For a while I have in my mid this concept about ultimate network engineer device, that Mikrotik may be able to manufacture if they see fit in product lineup. A device you can carry around and would assist you whit bunch of daily tasks, potentially make your bag lighter as this device would cover functionality from other devices and open new possibilities.

There can be two versions - main and lite. As we know customers take into consideration value, and not everyone needs all features. This is a brainstorming idea, so I can't be sure how much of this can be done and I would like to hear others' thoughts about this device. Is it even necessary if it can be reasonably manufactured and what additional functionality would you like to see?


Physical design: As portable as it can be, 3-5 twisted pair ports, one poe-out and poe-in (fun fact, I use my hex s as wire tap whit poe pass thru, useful), if can cram in sfp cage. hap ax form factor is quite nice overall, but additional features will require more space. Use duct tape to attach power bank and you have quite portable solution. Frame can be more durable, like 5009, L009, would also function as heat sink as those two.

Powering: usb-c port that requires at least 40w power bank, to power device itself + poe device. If device is targeted at poe++ then around 70w(?) power bank will be needed. Today power banks are quite capable and large. Other powering options can be 2pin terminal and DC jack. (Power banks/battery overall capacity can be issue as power draw can be quite large) 2pin and DC jack can give option to power device from larger batteries, regular power outlet or even solar panel, power it from pure sunshine (if it gives out stable output/clear sky available). The more powering options the better. Also should consider power pass thru features, for example if you attach device to DC it can charge via USB your power bank whit reasonable speed, or even 2pin attachment (going crazy here).

Main functionality: At essence like regular ROS device, but whit a brought er functionality in mind. In terms or raw power I would like to see more powerful CPU, more RAM than hap ax lite and have increased storage whit sd card slot (nvme slot would be great) - reason is docker. ROS is great as router OS, but from time to time I'm missing some functionality I would like/need to use. (Yes, you can run stuff on your laptop, but sometimes you need additional device to do some test, or leave it at location for some time) Docker at least partially solve this, but require resources and most important better storage than routers generally have. I would like to see USB3 port as well for external storage (can be used for docker, but internal storage overall is better) and accessories attachment, like, for example, if I'm running kali Linux in docker and I need full access to WiFi radios to use monitor mode I attach external WiFi antenna (yes, it can interfere whit builtin antennas, but in ROS you can turn stuff on and off as needed). Now for these specific use case I do use SBCs, also run Kali in docker whit privileged elevation (I have not tested this in ROS) and it works fine. You can take SBC whit you in bag, but again, this device would be "one device rule them (almost) all" solution. You don't have to go crazy whit CPU, x4 core 1.5ghz should be fine whit at least 1GB of RAM, preferably 2GB>. Docker really opens doors to many things.

In terms of built in WiFi. As this device would be used in close range, around 2dbi antenna should be fine (?), but dual band. Reason for 5ghz band (can be 1x1) is 2.4ghz band can be crowded, docker might also require larger transfers and for 5ghz sniffing etc. Older MT devices whit ATHEROS SOCs at least had spectral scan feature, that could even see non 802.11 decodable load/interference on channel (RBSXTsq5HPnD for example). This can help to eliminate potentially problematic channels on location and otherwise help whit WiFi deployment and troubleshooting.

Additional testing tools could be useful, that can be realistically implemented, like twisted pair wire testing that some ROS devices have, again to make it as versatile it can be - leave that cable tester at home (might require additional module for testing wires further away). Maybe something whit sfp can be done. Stick on 568 A/B Wiring Codes picture for convenience etc. Integrating crimping tool would be too much.

LTE connectivity would be awesome, FG621 as modem is versatile (for EU). Whit enough powerful antennas perfect for remote location connectivity or daily as hot spot. Whit WG/zerotier and vxlan you can do crazy stuff.


Looks like fully packed version can go up to 300eur easily (estimating here based on part prices I know). But if its good and future proof it can be used for years, also lite version would come in handy for tighter budgets/needs.