Outdoor CAT-M IoT connectivity
MikroTik CME Gateway in Dubai, UAE
Connect Ethernet-based meters, sensors and field equipment to a low-bandwidth mobile network using a rugged RouterOS gateway built for telemetry, monitoring and machine-to-machine communication.
Before requesting a quote
Confirm the mobile operator, CAT-M or NB-IoT service, SIM requirements, device quantity, installation environment, power source and the Ethernet equipment that must be connected.
CME22-2n-BG77
CAT-M IoT gateway
Outdoor, IP66
RouterOS v7
Direct answer: what is the MikroTik CME Gateway?
The MikroTik CME Gateway is an outdoor cellular gateway for linking Ethernet devices to CAT-M mobile services. It is mainly used where sensors, meters or controllers send small amounts of operational data and a fixed wired connection is impractical. Organisations evaluating remote telemetry, agricultural monitoring, utility metering, equipment tracking or distributed infrastructure can consider it. Before proceeding, the buyer should verify local carrier support for the modem bands and service type, SIM and APN requirements, the intended power arrangement, mounting conditions, data volume, security policy and whether GNSS functions are required alongside cellular communication.
What it does
The CME Gateway provides a bridge between conventional Ethernet equipment and a narrow-band mobile network. A connected meter, controller or sensor can use the gateway as its network path, while RouterOS handles local networking, firewall policy, addressing, routing and administration. The built-in BG77 modem supports low-data cellular use cases where coverage, power efficiency and affordable machine-type communication are more important than broadband speed.
The unit also supplies a local 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi interface for configuration and maintenance, two Fast Ethernet ports, a nano-SIM slot and multiple power options. One Ethernet port can provide passive PoE output, which may simplify a field installation when a compatible attached device also needs power.
Who it suits
This gateway may suit utilities, farms, facilities teams, integrators, transport operators, security installers and industrial organisations that need to connect low-bandwidth equipment in remote or exposed locations. Typical endpoints include electricity or water meters, environmental sensors, access systems, small controllers, telemetry units and other Ethernet devices that exchange modest amounts of data.
It is not intended as a substitute for a high-speed LTE router for offices, video surveillance backhaul, guest Wi-Fi or media applications. Buyers requiring substantial throughput, multiple users or continuous video should evaluate a different LTE or 5G platform.
Business challenges the gateway can help address
Remote assets without fixed connectivity
Field equipment may be located where fibre, DSL or private cabling is unavailable or expensive. CAT-M connectivity can provide a practical route for small operational messages, alarms and periodic readings, subject to carrier coverage and service availability.
Legacy Ethernet equipment
Many installed devices have Ethernet but no integrated mobile modem. The CME Gateway can provide the external cellular path without replacing the endpoint, although IP addressing, protocol requirements and application compatibility must still be reviewed.
Harsh or semi-exposed locations
The IP66-rated enclosure and wide tested temperature range make the model relevant to suitable outdoor deployments. Correct mounting, cable entry, grounding, surge protection and environmental assessment remain essential.
Distributed operational visibility
RouterOS can support routing, firewalling, monitoring and scripted actions, enabling integrators to create controlled links between remote devices and central systems. The final architecture should be designed around the organisation’s security and management standards.
Core capabilities
CAT-M and NB-IoT modem
Designed for machine-type traffic and low-data applications rather than general broadband use.
RouterOS v7
Provides familiar MikroTik routing, firewall, scripting and management functions for controlled deployments.
Outdoor enclosure
IP66 protection supports appropriate outdoor and industrial installations when mounted and cabled correctly.
Flexible power
Supports 802.3af/at PoE input and a 12–57 V two-pin terminal, with passive PoE output on Ether2.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Remote telemetry | The endpoint sends small, periodic data packets | Carrier coverage, APN, protocol and data plan |
| Outdoor installation | An IP66 enclosure and pole mounting are appropriate | Cable glands, grounding, heat, surge and access |
| Ethernet conversion | The field device has 10/100 Ethernet | IP design, port speed, addressing and security policy |
| GNSS reporting | Location data is required through RouterOS scripting | Cellular and GNSS priority because both cannot operate simultaneously |
| High-bandwidth internet | Generally not suitable | Consider LTE Cat 4, LTE6 or 5G alternatives |
Verified technical information
| Brand | MikroTik |
|---|---|
| Product name | CME Gateway |
| Product code | CME22-2n-BG77 |
| Product type | Outdoor CAT-M / NB-IoT gateway |
| CPU | QCA9531, single core, 650 MHz |
| Memory and storage | 64 MB RAM, 16 MB flash |
| Operating system | RouterOS v7 with RouterOS licence level 4 |
| Ethernet | 2 × 10/100 Ethernet ports |
| Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n, single chain, up to 150 Mbit/s, 2 dBi integrated antenna |
| SIM | 1 × nano-SIM slot |
| GNSS | GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo support; shares modem resources with cellular service |
| PoE input | 802.3af/at, 18–57 V |
| Terminal input | 12–57 V DC |
| PoE output | Passive PoE up to 57 V on Ether2; attached-device compatibility must be confirmed |
| Power consumption | Up to 6 W without attachments; up to 31 W with attachments |
| Ingress protection | IP66 |
| Tested ambient temperature | -40°C to 70°C |
| Included components | 48 V 0.95 A power adapter, Gigabit PoE injector and two metal mounting rings, subject to regional packaging confirmation |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE options, quantity and vendor lead time |
Important compatibility and dependency notice
The CME Gateway should not be ordered solely from its hardware specification. The integrated BG77 modem uses a serial/PPP connection rather than appearing as a conventional MikroTik LTE interface. The selected UAE operator must support the relevant CAT-M or NB-IoT service and bands, and the SIM may require a specific APN, enterprise plan or activation process. GNSS and cellular IoT connectivity share the same receiver and cannot operate simultaneously; RouterOS can be configured to prioritise one service or automate switching, but this must be designed around the application. Passive PoE output also requires careful voltage and current compatibility checks with the attached device.
How to plan the purchase and deployment
Define the field application
Identify the Ethernet device, its protocol, data volume, reporting frequency, destination server, security requirements and whether remote management is required.
Validate the mobile service
Confirm CAT-M or NB-IoT support, bands, coverage, SIM format, APN, data plan, roaming policy and whether the operator permits the intended machine-to-machine traffic.
Design power and mounting
Choose PoE or terminal power, review grounding and surge protection, confirm cable routing and determine whether pole mounting, sheltered mounting or an additional enclosure is required.
Configure and test
Update RouterOS and modem firmware, apply country settings, change credentials, configure PPP and APN settings, implement firewall rules, test fail states and document recovery access.
Commission and monitor
Verify the endpoint-to-server path, signal and reconnect behaviour, data consumption, alerts, remote access controls and the maintenance process before the installation is accepted.
CAT-M connectivity for operational data
The most important capability of the CME Gateway is not raw speed; it is the ability to move small amounts of field data over a mobile service intended for connected machines. This is useful when an application sends meter values, status messages, alarms, location records or short control messages rather than large files. A well-designed CAT-M deployment can reduce dependence on fixed access lines and may improve reach in locations where conventional broadband is difficult to install.
The business value depends on matching the gateway to the traffic profile. Buyers should estimate message size, frequency, expected monthly consumption, acceptable delay and the consequences of a temporary connection loss. The application must also handle store-and-forward behaviour or reconnect logic where needed. Carrier support varies, so the mobile network should be verified at the actual site rather than assumed from general LTE coverage maps.
Security planning is equally important. Private APNs, VPNs, firewall rules, source restrictions and central monitoring may be required depending on the organisation. RouterOS provides a flexible platform, but configuration quality determines how safely the gateway is exposed and managed.
RouterOS control and field manageability
RouterOS v7 gives the CME Gateway more control than a simple transparent modem. Integrators can build routing, firewall, NAT, DHCP, monitoring and scripting logic around the connected device. This helps when a remote endpoint needs a managed network boundary rather than direct exposure to the mobile network. The platform can also support automated actions, scheduled tasks and event-driven scripts, subject to careful testing and the limited processing and memory resources of this compact model.
Management can be performed through Ethernet, the local 2.4 GHz wireless interface, a web browser, the MikroTik app or WinBox. The default installation should be hardened before deployment: update software, set strong credentials, disable unused services, restrict management sources, configure logging and document recovery procedures. Remote management over a carrier network may require a public address, private APN, VPN or outbound management architecture.
The CME Gateway is therefore suitable for buyers who value configurability and have access to RouterOS knowledge. Organisations without in-house MikroTik experience should include initial configuration, testing and documentation in the project scope.
Power, enclosure and installation flexibility
Field installations often fail because power, mounting and cabling are treated as secondary issues. The CME Gateway supports 802.3af/at PoE input and a two-pin 12–57 V terminal, providing useful options for cabinets, poles, equipment rooms and vehicle or machinery environments. Its second Ethernet port can provide passive PoE output, potentially allowing one compatible endpoint to share the power arrangement.
Passive PoE must be reviewed carefully. The output voltage follows the input environment and the current limit depends on voltage. An attached device that expects a different PoE method or voltage could be damaged. The total power budget, cable length, conductor quality, connector weatherproofing and ambient temperature must all be considered.
Although the enclosure carries an IP66 rating, the complete installation is only as weather-resistant as its cable entries, connectors, mounting position and workmanship. Professional installation should include grounding, strain relief, drip loops, surge protection where appropriate and secure physical access. UAE heat, dust and direct sunlight should be assessed at the specific site.
Suitable business environments
Utility and sub-metering
Connect Ethernet-enabled electricity, water or energy meters where periodic readings must reach a central platform. Confirm protocol, polling method and data retention behaviour.
Agriculture and irrigation
Link field controllers, pump monitors or environmental sensors across farms and remote land. Solar power design, enclosure placement and carrier coverage need site-level review.
Facilities and remote buildings
Provide a low-data path for alarms, plant status, environmental readings or building service equipment where fixed connectivity is unavailable.
Transport and mobile assets
Support telemetry or location-related applications on suitable mobile equipment. Power stability, vibration, antenna orientation and the cellular/GNSS priority limitation should be evaluated.
Security and access systems
Carry low-volume access-control, alarm or status traffic. It is not designed for continuous CCTV video, which requires a higher-bandwidth cellular platform.
Industrial monitoring
Connect compact controllers and monitoring devices at distributed sites, provided environmental, electrical and protocol requirements are fully documented.
Integration and operational considerations
The gateway must fit the wider system, not just the physical Ethernet connection. Confirm whether the remote endpoint acts as a client or server, whether inbound access is needed, how addressing is assigned, whether DNS is required and how the central application authenticates the device. Carrier-grade NAT may prevent direct inbound sessions, making an outbound VPN or broker-based design preferable.
Logging should be planned so that field teams can distinguish between endpoint failure, power loss, weak signal, SIM issues, APN errors and application faults. A central monitoring platform can collect RouterOS status, but the chosen method must minimise data usage and protect credentials. Firmware maintenance also needs a defined process because both RouterOS and the modem firmware may require updates.
For GNSS use, the modem resource-sharing behaviour is a key design constraint. Cellular and GNSS cannot run simultaneously. A script can change priority, but this introduces periods when one service is unavailable. The reporting schedule and operational risk should therefore be tested before deployment.
Buyer questions to resolve
Procurement checklist
☐ Confirm exact product code CME22-2n-BG77
☐ State the required quantity and deployment schedule
☐ Confirm destination country and installation sites
☐ Identify mobile operator and IoT service type
☐ Provide SIM, APN and authentication details
☐ Describe the connected Ethernet device and protocol
☐ Estimate traffic volume and reporting frequency
☐ Choose PoE input or two-pin DC power
☐ Check passive PoE output compatibility
☐ Confirm mounting, grounding and environmental protection
☐ Define RouterOS configuration and security scope
☐ Specify monitoring, documentation and support expectations
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help turn a general request for an IoT gateway into a clearer bill of materials and deployment scope. Assistance may include confirming the exact MikroTik model, reviewing the endpoint and data path, discussing mobile-service dependencies, checking power and mounting requirements, defining RouterOS configuration tasks and coordinating a quotation. Where installation or configuration support is required, the scope should be stated separately so responsibilities, access requirements, testing and documentation are clear.
Buyers can review other networking and security options through the FourTeck product catalogue, discuss deployment assistance through technology services, or send project details using the FourTeck contact page. For broader company and solution information, visit FourTeck UAE.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the MikroTik CME Gateway. Availability may depend on model, quantity, vendor lead time, regional packaging and the timing of the request. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact requirement is confirmed. Buyers should also verify that the selected mobile operator provides the necessary CAT-M or NB-IoT service, because hardware availability alone does not guarantee network compatibility. Installation, configuration, SIM activation, APN setup, firewall policy, testing and documentation should be included in the quotation when required.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman coverage
FourTeck can coordinate requirement review and quotation discussions for organisations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman. Project planning should identify each deployment site, indoor or outdoor mounting conditions, carrier coverage, required quantities, power availability and the connected equipment. Site visits, installation work and configuration support are scope dependent and should not be assumed to be included with hardware supply. Share the full project outline so the commercial and technical requirements can be reviewed together.
GCC Availability
Businesses planning CAT-M telemetry projects across the GCC can contact FourTeck for requirement review, model confirmation and quotation coordination. The CME Gateway may be considered for suitable low-data applications in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman, but mobile IoT service availability and modem compatibility must be checked for each destination. Product supply, SIM and APN requirements, licence conditions, delivery schedules, service visits and vendor lead times can vary by country, quantity and project scope. Buyers should provide the destination country, exact model, number of units, connected device type, preferred operator, expected deployment date and any installation or configuration needs. For Kuwait-related coordination, the FourTeck Kuwait resource may also be relevant.
Africa Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations evaluating the MikroTik CME Gateway for distributed monitoring and telemetry projects in Africa. Planning may cover model selection, power accessories, SIM and carrier requirements, RouterOS configuration, deployment documentation, support expectations and regional procurement. Availability and fulfilment depend on the destination, quantity, modem band compatibility, local IoT network services, power and regulatory requirements, shipping arrangements, vendor lead time and installation conditions. Buyers should share the destination country, exact application, connected endpoint, quantity, preferred schedule and support scope before requesting a quotation. Information for selected markets is available through FourTeck Kenya, FourTeck Uganda and the FourTeck Africa technology resource.
Related products and services to consider
MikroTik KNOT family
Consider where Bluetooth, GPIO or broader IoT integration is required. Exact model capabilities must be compared.
LTE Cat 4 or higher gateways
Better suited when the application needs substantially more bandwidth than CAT-M can provide.
RouterOS configuration service
Useful for APN, PPP, firewall, VPN, monitoring, scripts and secure remote-management setup.
Outdoor installation planning
Covers mounting, grounding, surge protection, weatherproof cabling and power-budget review.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
The value of procurement support is in resolving dependencies before hardware reaches the site. FourTeck can help clarify whether the CME Gateway matches the data profile, identify questions for the mobile operator, confirm model and quantity, review accessories and power needs, outline configuration tasks and coordinate quotation details. This reduces the risk of purchasing a technically capable gateway that cannot use the intended service, power the attached equipment or integrate with the central application.
Frequently asked questions
Is the MikroTik CME Gateway a normal high-speed LTE router?
No. It is designed for low-bandwidth CAT-M and NB-IoT applications such as telemetry, metering and machine communication. High-speed office internet, video streaming and CCTV backhaul require a different product class.
What is the exact model number?
The official product code is CME22-2n-BG77. Confirm this code on the quotation and final bill of materials.
Does it support outdoor installation?
The enclosure is rated IP66 and the device has a wide tested temperature range. Correct mounting, weatherproof cabling, grounding and surge protection are still required.
Can it provide GPS location data?
It supports GNSS constellations including GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou and Galileo. Cellular and GNSS share modem resources and cannot operate simultaneously, so priority and switching logic must be planned.
Does it include RouterOS?
Yes. MikroTik lists RouterOS v7 with a level 4 licence as part of the device. Buyers should still update the software and harden the configuration before deployment.
Which SIM card does it use?
It has one nano-SIM slot. The operator, APN, service activation and CAT-M or NB-IoT support must be confirmed separately.
Can it power another Ethernet device?
Ether2 supports passive PoE output up to 57 V. Voltage, current and PoE-method compatibility must be checked before connecting any powered device.
What information is needed for a quotation?
Provide the quantity, destination, operator, intended service, connected equipment, power method, installation environment, configuration scope and expected deployment schedule.
Is UAE stock guaranteed?
No. Contact FourTeck to confirm current availability, quantity and lead time. Supply can change according to vendor and regional conditions.
Can FourTeck help with configuration?
Configuration assistance can be discussed for APN, PPP, firewall, VPN, monitoring, scripts, testing and documentation. The exact scope should be included in the quotation.
Confirm the gateway, carrier and deployment scope
Share the connected device, data profile, operator, quantity and installation location so FourTeck can review the MikroTik CME Gateway requirement and prepare a suitable quotation.
