MikroTik SXT Series CPE — Buy in Lebanon

MikroTik SXT Series — Outdoor CPE for Lebanese WISPs and PTP Links

The MikroTik SXT (Sector eXTended) series is a family of outdoor wireless devices with integrated directional antennas, designed for WISP subscriber connections (CPE) and point-to-point backhaul links. Four models cover different budgets, frequency bands, and wireless standards: the SXTsq 5 AX (WiFi 6), the SXT SA5 ac (90-degree sector), the SXTsq Lite5 (5 GHz budget CPE), and the SXTsq Lite2 (2.4 GHz budget CPE).

HI-GAIN stocks the full SXT lineup at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. Lebanese WISPs serving mountain villages in Mount Lebanon, agricultural areas in the Bekaa Valley, and suburban neighborhoods across Tripoli and Sidon rely on SXT devices as their primary CPE platform — thousands of units deployed across the country.

SXTsq 5 AX — WiFi 6 Outdoor CPE

Hardware Specifications

The SXTsq 5 AX (model SXTsq-5axD) is MikroTik's first WiFi 6 outdoor CPE. It replaces the popular SXTsq 5 ac with significant upgrades across the board:

• CPU: Dual-core ARM at 800 MHz
• RAM: 256 MB
• Wireless: 802.11a/n/ac/ax on 5 GHz, dual-chain, up to 1200 Mbps PHY rate
• Antenna: Integrated 16 dBi directional antenna
• Ethernet: 1x Gigabit (10/100/1000)
• Power: Passive PoE-in 10-28V, max consumption 7W
• Enclosure: IP55 rated, pole-mountable, -40°C to +70°C operating range
• RouterOS License: Level 4

WiFi 6 Advantage for WISP Networks

WiFi 6 (802.11ax) on the SXTsq 5 AX brings OFDMA to the WISP sector. On a point-to-multipoint base station serving 30-50 subscribers, OFDMA allows the base station to transmit to multiple SXTsq 5 AX CPEs simultaneously within a single channel, reducing latency and improving per-subscriber throughput during peak hours. For Lebanese WISPs where each base station sector might serve 40+ homes, OFDMA translates to measurably less buffering during evening peak when everyone is streaming video.

The 16 dBi antenna with WiFi 6 has been field-tested to 3 km in high-interference urban scenarios and 10+ km in line-of-sight rural deployments. For Mount Lebanon villages with clear line-of-sight to a hilltop tower, the SXTsq 5 AX connects reliably at distances that push older WiFi 5 CPEs to their limits.

SXT SA5 ac — 90-Degree Sector CPE/AP

Hardware Specifications

The SXT SA5 ac (RBSXTG-5HPacD-SAr2) differs from the SXTsq series with its wide 90-degree beamwidth sector antenna, making it suitable as both a CPE and a compact outdoor access point:

• CPU: QCA9557, 1 core at 720 MHz (MIPSBE)
• RAM: 128 MB
• Wireless: 802.11a/n/ac on 5 GHz, dual-chain, up to 867 Mbps
• Antenna: Integrated 13 dBi sector antenna, 90-degree beamwidth
• Ethernet: 1x Gigabit
• RF Output: Up to 1300 mW (31 dBm)
• Power: Passive PoE 10-30V, extended operating temp -30°C to +80°C
• RouterOS License: Level 4

Sector Antenna vs Directional Antenna

The SXT SA5 ac's 90-degree sector antenna covers a wide area from a single mounting point — useful when deployed as a small outdoor AP serving a parking lot, outdoor cafe, or building courtyard. As a CPE, the wide beamwidth provides forgiving alignment — installers do not need to point the SXT SA5 ac precisely at the base station, which speeds up deployment at subscriber sites across Lebanon's hills and urban rooftops.

The trade-off: the 13 dBi sector antenna has lower gain than the SXTsq 5 AX's 16 dBi directional antenna. For distances beyond 3-4 km, the SXTsq 5 AX or a dedicated device like the LHG XL 5 ac with its 27 dBi dish provides a stronger link budget.

SXTsq Lite5 and SXTsq Lite2 — Budget CPE

SXTsq Lite5

The SXTsq Lite5 (RBSXTsq5nD) is the most affordable 5 GHz CPE in MikroTik's lineup:

• Wireless: 802.11a/n on 5 GHz, dual-chain, 300 Mbps max
• Antenna: 16 dBi integrated directional
• Ethernet: 1x 10/100 Mbps (not Gigabit)
• CPU: 650 MHz single-core, 64 MB RAM
• RouterOS License: Level 3

The 100 Mbps Ethernet port and 300 Mbps wireless limit real-world throughput to approximately 80-90 Mbps. For Lebanese WISPs selling 10-30 Mbps residential plans, the Lite5 delivers sufficient speed at the lowest possible per-subscriber hardware cost. The 16 dBi antenna supports links up to 12 km in line-of-sight conditions.

SXTsq Lite2

The SXTsq Lite2 (RBSXTsq2nD) operates on 2.4 GHz instead of 5 GHz:

• Wireless: 802.11b/g/n on 2.4 GHz, dual-chain, 300 Mbps max
• Antenna: 10 dBi integrated directional, 60-degree beamwidth
• Ethernet: 1x 10/100 Mbps
• CPU: QCA9533, 650 MHz single-core, 64 MB RAM
• RouterOS License: Level 3

The 2.4 GHz band penetrates obstacles better than 5 GHz, making the Lite2 suitable for non-line-of-sight (NLOS) connections through trees and light building materials. In Lebanon's coastal areas where vegetation and building density can block 5 GHz signals, the Lite2 provides a fallback option. The 10 dBi antenna limits effective range to 3-5 km compared to 10+ km on the 5 GHz models.

Full SXT Series Comparison

Choosing the Right SXT for Lebanese Terrain

Mountain Villages (Mount Lebanon, Chouf, Keserwan)

Lebanese mountain deployments require line-of-sight links from valley floors to hilltop towers, often spanning 3-8 km with significant elevation changes. The SXTsq 5 AX is the recommended CPE: its 16 dBi antenna and WiFi 6 provide the best link budget for these distances. Mount the SXTsq on the subscriber's roof with clear line of sight to the tower. The -40°C to +70°C operating range handles Lebanese mountain winters (snow at higher elevations) and summer heat without issues.

For subscribers beyond 8-10 km, step up to the MikroTik LHG XL 5 ac with its 27 dBi dish antenna — available at HI-GAIN.

Bekaa Valley (Agricultural and Rural Areas)

The Bekaa Valley's flat terrain allows long-range links with minimal obstructions. SXTsq Lite5 units work well here for budget deployments serving 10-20 Mbps plans — the 16 dBi antenna reaches 10+ km across open fields. For subscribers needing higher speeds (50+ Mbps plans), upgrade to the SXTsq 5 AX with its Gigabit Ethernet port and 1200 Mbps wireless capability.

Beirut and Coastal Urban Areas

Dense urban environments in Beirut, Jounieh, and Sidon present RF interference challenges. Dozens of competing WiFi networks on 5 GHz create a noisy spectrum. The SXTsq 5 AX's WiFi 6 OFDMA and BSS Coloring perform better in these conditions than older WiFi 5 and WiFi 4 CPEs. For short-range urban deployments (under 1 km) where alignment is difficult due to building obstructions, the SXT SA5 ac's 90-degree beamwidth provides a more forgiving connection.

SXT vs Ubiquiti LiteBeam — CPE Comparison

The Ubiquiti LiteBeam AC is the most common alternative CPE in Lebanon. Key differences from the SXTsq 5 AX:

• Operating System: SXT runs full RouterOS with firewall, NAT, VPN, queues — it functions as a standalone router. LiteBeam runs airOS — a wireless radio only, requiring a separate router at the subscriber site.
• Protocol Compatibility: SXT supports standard 802.11ax/ac/n plus MikroTik's Nv2 proprietary protocol. LiteBeam uses Ubiquiti's proprietary airMAX. An SXT CPE cannot connect to a Ubiquiti airMAX base station, and vice versa (standard 802.11 mode excluded).
• Management: SXT is managed through RouterOS (WinBox, WebFig, CLI). LiteBeam is managed through UISP or airControl. Choose based on your existing management platform.

For WISPs running MikroTik base stations, SXT is the native CPE choice. For mixed-vendor environments or Ubiquiti-based networks, see our Ubiquiti LiteBeam AC guide.

Weatherproofing for Lebanon's Mediterranean Climate

All SXT models are rated IP54 or IP55 for dust and water resistance. Lebanon's Mediterranean climate brings hot, dry summers (35°C+) and wet, rainy winters. The SXT enclosures handle both extremes, but proper installation matters:

• Mount with the Ethernet port facing downward to prevent water pooling at the cable entry
• Use outdoor-rated shielded Ethernet cable (Cat5e STP minimum) for the cable run to indoor equipment
• Apply weatherproof tape or self-vulcanizing tape around the Ethernet connector junction
• Ground the mounting pole — Lebanon's Mediterranean coast experiences thunderstorms, and a lightning strike near an ungrounded installation damages both the SXT and the indoor router

Where to Buy MikroTik SXT in Lebanon

HI-GAIN stocks the full SXT series at our Dora, Beirut warehouse. We supply WISPs across Lebanon with bulk quantities and offer:

• Bulk pricing for WISP deployments of 50+ units
• Technical consultation on which SXT model fits your coverage plan
• Compatible PoE adapters and mounting hardware included with each unit
• Local warranty and replacement support

Check real-time SXT stock and pricing, browse all MikroTik products in Lebanon, or explore our complete WISP equipment guide for base station recommendations to pair with SXT CPEs. Call HI-GAIN at +961 3 337 666 for deployment planning.