MikroTik PowerBox vs PowerBox Pro in Lebanon
MikroTik PowerBox and PowerBox Pro: Outdoor PoE Routers for Lebanon
The MikroTik PowerBox (RB750P-PBr2) and PowerBox Pro (RB960PGS-PB) are five-port outdoor routers with built-in PoE output on four ports. Both ship in weatherproof enclosures rated for tower mounting, pole installation, or any outdoor location where you need routing and PoE distribution in a single compact device.
The key difference: the PowerBox is a budget 10/100 unit with a 650 MHz CPU, while the PowerBox Pro upgrades to full Gigabit Ethernet, an 800 MHz CPU, and an SFP fiber port. HI-GAIN stocks both at our Dora, Beirut warehouse.
PowerBox vs PowerBox Pro — Full Comparison
| Specification | PowerBox | PowerBox Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Model Code | RB750P-PBr2 | RB960PGS-PB |
| Ethernet Speed | 5x 10/100 Mbps | 5x Gigabit |
| SFP Port | None | 1x 1G SFP |
| PoE Output Ports | 4 (ports 2-5) | 4 (ports 2-5) |
| PoE Standard | Passive PoE | Passive + 802.3af/at |
| Max PoE per Port | 1A (max 2A total) | 1A at 12-30V / 450 mA at 31-57V |
| CPU | QCA9533, 650 MHz | QCA9557, 800 MHz |
| RAM | 64 MB | 128 MB |
| Power Input | DC 8-30V or Passive PoE 8-30V | Passive PoE 12-57V on port 1 |
| Max Power (with PoE) | 50W | Depends on input voltage |
| Current Monitor | Yes | Yes |
| Temperature Monitor | Yes (PCB temp) | Yes |
| Dimensions | 125 x 178 x 48 mm | 125 x 52 x 225 mm |
| Operating Temp | -40°C to +70°C | -40°C to +70°C |
| RouterOS License | Level 4 | Level 4 |
When to Choose the PowerBox (Budget Model)
The PowerBox is the lowest-cost outdoor PoE router in MikroTik's lineup. It powers up to four devices at up to 1A per port (2A total) via passive PoE. For small deployments with 2-4 MikroTik CPE radios or access points — a rural village relay, a small farm network, or a single-building WISP distribution point — the PowerBox does the job at a fraction of the PowerBox Pro's cost.
Limitations: 10/100 Ethernet caps each port at 100 Mbps. The 64 MB RAM handles basic routing, firewall, and NAT but struggles with advanced features like large queue trees or VPN tunnels under heavy load. No SFP port means fiber uplinks require a separate media converter.
When to Choose the PowerBox Pro
The PowerBox Pro steps up to Gigabit Ethernet, 128 MB RAM, and an SFP port. It supports both passive PoE and 802.3af/at output, making it compatible with non-MikroTik devices that require 48V 802.3af power.
The SFP port is the standout feature. At a tower site, connect fiber from the shelter switch to the PowerBox Pro's SFP port, then distribute PoE to four radios mounted on the same pole. No copper Ethernet run to the shelter, no media converter, and no outdoor cable vulnerability.
Deployment Scenarios in Lebanon
Small WISP Relay Site
A two-radio relay on a rooftop in Baalbek: one LHG XL 5 AC receives the backhaul link, and another LHG serves downstream subscribers. A PowerBox connects both radios, routes traffic between them, and provides PoE power. Total cost for the switching/routing layer: under $50.
Building Rooftop Distribution
A Beirut commercial building with four SXT SQ 5 ax CPEs on the roof, each connecting to a different WISP provider for redundancy. A PowerBox Pro routes between the four WAN connections (via PoE-powered ports 2-5) and uplinks to the building's internal network via the SFP port. RouterOS's routing and firewall features handle automatic failover between the four ISP connections.
Remote Solar-Powered Site
Off-grid MikroTik installations in rural Mount Lebanon or the Bekaa Valley run on solar panels and batteries. The PowerBox draws only 2W without PoE load, and the 8-30V input voltage range matches common 12V or 24V solar battery systems directly — no voltage converter needed. Power four low-draw CPE radios (6W each) for a total system draw under 30W.
Current and Temperature Monitoring
Both PowerBox models include per-port current monitoring and PCB temperature sensors accessible via RouterOS. Set up SNMP traps or scripted alerts that notify you when a connected radio draws unexpected current (indicating a fault) or when the enclosure temperature approaches the 70°C limit during summer heat in the Bekaa Valley.
Where to Buy MikroTik PowerBox in Lebanon
HI-GAIN stocks the PowerBox and PowerBox Pro at our Dora, Beirut warehouse with competitive pricing for both individual units and bulk orders. Browse all MikroTik products, check real-time stock, or call +961 3 337 666.