MikroTik LHG Series in Lebanon — CPE Comparison
MikroTik LHG Series: Long-Range CPE for Lebanese WISPs
The MikroTik LHG (Light Head Grid) family includes three 5 GHz CPE/point-to-point devices built around a grid antenna design: the LHG XL 5 AC, the LHG 5, and the LHG XL HP5. Each integrates the radio directly into the antenna feed, eliminating cable loss between the radio and antenna — a design that maximizes link budget on long-distance shots across Lebanon's mountainous terrain.
HI-GAIN stocks all three LHG models at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. We have supplied Lebanese WISPs and integrators with MikroTik equipment since 1990, providing local warranty, same-day pickup, and technical deployment support.
LHG XL 5 AC vs LHG 5 vs LHG XL HP5 — Full Specification Comparison
Each LHG model targets a different price point and link distance. The differences come down to antenna size, radio chipset (802.11ac vs 802.11n), CPU power, and transmit output. Here is the verified spec-by-spec comparison:
| Specification | LHG XL 5 AC | LHG 5 | LHG XL HP5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Model Code | RBLHGG-5acD-XL | RBLHG-5nD | RBLHG-5HPnD-XL |
| WiFi Standard | 802.11a/n/ac | 802.11a/n | 802.11a/n |
| Max Data Rate | 867 Mbps | 300 Mbps | 300 Mbps |
| Antenna Gain | 27 dBi | 24.5 dBi | 27 dBi |
| Antenna Beamwidth | 5° | 7° | 5° |
| CPU | IPQ-4018, 4-core 716 MHz | AR9344, 1-core 600 MHz | AR9344, 1-core 600 MHz |
| RAM | 256 MB | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| Ethernet Port | 1x Gigabit | 1x 10/100 | 1x 10/100 |
| PoE Input | Passive 10-30V | Passive 11-30V | Passive 11-30V |
| Max Power Draw | 8W | 6W | 6W |
| Dish Diameter | 550 mm | 391 mm | 550 mm |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +70°C | -40°C to +70°C | -40°C to +70°C |
| RouterOS License | Level 3 | Level 3 | Level 3 |
Which LHG to Choose for Your Lebanese WISP Deployment
LHG XL 5 AC — The Best All-Round Choice
The LHG XL 5 AC is the top-tier LHG. Its 802.11ac radio with a quad-core IPQ-4018 CPU at 716 MHz delivers up to 867 Mbps link speed — nearly triple the 300 Mbps ceiling of the 802.11n models. The Gigabit Ethernet port removes the 100 Mbps bottleneck found on the LHG 5 and LHG XL HP5. For any new deployment in Lebanon where you need real-world throughput above 90-100 Mbps, the LHG XL 5 AC is the only LHG that can deliver.
With 256 MB RAM and 4 CPU cores, the LHG XL 5 AC handles advanced RouterOS features like firewall rules, Nv2 TDMA protocol, and simple queues without the memory pressure that 64 MB units suffer under heavy load.
LHG 5 — Budget CPE for Short to Medium Links
The LHG 5 uses the smaller 391 mm grid with 24.5 dBi gain and a 7° beamwidth. The wider beam makes initial alignment easier, which reduces installation time at subscriber sites. For links under 10 km where 50-80 Mbps throughput suffices — typical for residential subscribers on a shared WISP backhaul — the LHG 5 is the most cost-effective CPE.
The 10/100 Ethernet port limits wired throughput to 100 Mbps, which is acceptable for residential customers but rules out the LHG 5 for backbone links or high-bandwidth commercial accounts.
LHG XL HP5 — Maximum Range on 802.11n
The LHG XL HP5 combines the larger 550 mm XL grid (27 dBi) with a high-power 630 mW transmitter. MikroTik rates it for links up to 40 km at full 300 Mbps speed. For Lebanese WISPs bridging the Bekaa Valley or linking tower sites across Mount Lebanon's ridgelines, the LHG XL HP5 provides the strongest signal budget of any LHG model.
The trade-off versus the LHG XL 5 AC: you get higher raw TX power but lose 802.11ac speeds and the Gigabit Ethernet port. If your link distance demands the extra power and throughput above 100 Mbps is not critical, the LHG XL HP5 is the right choice.
WISP Deployment Scenarios in Lebanon
Mountain-to-Valley Links in Mount Lebanon and Bekaa
Lebanese WISPs frequently run point-to-point links from hilltop towers in Aley, Bhamdoun, or Ehden down into the Bekaa Valley. Distances of 15-30 km with significant elevation changes are standard. For these links, pair two LHG XL 5 AC units running Nv2 TDMA at 80 MHz channel width. The 27 dBi antenna gain on each side produces a combined 54 dBi link budget, enough to maintain a stable 300+ Mbps aggregate throughput at 20 km with clear line of sight.
Subscriber CPE in Urban Beirut and Tripoli
For subscriber-side installations on rooftops in Beirut, Jounieh, or Tripoli, the LHG 5 provides enough gain for 3-8 km links back to the WISP base station. The lighter weight (under 1 kg) and smaller profile make rooftop mounting faster and less obtrusive. A single technician can install and align an LHG 5 in under 30 minutes.
Backbone Links Between Tower Sites
When using LHG units as backbone links rather than CPE, always choose the LHG XL 5 AC. The Gigabit Ethernet port is mandatory for backbone applications — a 10/100 port creates a hard bottleneck that no amount of wireless throughput can overcome. Run Nv2 protocol with TDMA and 40 or 80 MHz channel width for best real-world performance.
Installation Tips for Lebanese Conditions
Wind Load and Grid Antenna Advantage
The LHG's grid design passes wind through the antenna rather than catching it like a solid dish. This is critical on exposed Lebanese mountain sites where winter winds exceed 80 km/h. The 550 mm XL grid weighs 945g — light enough that standard pole mounts hold without reinforcement.
Mediterranean Climate Considerations
All three LHG models carry an operating temperature rating of -40°C to +70°C and are designed for outdoor mounting without additional enclosures. Lebanon's Mediterranean climate — summer highs of 35-40°C in the Bekaa, humidity above 80% on the coast — falls well within the operating envelope. The passive PoE input (10-30V) draws minimal current, so the unit stays cool even under direct sun.
Alignment Procedure
Use RouterOS's wireless scan and signal strength indicators to align. Start with the base station end, then fine-tune the CPE. The LHG 5's 7° beamwidth provides more margin for alignment error than the XL models' 5° beamwidth. For first-time installers, the LHG 5 is more forgiving during setup.
LHG vs Other MikroTik CPE Options
The LHG series competes with MikroTik's other outdoor wireless products. The SXT SQ 5 ax offers WiFi 6 but lower antenna gain (15 dBi). The LDF 5 provides a compact form factor with 9 dBi gain for short-range links. For links requiring more than 27 dBi, step up to a mANT30 PA dish paired with a BaseBox 5 for 30 dBi gain.
Browse the full MikroTik product catalog at HI-GAIN Lebanon or check real-time LHG stock and pricing.
Where to Buy MikroTik LHG in Lebanon
HI-GAIN stocks all three LHG models — individually and in cost-saving 4-packs — at our warehouse in Dora, Maguie Elhajj Street, Yerevan Plaza Center, Beirut. We provide local warranty, bulk pricing for WISPs deploying multiple units, and field-tested technical advice based on 35+ years in the Lebanese networking market. Call +961 3 337 666 or visit hi-gain.net for current stock.