Outdoor wireless model selection for UAE projects
MikroTik Metal Series in Dubai, UAE
MikroTik Metal devices are compact outdoor wireless units built around RouterOS and a rugged metal enclosure. The series includes different generations and band options, so the right purchasing decision depends on the exact model, radio band, antenna design, Ethernet requirement, power arrangement, regulatory domain, and expected link role. FourTeck helps business buyers turn those variables into a clear model and bill of materials.
Plan before ordering
Confirm distance, frequency band, antenna pattern, PoE source, throughput target, mounting position, and model lifecycle status.
Direct answer for business buyers
The MikroTik Metal Series is an outdoor wireless product family intended for installations where a compact weather-resistant radio must connect to an external or directly attached antenna. Depending on the exact model, it may operate in 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, or a software-selectable band and may serve as an access point, customer-premises device, point-to-point radio, or wireless backbone endpoint. It is most relevant to integrators, IT teams, facility operators, hospitality groups, warehouses, compounds, and remote-site owners. Before proceeding, confirm the exact product code, lifecycle status, antenna gain and pattern, allowed frequencies, passive PoE voltage, Ethernet speed, expected throughput, mounting method, and RouterOS configuration requirements.
What the Metal family does
The family combines a RouterBOARD platform, RouterOS software, an outdoor metal enclosure, Ethernet connectivity, PoE input, and an N-type antenna connection in a narrow pole-friendly body. This architecture lets the buyer choose an antenna that matches the project instead of relying on one fixed integrated pattern. A suitable omni antenna may support broad local coverage, while a sector or directional antenna can be selected for focused coverage or a building-to-building link. The radio can be mounted close to the antenna, reducing the need for a long radio-frequency cable that would otherwise introduce signal loss.
The exact feature set differs by model. Metal 52 ac, for example, is a Wi-Fi 5 device with software-selectable 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz operation, one Gigabit Ethernet port, passive PoE input, RouterOS licence level 4, and an included dual-band omni antenna. Earlier Metal 2 and Metal 5 products use older wireless standards and Fast Ethernet, and MikroTik marks those older models as discontinued. Buyers should therefore avoid treating every Metal-branded unit as technically equivalent.
Who should consider it
A Metal device can be appropriate when the project needs a compact outdoor radio with flexible antenna choice and RouterOS control. Typical buyers include wireless internet operators, system integrators, industrial sites, schools, farms, construction teams, logistics facilities, resorts, workshops, and multi-building businesses. It can also suit temporary connectivity projects where a properly engineered link is required between locations.
It is not automatically the right choice for a modern high-capacity multi-client network, a dual-chain MIMO requirement, a managed enterprise Wi-Fi deployment, or a site that needs standard 48 V IEEE PoE without additional power planning. A single-chain radio has different capacity and resilience characteristics from newer dual-chain or multi-chain products. Where higher throughput, fibre uplink, LTE expansion, Wi-Fi 6, or stronger antenna integration is required, a NetMetal, LHG, SXT, NetBox, or another MikroTik outdoor platform may be more suitable.
Business challenges and practical responses
Outdoor radio placement
Mounting the radio near the antenna can reduce coaxial cable loss and simplify pole-side installation. Cable routing, earthing, weather sealing, surge protection, and service access still need planning.
Antenna mismatch
The N-male interface provides flexibility, but the antenna must match the band, connector, polarity, coverage pattern, gain, regulations, and physical mounting arrangement.
Power incompatibility
Metal models commonly use passive PoE in a low-voltage range. A standard PoE+ switch is not automatically compatible, so voltage and injector design must be verified.
Legacy model confusion
Older Metal 2 and Metal 5 units remain visible in technical references, but both are marked discontinued. Procurement should confirm the exact current option and replacement path.
Model-selection matrix
| Buyer need | Metal option to evaluate | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Selectable 2.4 or 5 GHz outdoor radio | Metal 52 ac | Only one band operates at a time; confirm local frequencies, antenna and capacity. |
| Modern Gigabit Ethernet connection | Metal 52 ac | Actual wireless throughput depends on channel, signal, protocol, interference and configuration. |
| Existing legacy 2.4 GHz installation | Metal 2 may appear in installed estates | Discontinued status, spares, Fast Ethernet and Wi-Fi 4 limitations. |
| Existing legacy 5 GHz link | Metal 5 may appear in installed estates | Discontinued status, compatibility, spectrum plan and replacement design. |
| Higher capacity, multiple chains or expansion | Consider another MikroTik outdoor family | Required throughput, antenna connectors, SFP, LTE, Wi-Fi generation and power system. |
Verified family information
The table below separates confirmed details rather than blending specifications from several models. The current purchasing conversation should normally begin with Metal 52 ac, while older Metal 2 and Metal 5 references are useful mainly for installed-base support and replacement planning.
| Field | Metal 52 ac | Metal 2 | Metal 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product code | RBMetalG-52SHPacn | RBMetal2SHPn | RBMetal5SHPn |
| Lifecycle guidance | Listed in MikroTik wireless products | Discontinued | Discontinued |
| Wireless band | 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz, software selectable | 2.4 GHz | 5 GHz |
| Wireless generation | Wi-Fi 5, single chain | Wi-Fi 4, single chain | Wi-Fi 4, single chain |
| Maximum radio data rate | 433 Mbit/s | 150 Mbit/s | 150 Mbit/s |
| Ethernet | 1 × 10/100/1000 | 1 × 10/100 | 1 × 10/100 |
| RouterOS licence | Level 4 | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| PoE input | Passive PoE, 10–30 V | Passive PoE, 10–30 V | Passive PoE, 10–30 V |
| Enclosure dimensions | 215 × 60 × 38 mm | 215 × 60 × 38 mm | 215 × 60 × 38 mm |
| Antenna interface | N-male; dual-band omni included | N-male; omni included | N-male; antenna selection required |
| Important note | Regional variants and permitted frequencies must be confirmed. | Use for replacement planning only unless availability is specifically confirmed. | Use for replacement planning only unless availability is specifically confirmed. |
Compatibility and dependency notice
A Metal device should not be ordered as an isolated radio without checking the full link design. The antenna, connector orientation, mounting bracket, mast diameter, grounding, surge protection, Ethernet cable, injector, power supply, switch, channel plan, RouterOS configuration, legal frequency range, and remote endpoint all affect whether the deployment will work as intended. Metal 52 ac uses passive PoE at 10–30 V. That differs from standard IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, or 802.3bt PoE commonly supplied by enterprise switches. A compatible injector or passive PoE source must therefore be selected deliberately. Frequency availability is also region dependent. International and country-locked variants are not interchangeable in every market, and national regulations can limit the channels that RouterOS permits.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Define the link role
State whether the device will provide local outdoor coverage, connect a remote client, form a point-to-point bridge, or replace an existing Metal unit. The role determines antenna pattern, RouterOS mode, mounting direction, and expected traffic.
Survey the site
Record distance, line of sight, obstruction height, mounting elevations, cable path, nearby radio use, wind exposure, heat, dust, moisture, access restrictions, and lightning risk. Photographs and coordinates improve design accuracy.
Select model and antenna
Choose the band, wireless generation, Ethernet speed, antenna gain, beamwidth, polarity, connector and mounting accessories. Confirm that the proposed radio is not a discontinued model unless it is being sourced for a managed replacement case.
Validate power and protection
Check passive PoE voltage, injector placement, cable length, cable quality, grounding, surge suppressors, weatherproofing and safe isolation. Never assume that a PoE-labelled switch is electrically compatible.
Configure and test
Apply RouterOS updates, secure administration, set the country and channel plan, configure bridge or routing behaviour, align antennas, validate signal quality, measure real throughput, and document the final settings.
Handover and maintain
Keep configuration backups, device identity, mounting records, IP addressing, credentials, firmware policy, spare strategy, and link performance baselines. Outdoor installations should be inspected periodically.
Capability focus: antenna flexibility
The strongest design advantage of the Metal format is the ability to place a compact radio directly at the antenna connection. A buyer can select an omni antenna for coverage around the mounting point, a sector antenna for a defined service area, or a directional antenna for a focused link. That flexibility is useful, but it transfers design responsibility to the project team. Higher antenna gain narrows the beam and increases alignment sensitivity. An omni antenna may simplify coverage but can also receive more interference from multiple directions. A directional panel, dish, or grid can improve link budget and interference rejection when correctly aimed, yet may be unsuitable for general client access. Connector compatibility and mechanical support must be checked as carefully as radio specifications.
The antenna should be chosen for the operating frequency and legal equivalent isotropically radiated power limits. It must also suit the local environment. Coastal air, rooftop heat, industrial dust, vibration, wind loading, and exposed cable joints all influence reliability. For a long link, a proper link budget should consider transmit power, antenna gain, free-space path loss, cable loss, connector loss, receiver sensitivity, fade margin, Fresnel-zone clearance, and interference. FourTeck can help translate the proposed distance and throughput into an antenna and radio discussion rather than relying on a simple range claim.
Capability focus: RouterOS control
RouterOS gives Metal devices more flexibility than a basic outdoor bridge. Depending on configuration and licence limits, the device can participate in bridging, routing, firewalling, bandwidth management, hotspot, VPN, monitoring and other network functions. The practical design should remain proportionate to the hardware. A small single-core outdoor radio should not be overloaded with complex filtering, encryption, queues and management tasks without testing. Maximum laboratory forwarding results are not the same as application throughput in a real wireless environment.
For maintainability, define a standard configuration template. Set device names, management addresses, time synchronisation, secure administrator accounts, restricted management services, logging, backup schedules, monitoring, wireless security and update policy. Disable services that are not required. Keep a copy of the exported configuration and binary backup, while understanding that a backup is normally tied to the hardware and software context. Where many radios are deployed, consistent naming and central monitoring can save more operational time than small differences in purchase price.
Capability focus: rugged compact deployment
The narrow metal enclosure supports pole-side placement and passive cooling. Metal 52 ac carries an IP55 rating, indicating protection against dust ingress sufficient to prevent harmful deposits and against water jets under defined test conditions. An IP rating does not remove the need for correct installation. Cable entries, connectors, mounting orientation, drip loops, grounding and enclosure integrity remain important. The device should be positioned so maintenance teams can reach it safely without compromising radio alignment.
Dubai and UAE outdoor installations can face high ambient temperatures, direct solar exposure, airborne dust and sudden moisture. MikroTik lists a tested ambient temperature range of -40°C to 70°C for the Metal 52 ac, but the finished installation must still account for heat absorbed from sunlight, enclosure positioning, cable ratings, power-supply location and ventilation around associated equipment. A device mounted on a rooftop mast may experience conditions that differ significantly from the official weather report at ground level.
Ideal environments and use cases
Building-to-building links
Connect two facilities where line of sight, spectrum, antenna gain and capacity are properly engineered.
Outdoor client access
Serve a remote gate, cabin, workshop, camera network or small operational point using an appropriate antenna.
Compound coverage
Provide controlled outdoor wireless coverage around yards, storage areas, farms or service zones after a site survey.
Legacy replacement review
Assess an installed Metal 2 or Metal 5 and determine whether repair, like-for-like replacement, reconfiguration or migration is sensible.
Integration and operational considerations
The radio is only one component of the deployment. Confirm how it will connect to the local switch, router, firewall, VLAN structure, monitoring platform, power system and remote endpoint. For a transparent bridge, decide whether spanning-tree behaviour, VLAN tags, management traffic and broadcast control are required. For a routed design, define addressing, DHCP, firewall rules, failover and upstream routing. If the link carries surveillance traffic, assess continuous bitrate, multicast behaviour, latency, packet loss and power resilience. If it supports guest or staff access, determine authentication, client isolation, bandwidth policy and cybersecurity controls.
Radio planning should consider the surrounding spectrum rather than selecting a channel solely because it is available in the interface. Channel width affects potential speed and interference exposure. A wider channel can increase the theoretical data rate but may be harder to use reliably in a busy band. Dynamic frequency selection rules may apply to parts of the 5 GHz range. Country and installation settings must reflect the actual deployment location. Regulatory compliance belongs in the project plan, not as an afterthought.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quote
State AP, CPE, point-to-point bridge, point-to-multipoint endpoint, backup link, or replacement device.
Share current spectrum conditions, regulatory requirements and whether 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz is preferred.
Provide endpoint coordinates, line-of-sight information and realistic application traffic, not only internet package speed.
Clarify whether coverage should be omni-directional, sectorised or narrowly directed toward another site.
Identify the power supply, passive PoE injector, cable length, backup power and surge-protection arrangement.
Confirm mast work, cabling, alignment, grounding, configuration, testing, documentation and handover expectations.
Procurement checklist
☐ Exact MikroTik model and product code
☐ Required quantity and destination
☐ Current or discontinued lifecycle status
☐ 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz or selectable-band requirement
☐ Antenna type, gain, connector and mounting
☐ Target distance and expected real throughput
☐ Line-of-sight and site-survey information
☐ Passive PoE voltage and injector compatibility
☐ Outdoor Ethernet cable and surge protection
☐ RouterOS configuration and security scope
☐ Pole, bracket, grounding and access needs
☐ Delivery, installation and testing coordination
☐ Warranty guidance for the supplied model
☐ Replacement or migration plan for legacy units
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can support the decision process by reviewing the intended application, comparing the available Metal models, checking whether the request refers to a discontinued unit, and identifying suitable alternatives where necessary. Assistance may include antenna-selection guidance, bill-of-material review, passive PoE planning, RouterOS configuration scope, installation planning, link-testing requirements, quotation coordination and delivery discussion. The exact service scope should be agreed in the quotation.
For broader network projects, buyers can review FourTeck technology products, discuss network installation and configuration services, learn more about FourTeck, or send the project details through the Dubai technology consultation page.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the exact MikroTik Metal model, quantity, regional version and accessory set. Availability may depend on vendor lead time, product lifecycle, shipment planning and the requested bill of materials. Metal 2 and Metal 5 are marked discontinued by MikroTik, so they should not be assumed available as new current products. Where a legacy model is requested, FourTeck can discuss replacement or migration options based on the installed radio, antenna, link design and RouterOS configuration.
Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the requirement is confirmed. Installation and configuration should be included in the quotation when required. FourTeck can coordinate requirements for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman in one project conversation, including model selection, antenna planning, power compatibility, site information, installation scope and handover expectations. Project timing, site access and service coverage remain dependent on the confirmed destination and scope.
GCC Availability
Businesses planning MikroTik Metal deployments across the GCC can contact FourTeck for requirement review, model or replacement selection, quotation coordination, antenna and accessory guidance, configuration scoping, and delivery planning. Projects may involve the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, or Oman, but the appropriate product and fulfilment route can differ by destination. Buyers should provide the exact model where known, required quantity, installation country, intended wireless band, antenna requirement, power method, and preferred deployment schedule. Product availability, permitted radio frequencies, regional variants, vendor lead times, shipping arrangements, service visits, and installation scope can vary by country and project. FourTeck can help structure the bill of materials and identify technical questions before procurement, but local stock, fixed delivery dates, customs outcomes, or a guaranteed installation schedule should not be assumed without written confirmation. For Kuwait-related coordination, buyers may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support.
Africa Availability
Organisations considering the MikroTik Metal family for African projects can ask FourTeck to review the proposed model, radio band, antenna choice, accessories, RouterOS configuration, power arrangement, support expectations and replacement strategy. This can be useful for remote offices, farms, hospitality locations, educational sites, industrial facilities, service-provider links and multi-building compounds in East Africa and other regions. Availability and fulfilment may depend on the destination country, exact product code, quantity, lifecycle status, regional radio rules, power requirements, shipping arrangements, vendor lead time, installation scope and local site conditions. Buyers should share the destination, intended link distance, throughput objective, site photographs, mounting details and planned deployment date. FourTeck can then provide more appropriate procurement guidance without assuming immediate shipment or country-wide onsite coverage. Regional information is available through FourTeck Africa, FourTeck Kenya and FourTeck Uganda.
Related options and services
Metal 52 ac
Evaluate for selectable 2.4 or 5 GHz operation, Gigabit Ethernet and Wi-Fi 5 in the compact Metal format.
NetMetal family
Consider when the project needs more expansion, multiple antenna connectors, fibre options or newer radio capabilities, depending on model.
LHG or SXT outdoor radios
Integrated directional antenna designs may simplify point-to-point or client links where external antenna flexibility is not required.
Installation and configuration
Include mounting, cabling, grounding, alignment, RouterOS setup, testing and documentation when the customer needs a managed deployment scope.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
The value of consultation is not a generic product claim; it is the reduction of avoidable procurement mistakes. Buyers contact FourTeck to confirm whether a requested Metal model is still current, understand the difference between Metal 52 ac and older Metal 2 or Metal 5 units, select a suitable antenna, check passive PoE compatibility, define the required accessories, review deployment conditions and coordinate a quotation. For installed estates, the discussion may focus on configuration backup, replacement compatibility, antenna reuse, power conversion, channel planning and migration downtime. For new projects, it may focus on site survey, link budget, capacity, security, monitoring and installation scope.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MikroTik Metal Series used for?
It is used for outdoor wireless access-point, CPE, backbone and point-to-point roles where a compact RouterOS radio and flexible antenna connection are required.
Which Metal model should I choose?
Metal 52 ac is the main model to evaluate for a new selectable-band deployment. Metal 2 and Metal 5 are discontinued and are more relevant to legacy support or replacement discussions.
Can Metal 52 ac use 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz at the same time?
No. Its radio band is software selectable, so the deployment uses either 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz at a given time rather than simultaneous dual-band service.
Does Metal 52 ac include an antenna?
MikroTik lists a dual-band omni antenna among the included parts. Buyers can also evaluate another compatible N-type antenna for a specific coverage pattern.
Can I power it from a normal PoE+ switch?
Do not assume compatibility. Metal 52 ac uses 10–30 V passive PoE, which differs from common 48 V standards-based PoE switching. Confirm the power source before connecting it.
Is the Metal Series suitable for long-distance links?
It can be used in point-to-point designs, but achievable distance and throughput depend on antenna gain, line of sight, Fresnel clearance, channel conditions, legal power limits and configuration.
Does RouterOS require a separate licence?
The listed Metal models include RouterOS licence level 4. Any additional software, support or management requirements should still be confirmed for the full project.
Is the enclosure enough for every outdoor installation?
No enclosure removes the need for correct mounting, cable sealing, drip loops, grounding, surge protection and environmental review. Metal 52 ac is listed with an IP55 rating.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Share the exact model or intended role, quantity, destination, distance, throughput target, band, antenna preference, mounting details, power method, installation scope and required timeline.
Can FourTeck assist with configuration and installation?
FourTeck can discuss RouterOS configuration, antenna selection, mounting, cabling, grounding, alignment, testing and documentation as separately defined quotation items.
Confirm the right Metal model before purchase
Send FourTeck the site distance, band preference, expected throughput, antenna requirement, power source, quantity and deployment location for a structured model and quotation review.