MikroTik NetMetal ax Outdoor Router in Lebanon
MikroTik NetMetal ax: Dual-Band WiFi 6 Outdoor Powerhouse
The MikroTik NetMetal ax (model L23UGSR-5HaxD2HaxD-NM) is MikroTik's most rugged outdoor wireless platform, combining dual-band WiFi 6 (2.4 GHz + 5 GHz), an IP66-rated aluminum enclosure, Gigabit Ethernet, a 2.5G SFP port, and a free miniPCIe expansion slot in a single unit. Two RP-SMA connectors allow pairing with external antennas for distances up to 30 km.
HI-GAIN stocks the NetMetal ax at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. For Lebanese WISPs, resort operators, and industrial network engineers who need an outdoor router that survives dust storms, Mediterranean rain, and summer heat, the NetMetal ax is the most feature-dense outdoor radio MikroTik sells.
NetMetal ax Full Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Code | L23UGSR-5HaxD2HaxD-NM |
| WiFi Standard | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (dual-band WiFi 6) |
| 2.4 GHz Max Speed | 574 Mbps |
| 5 GHz Max Speed | 1200 Mbps |
| CPU | IPQ-5010, 2-core ARM, 800 MHz |
| RAM / Storage | 256 MB / 128 MB NAND |
| Ethernet | 1x Gigabit |
| SFP | 1x 2.5G SFP |
| USB | 1x USB Type A |
| Expansion | 1x miniPCIe slot (free) |
| Antenna Connectors | 2x RP-SMA female |
| PoE Input | Passive 18-28V |
| DC Jack Input | 12-28V |
| Max Power Draw | 25W |
| Enclosure Rating | IP66 |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +70°C |
| RouterOS License | Level 4 |
IP66 Rating: Built for Lebanon's Harsh Outdoor Conditions
The NetMetal ax carries an IP66 enclosure rating — the highest protection level of any MikroTik outdoor wireless product. IP66 means complete dust-tightness (rating 6) and protection against powerful water jets from any direction (rating 6). Compare this to the IP54 rating on the NetBox 5 ax, which only protects against water spray, not jets.
For Lebanese deployments, IP66 matters in specific scenarios: tower sites on exposed mountain peaks where driving rain hits from horizontal angles, coastal installations in Jounieh or Batroun where salt spray corrodes lesser enclosures, and industrial sites near quarries or construction zones where airborne dust particles infiltrate IP54 housings over time.
2.5G SFP: Fiber Uplink Without a Separate Switch
The NetMetal ax includes a 2.5G SFP port alongside its Gigabit Ethernet port. This SFP cage accepts standard 1G or 2.5G SFP modules, providing a direct fiber connection from the outdoor radio back to your core network. At a tower site, this eliminates the need for a separate outdoor media converter — run fiber directly from your CRS326-24S+2Q+RM core switch to the NetMetal ax on the mast.
miniPCIe Expansion Slot
The free miniPCIe slot accepts additional radio cards or LTE modems. Practical uses for Lebanese deployments:
- LTE failover: Insert a compatible LTE modem card for automatic WAN failover when the primary fiber or wireless link drops. During Lebanon's infrastructure disruptions, LTE backup keeps the site operational.
- Additional radio: Add a third wireless interface for a dedicated management or monitoring SSID separate from subscriber traffic.
NetMetal ax vs SXT Series — Choosing the Right Outdoor Device
Lebanese installers often compare the NetMetal ax with the SXT series. The key difference: the SXT has an integrated antenna, while the NetMetal ax uses external RP-SMA connectors for antenna flexibility.
| Feature | NetMetal ax | SXT SQ 5 ax |
|---|---|---|
| Bands | 2.4 GHz + 5 GHz | 5 GHz only |
| Antenna | External (RP-SMA) | Integrated 15 dBi |
| SFP Port | 2.5G SFP | None |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP54 |
| miniPCIe Slot | Yes (free) | No |
| Best For | Custom antenna builds, tower sites, harsh environments | Quick-deploy subscriber CPE |
The SXT SQ 5 ax is a self-contained CPE with a built-in 15 dBi antenna — mount it, point it, and go. The NetMetal ax is a modular platform you build around: choose your antenna, add fiber uplink, insert an LTE card. For more on the SXT series, see our SXT series guide.
Deployment Scenarios in Lebanon
Mountain Tower Base Station
Mount the NetMetal ax on a mANT 19s sector antenna at a tower in Aley, Bhamdoun, or Ehden. The dual-band radios serve 5 GHz subscribers on the primary interface and provide a 2.4 GHz management/monitoring network on the secondary interface. The 2.5G SFP port carries fiber back to the shelter where a CCR2004 aggregates traffic from multiple sectors.
Industrial and Construction Sites
Lebanon's quarries, cement plants, and construction sites generate heavy airborne particulates that destroy IP54-rated equipment within months. The NetMetal ax's IP66 enclosure keeps dust out completely. Power it via passive PoE from an indoor switch, and run a fiber SFP link back to the site office for management.
Coastal Hospitality Venues
Beach resorts and marina facilities in Byblos, Batroun, and Tyre face salt spray corrosion. The NetMetal ax's sealed aluminum enclosure resists salt better than plastic-bodied alternatives. Mount it with an omnidirectional antenna for 360° coverage across pool areas and terraces.
Where to Buy the NetMetal ax in Lebanon
HI-GAIN stocks the NetMetal ax with compatible antennas and SFP modules at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. We provide deployment consultation, antenna selection guidance, and after-sales support. Browse all MikroTik products, check real-time stock, or call +961 3 337 666.