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Babel compliant, low cost hardware recommendations

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Sun, 03/15/2026 - 02:03
#1
N4SV
Babel compliant, low cost hardware recommendations
     We are replacing an aging, small network of older Ubiquiti devices and looking at Mikrotik replacements.  We want something that will be good for now with the latest Babel-only loads, and hopefully be good for at least several more years.  Hardware replacement of an entire network mesh can get costly so we are looking at the least expensive options; we are considering the HAP aC2 RBD52G, but open to any other ideas.  Also need a replacement for an old Ubiquiti Air Grid 2.4 GHz device for a point-to-point link, again as cost effective as possible but compatible with the latest AREDN loads..
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Sun, 03/15/2026 - 19:17
nc8q
nc8q's picture
older Ubiquiti devices and looking at Mikrotik replacements.
Dear N4SV:

I would consider making suggestions on
"replacing an aging, small network of older Ubiquiti devices and looking at Mikrotik replacements"
If I knew exactly which older Ubiquiti devices are being replace and with what
they are currently connecting.

"Also need a replacement for an old Ubiquiti Air Grid 2.4 GHz device for a point-to-point link"
Is the other end also a Ubiquiti Air Grid 2.4 GHz?
If yes, this is much easier to suggest as I see what is being replaced.
The folks in California seem to adore the Ubiquiti LiteBeam 5AC Gen2
which visually most looks like a replacement.
I recommend that you move to 5 GHz instead of repairing a 2.4 GHz link.

73, Chuck
 
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Mon, 03/16/2026 - 12:25
(Reply to #2)
N4SV
Existing equipment
As indicated it is a small, localized network on a multi-acre property, consisting of the already mentioned Air Grid, with a Ubiquiti Air Router and one  Ubiquiti Nano Loco, at 2.4 Ghz.  The devices provide connectivity around the property for a VoIP system, the Air Grid is the link to a distant station (this distant station has unfortunately gone silent)  The Air Grid at 2.4 GHz was to allow connectivity to the distant station, but was never completely successful; that will have to be revisited if and when we re-establish contact with that user.  Additionally there is a localized Point to Point link across the property consisting of two Mikrotik Router Board SXT 5HPnD devices, currently running AREDN 3.23.12.0, but if these are not Babel-compliant they could be re-flashed back to stock MikroTik firmware for the P-T-P.
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Mon, 03/16/2026 - 15:32
(Reply to #3)
nc8q
nc8q's picture
Sounds commercial
However, late 2025 and current AREDN firmware supports:
  • Babel routing
  • Point-to-point links.
I like the Mikrotik SXT model very much. I have several in service.
I prefer Mikrotik LHGs over Ubiquiti dishes due to their ease of mounting and aiming.
I have several LHG models in service.
 
Chuck
 
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Tue, 03/17/2026 - 11:25
(Reply to #4)
N4SV
Not commercial
No, it's a large, private property with multiple buildings at some distance from each other, and a wired connection is neither practical nor cost effective. The SXTs provide the link to the distant building, where the Air Grid is located (and DTD linked to the SXT) and hopefully the Air Grid has the best view to a neighboring mesh.  The other end of the SXT link is a multi-level, larger building where the Air Router and Nano Loco are DTD linked, each device having computers and VoIP phones connected to them, as does the SXT on the distant end.  Thanks for the suggestions, I'll definitely look them all over and pick suitable replacements for the existing hardware.
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Tue, 03/17/2026 - 20:19
KN9U
PTP link
Hello,

I just thought I would throw my 2 cents out.
Ubiquiti Lightbeam 5ac Gen2 for point to point links, I setup one up in FL for a 15 mile link.

73 
Matthew
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