirmed. Installation, mast work, antenna alignment, cable routing, grounding and RouterOS configuration should be identified separately in the quotation where required.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman coverage
FourTeck can coordinate enquiries from businesses in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman through one combined requirement-review process. Site conditions and service scope vary, so buyers should share whether the project needs supply only, remote configuration, onsite installation planning or a complete outdoor wireless assessment. Availability, delivery schedules and onsite coordination are confirmed case by case rather than assumed.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist GCC organisations evaluating the MikroTik Metal 52 ac for outdoor access, bridge or CPE deployments. The process can include requirement review, confirmation of the international model, antenna planning, passive PoE checks, quotation coordination, RouterOS configuration scope and regional delivery planning. Buyers in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman should provide the destination country, required quantity, intended wireless role, preferred band, antenna requirement and target deployment schedule. Product availability, permitted frequencies, vendor lead times, service visits and delivery arrangements can differ by country and project. No local inventory or fixed completion date should be assumed until the exact requirement is reviewed. For regional enquiries, buyers may also use the FourTeck Kuwait resource or submit a consolidated request through the main FourTeck contact channel.
Africa Availability
Organisations planning outdoor wireless links in Africa can contact FourTeck for product evaluation, model selection, accessory planning, configuration scope and procurement coordination. The Metal 52 ac may be considered for selected remote-building, service-provider, campus or operational-site applications, but the complete solution must account for destination-specific frequency rules, power conditions, mounting, cable standards, lightning protection, shipping arrangements and local installation capability. Availability may vary with the destination, quantity, antenna choice and vendor lead time. Buyers should share the country, exact site role, link distance, target throughput, required quantity and expected deployment window so the requirement can be assessed. FourTeck resources for African technology projects, Kenya enquiries and Uganda enquiries can support regional coordination without implying guaranteed local stock or country-wide onsite service.
Related products and services to evaluate
Directional antennas
Consider compatible panel or dish antennas for focused links. Frequency, gain, connector and legal EIRP must be confirmed.
Outdoor surge protection
Review Ethernet surge protection, grounding and shielded cabling for exposed rooftop or pole installations.
Higher-capacity MikroTik radios
Evaluate multi-chain or Wi-Fi 6 models when the expected throughput, client count or lifecycle requirement exceeds this platform.
Site survey and link planning
Use a survey to validate line of sight, interference, mounting height, cable route and antenna alignment before installation.
RouterOS configuration support
Define bridge, routing, VLAN, security, monitoring and remote-access requirements as a separate configuration scope.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
Outdoor wireless purchasing is rarely limited to selecting one radio. The antenna, power method, mounting hardware, cable path, surge protection, RouterOS design and local channel rules all affect the result. Businesses contact FourTeck to clarify these dependencies before ordering, compare the Metal 52 ac with suitable alternatives, prepare a realistic bill of materials and coordinate supply with configuration or installation support where required. This approach helps reduce common procurement errors such as buying the wrong regional model, assuming simultaneous dual-band operation, connecting the device to an incompatible PoE source or selecting an antenna that does not match the link geometry.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MikroTik Metal 52 ac a dual-band access point?
It supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, but the operating band is selected in software. It does not serve both bands simultaneously.
What is the exact international model number?
The international product code is RBMetalG-52SHPacn. Buyers should avoid assuming the US-locked variant is suitable for UAE deployment.
Does it include an antenna?
Yes. MikroTik lists a dual-band omni antenna among the included parts. A different compatible antenna may be required for directional or specialised coverage.
Can it be powered from any PoE switch?
No. The device accepts 10–30 V passive PoE. Standard 48 V 802.3af/at power should not be connected unless a suitable conversion arrangement is confirmed.
Can it be used for a point-to-point bridge?
Yes, when configured appropriately and paired with suitable antennas. Link distance, line of sight, interference, legal EIRP and target throughput must be engineered.
Is 433 Mbit/s the guaranteed network throughput?
No. It is the stated maximum wireless data rate. Real application throughput is lower and depends on channel conditions, protocol overhead, configuration and packet characteristics.
What RouterOS license is included?
The product specification lists RouterOS Level 4, which supports access-point use. The operating system is preinstalled and licensed.
Is professional installation recommended?
Yes for rooftop, pole or directional-link work. Correct mounting, grounding, sealing, cable strain relief, antenna alignment and safe access are important.
What details are needed for an accurate quote?
Provide quantity, site role, band, distance, antenna type, mounting location, PoE source, installation scope, configuration needs and destination.
How can I confirm UAE availability?
Contact FourTeck with the exact model and quantity. Availability, lead time, warranty guidance and delivery coordination will be confirmed for the specific request.
Plan the complete outdoor wireless requirement
Share the link distance, deployment role, antenna requirement, quantity and configuration scope so FourTeck can help confirm the correct bill of materials and current UAE availability.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.