Hello all,

I would like to buy a Product where I can perform a HotSpot function

As from here I saw that I have 3 options:

a) Router OS L4 as software which gets installed on a PC
b) RB133
c) RB150

As I would like to run it as a "pure" Hardware function without a PC, I would prefere option b and c and buy the power adapter + case around

* Can anybody give me a brief description where the differences between RB133 and RB150 are?
I heard that one version is for WLAN. Would that mean that it has a built in AP? However I cant see any antennas?!?

* The RB133 offers expansion slots: 3 miniPCI. What are they for?

* How is your experience in running on 24/7. Do they get hot and its beter to switch them off or do they run through as there is no cooling device installed

* Is it possible to run this devices with a Radius Server for Authentication AND assign every user to a different VLAN?

* How is the functionality and quality of Mikrotik Router boards compared to Hotspot Gateways for $500 - $600?

I hope you can answer me some questions to get a better picture of Mikrotik Router boards and the OS

The Hotspot should work for 20 - 30 users at the same time. Cant this Router handle that funktion?

Thanks,
Chris

RTFM

Greetings!

The RB133 has three ethernet ports and three PCMCIA slots for wireless cards. No cards are included. I use this model.

The RB150 has five ethernet ports and no slots for wireless cards.

EDIT: My bad. You are correct. MiniPCI. My brain is on standby this morning.
IMHO, I think RTFM is a little harsh for a first response.

correction - not PCMCIA slots, miniPCI slots. they are different

Thanks for your reply!

How good are these wireless cards, compared to an external Access Point?

I have to cover a bigger are, Would this wireless cards be able to do that?

Thanks

As I would like to run it as a "pure" Hardware function without a PC, I would prefere option b and c and buy the power adapter + case around

yes, many resellers provide ready made solutions, check the "Buy" section on http://www.mikrotik.com

* Can anybody give me a brief description where the differences between RB133 and RB150 are?
I heard that one version is for WLAN. Would that mean that it has a built in AP? However I cant see any antennas?!?

That's because the RB133 itself is only the motherboard. The interfaces (wireless cards) and case you have to buy separately.

* The RB133 offers expansion slots: 3 miniPCI. What are they for?

miniPCI is a slot where you will put your wireless card. it's exactly the same as the miniPCI slot in your laptop.

* How is your experience in running on 24/7. Do they get hot and its beter to switch them off or do they run through as there is no cooling device installed

These are industrial devices, some people run them in deserts, and some in coldest parts of Alaska. I don't think you should be worried

* Is it possible to run this devices with a Radius Server for Authentication AND assign every user to a different VLAN?

yes

The Hotspot should work for 20 - 30 users at the same time. Cant this Router handle that funktion?

should be no problem

How good are these wireless cards, compared to an external Access Point?
I have to cover a bigger are, Would this wireless cards be able to do that?

depending on the card you buy (i recommend the one in the top-right corner of this forum) - this can be a LOT better than any external AP.

Many thanks for your answeres!!!

Do you know some resellers who sells all on one package? RB133 + Case + Power Supply + MiniPCI Card?

Whan trying on google, I only can find the parts sold sepperatly?!?

Thanks
Chris

As I already said, in the Buy page:
http://www.mikrotik.com/howtobuy.html

* Is it possible to run this devices with a Radius Server for Authentication AND assign every user to a different VLAN?

* yes

normis - How is this done? We want to authenticate wireless users associated to a MikroTik AP based upon MAC address and have FreeRadius return VLAN attributes for that user. We want to avoid using VirtualAPs. What are the specific radius attributes that MikroTik will accept for VLAN assignments? Thanks