Illustration to show PTMP Layout (Different Hardware)
If you're in need of a cost effective solution to create a Point to Multi Point bridge between more than two locations its worth considering the Mikrotik product range for this.
PTMP Links are useful for bridging security cameras on multiple buildings back to one location.
This works out more cost effective than multi PTP Links and uses less RF Spectrum.
These instructions are made to get your PTMP connection running as quickly as possible without any advanced configuration, using static IP addresses for the radios.
The mANTBox 15s (120 Degree 15DBi 2x2) Radio is being use for the AP Radio, this comes with a level 4 license, which means it can act as an access point for multiple client radios.
The SXTaq 5 ac is being used for this blog to act as the CPE radio, this device only ships with a CPE/Level 3 License, however this can also be used for PTP Links. (Not to be used as an AP on PTMP as a level 4 license is required).
https://www.gowifi.co.nz/wireless/rbsxtsqg-5acd.html
There are plenty of other models in the range, including options good for 7km + whilst the AP unit used for this blog would be suitable for under 3km.
The setup process for these longer range models is much the same, so this blog is relevant to most of the product range.
Whilst this product has an advanced operating system, it can also be used in a simple mode to allow a quick setup for a simple Point to Multi Point Bridge.
The Mikrotik devices are managed by a software package called Winbox.
This requires Microsoft Windows.
You can download this here:
Lets get started:
The default IP address of this unit is 192.168.88.1
If you are configuring the device from a stand alone PC you will need to set a static IP address in the correct range, ie.
If you need help with setting a static IP Address, please see https://blog.gowifi.co.nz/2015/08/configuring-static-ip-address.html
Once you run Winbox you should see the following in the neighbors list:
You should see the Mac Address and IP Address of the Mikrotik Radio.
Connect to the radio (Click Connect on the top right).
If you are connecting this radio to a live network on a different subnet to this device you can connect via Mac Address as an alternative option.
Choose Quickset on the Top Left once connected:
Below you can see the options I changed starting from the top left where it shows Wisp AP
This is all the configuration required for the Access Point Radio.
The final thing to do is click Apply on the top right hand side.
The unit will reboot and later on you will be able to find it on the IP address specified or check your DHCP Lease table to find the new IP address.
For now disconnect this radio from the Ethernet connection on your PC but lease the radio connected to power, this way we can set up the first Station (CPE) radio using the same method.
You will once again be able to access the next radio on the usual default IP of 192.168.88.1
Most of this process is the same as the first radio.
For the 2nd radio we will be using CPE as the mode on the top left of the quick set page shown below.
You can see on the above screen shot the settings required.
You can also see a scan list where you will see your first radio broadcasting its SSID, in this case it was:
You will then choose connect once you have selected the correct Radio to connect to:
Once connected you will have this screen shown below:
Once you're at this point you have a working PTMP Bridge with one client radio.
You can repeat this process as many times as you like for the CPE configuration (Recommend up to 10 CPE Radios per AP) for this model
It is recommended to upgrade the firmware on your radios, see below link for instructions on how to achieve this (Requires that the radios can see the internet connection).