Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into configuring the MikroTik LHG 5. This guide aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of how to set up and optimize your MikroTik LHG 5 for various networking needs. Whether you're aiming to extend your network wirelessly, create a point-to-point link, or simply improve your internet connectivity, this tutorial covers all the essential steps. Let's get started!

What is MikroTik LHG 5?

The MikroTik LHG 5 is a compact and lightweight 5GHz 802.11 a/n wireless device, perfect for point-to-point links or use as a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment). Its integrated grid antenna design ensures stable connectivity even over long distances. Before we dive into the configuration, let's understand why the LHG 5 is such a popular choice.

The LHG 5 stands out because of its ability to maintain a stable connection over considerable distances, thanks to its integrated grid antenna. This makes it ideal for rural internet setups or connecting buildings that are far apart. Furthermore, its compact design ensures it can be easily mounted in various locations without being too obtrusive. It operates on the 5GHz frequency, which generally experiences less interference than the crowded 2.4GHz band, providing more reliable performance. Another advantage of the MikroTik LHG 5 is its affordability. Compared to other long-range wireless solutions, the LHG 5 offers excellent value for money, making it accessible to a wide range of users. Lastly, the RouterOS software, which powers the LHG 5, is highly configurable and provides advanced features that allow for fine-tuning the device to specific network requirements. This flexibility ensures that the LHG 5 can be adapted to various scenarios, making it a versatile choice for any network setup.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, make sure you have the following:

• MikroTik LHG 5 Unit: Obviously!
• Ethernet Cable: To connect the LHG 5 to your computer or network.
• Power Supply: Usually comes with the LHG 5.
• WinBox: MikroTik's configuration utility, which you can download from the MikroTik website.
• Computer: To run WinBox and configure the device.

Ensure that your computer is on the same network as the LHG 5. By default, the LHG 5's IP address is usually 192.168.88.1. If your computer's IP address is not in the same range, you won't be able to connect to the LHG 5. To avoid this, either configure your computer's IP address to be in the 192.168.88.0/24 range, or use WinBox's neighbor discovery feature, which allows you to connect to the LHG 5 even if you're not on the same subnet. Also, make sure that the Ethernet cable is properly connected to both your computer and the LHG 5. A faulty cable or loose connection can prevent you from accessing the device. Finally, before starting the configuration, it's a good idea to reset the LHG 5 to its factory default settings. This ensures that there are no conflicting configurations from previous setups, giving you a clean slate to work with. You can reset the device by holding the reset button while powering it on until the user LED starts flashing. This will clear any existing configurations and allow you to start with the default settings, making the configuration process smoother and more straightforward.

Step-by-Step Configuration

Step 1: Connect to the LHG 5

1. Connect the Ethernet cable from your computer to the LHG 5.
2. Power on the LHG 5.
3. Open WinBox.
4. Click on the "Neighbors" tab.
5. You should see your LHG 5 listed with its MAC address. Click on it.
6. Click "Connect". The default username is admin and there is no password by default; leave the password field blank. If this is your first time connecting, WinBox will prompt you to set a password for the admin user. Make sure to choose a strong password to secure your device.

Step 2: Reset Configuration (Optional but Recommended)

If this is a new unit or you want to start fresh, reset the configuration:

1. In WinBox, go to "System" > "Reset Configuration".
2. Check the "No Default Configuration" box.
3. Click "Reset Configuration".
4. The LHG 5 will reboot, and you'll need to reconnect via WinBox. After the reset, the device will have a completely blank configuration, which is ideal for setting up a new network or troubleshooting existing issues. It's important to note that resetting the configuration will erase all previous settings, so make sure to back up any important configurations before proceeding. Once the device has rebooted, you may need to rediscover it using the "Neighbors" tab in WinBox, as the IP address may have changed. After reconnecting, you'll be prompted to set a new password for the admin user, which is a crucial step in securing your device. By starting with a clean slate, you can avoid potential conflicts or misconfigurations, ensuring that your LHG 5 operates optimally. This step is particularly useful if you're unsure of the previous settings or if you're experiencing unexpected behavior from the device.

Step 3: Configure Wireless Settings

1. Go to "Wireless".
2. Double-click on wlan1 to open its settings.
3. Set the "Mode" to either ap bridge (for access point mode) or station bridge (for client mode).
4. Set the "Band" to 5GHz-only-N or another appropriate 5GHz band.
5. Set the "Channel Width" to 20/40MHz Ce. Experiment to see which channel width provides the best performance in your environment.
6. Choose your desired "Frequency". If you're unsure, you can use the frequency scan tool to find the clearest channel.
7. Set the "SSID" to your desired network name.
8. Go to the "Security" tab and set up your WPA2 PSK password. Choose a strong and unique password to protect your network. Consider enabling WPA3 if all your devices support it for enhanced security.
9. Click "Apply" and then "OK". Configuring the wireless settings is a crucial step in setting up your MikroTik LHG 5. Whether you're using it as an access point or a client, these settings determine how it connects to other wireless devices. When selecting the frequency, it's important to consider the regulations in your region, as some frequencies may not be allowed. The frequency scan tool can help you find a channel with minimal interference, which can significantly improve performance. The SSID is the name of your wireless network, so choose something descriptive and easy to remember. For security, WPA2 PSK is generally sufficient for most home and small business networks, but if you're dealing with sensitive data or require a higher level of security, consider using WPA3. Remember to regularly update your password to prevent unauthorized access to your network. After applying these settings, monitor the wireless connection to ensure it's stable and providing the expected performance. You may need to fine-tune the settings based on your specific environment and network requirements.

Step 4: Configure IP Address

1. Go to "IP" > "Addresses".
2. Click the "+" button to add a new address.
3. Enter the IP address you want to assign to the LHG 5 (e.g., 192.168.1.2/24).
4. Select wlan1 as the interface.
5. Click "Apply" and then "OK". You can also configure the LHG 5 to obtain an IP address automatically from a DHCP server. To do this, go to "IP" > "DHCP Client", click the "+" button, and select wlan1 as the interface. This is useful if you're connecting the LHG 5 to an existing network with a DHCP server. However, for static setups, assigning a static IP address is generally recommended. When choosing an IP address, make sure it's within the same subnet as your other network devices. The /24 in the IP address represents the subnet mask, which determines the range of IP addresses that can be used in your network. If you're unsure about which IP address to use, consult your network administrator or refer to your network's documentation. After configuring the IP address, you should be able to access the LHG 5 from other devices on your network using the assigned IP address. This allows you to manage and monitor the device remotely. It's important to keep track of the IP addresses assigned to your network devices to avoid conflicts and ensure proper communication.

Step 5: Configure Routing (If Necessary)

If you need the LHG 5 to route traffic between different networks:

1. Go to "IP" > "Routes".
2. Add a new route by clicking the "+" button.
3. Enter the destination address, gateway, and other relevant information.
4. Click "Apply" and then "OK". Configuring routing on the MikroTik LHG 5 is essential when you need to connect multiple networks or direct traffic to specific destinations. A route defines the path that network traffic should take to reach a particular destination. The destination address specifies the network or IP address range that the route applies to, while the gateway is the IP address of the next hop router that will forward the traffic. When adding a new route, you need to specify the destination address, gateway, and interface. The interface is the network interface on the LHG 5 that the traffic will be sent out of. You can also configure other options such as the distance, which determines the priority of the route compared to other routes. If you have multiple routes to the same destination, the route with the lowest distance will be used. Routing can be complex, especially in larger networks, so it's important to have a good understanding of network topology and routing protocols. Common routing protocols include RIP, OSPF, and BGP, which can automate the process of discovering and maintaining routes. However, for simple networks, static routes are often sufficient. After configuring the routes, you can use the ping command to test connectivity to the destination network. If the ping is successful, it means that the routing is configured correctly. If not, you'll need to troubleshoot the routing configuration to identify and resolve any issues.

Step 6: Set Up a Firewall (Important for Security)

1. Go to "IP" > "Firewall".
2. Configure firewall rules to protect your network.
3. A basic rule is to drop all incoming connections on the WAN interface except for established and related connections. This prevents unauthorized access to your network.
4. Click "Apply" and then "OK". Setting up a firewall on your MikroTik LHG 5 is a critical step in securing your network. A firewall acts as a barrier between your network and the outside world, preventing unauthorized access and protecting your devices from malicious attacks. The firewall works by examining network traffic and blocking or allowing it based on a set of rules. When configuring the firewall, you need to define these rules carefully to ensure that legitimate traffic is allowed while blocking potentially harmful traffic. A basic rule that is often recommended is to drop all incoming connections on the WAN interface except for established and related connections. This means that only connections that originate from within your network or are related to existing connections will be allowed. This prevents attackers from initiating new connections to your devices from the outside. You can also configure more advanced firewall rules based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and other criteria. For example, you can block traffic from specific IP addresses or ranges, or you can block traffic to specific ports that are known to be used by malicious software. It's important to regularly review and update your firewall rules to keep your network secure. As new threats emerge, you may need to add or modify rules to protect against them. A well-configured firewall can significantly reduce the risk of security breaches and protect your network from a wide range of attacks.

Step 7: Test Your Connection

1. Ensure that your computer is connected to the LHG 5's network.
2. Open a web browser and try to access a website.
3. If you can access the internet, congratulations! Your LHG 5 is properly configured.
4. If you can't, double-check your settings and ensure that everything is configured correctly. Testing your connection is the final step in the configuration process. After configuring the MikroTik LHG 5, it's important to verify that everything is working as expected. The easiest way to test your connection is to connect a computer to the LHG 5's network and try to access a website. If you can successfully access the internet, it means that the LHG 5 is properly configured and is routing traffic correctly. If you can't access the internet, there are several things you can check. First, make sure that your computer is connected to the correct network. Verify that you have obtained an IP address from the LHG 5 and that your DNS settings are correct. You can also try pinging the LHG 5's IP address to see if you can reach it. If you can't ping the LHG 5, there may be a connectivity issue between your computer and the LHG 5. Check your Ethernet cable and make sure it's properly connected. If you can ping the LHG 5 but still can't access the internet, the problem may be with the LHG 5's configuration. Double-check your IP address, gateway, and DNS settings. Also, make sure that your firewall is not blocking internet access. If you're still having trouble, consult the MikroTik documentation or seek help from a network professional.

Optimizing Performance

• Frequency Selection: Use the frequency scan tool to find the least congested channel.
• Antenna Alignment: Proper antenna alignment is crucial for long-distance links. Use the signal strength indicators in WinBox to fine-tune the alignment.
• Transmit Power: Adjust the transmit power to optimize signal strength and minimize interference.
• Channel Width: Experiment with different channel widths to find the best balance between speed and stability.

Conclusion

Configuring the MikroTik LHG 5 might seem daunting at first, but with this guide, you should be well-equipped to set up and optimize your device. Remember to always prioritize security and regularly update your device's firmware to protect against potential vulnerabilities. Happy networking!