MikroTik RB941 hAP lite: a tiny, cheap router that’s great for small spaces and learning RouterOS

If you’re staring at budget routers and wondering what’s worth buying, you’re not alone. The MikroTik RB941 (better known as hAP lite) is a small, low-cost box that can get you online and teach you real networking along the way. The short version: it’s fine with modest internet plans and small homes, and it’s excellent if you want to learn RouterOS. It’s not built for gigabit speeds or 5 GHz Wi-Fi.

What is the RB941, in plain English?

The RB941 is a compact 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi 4 router with four 10/100 Ethernet ports, a 650 MHz QCA9533 CPU, 32 MB RAM, and RouterOS preinstalled with a Level 4 license. It powers over MicroUSB and ships with a 5 V adapter. Translation: simple hardware, serious software.

There are two looks: the flat RB941-2nD and the upright RB941-2nD-TC (“tower case”). Same internals, different shell.

Who should consider it?

• First time MikroTik users and students. It’s one of the cheapest ways to explore RouterOS features like firewall rules, queues, and CAPsMAN.
• Small apartments and dorms. 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi reaches far enough for one-room or small two-room spaces.
• Anyone on basic plans. Each LAN port tops out at 100 Mbps, so it won’t fully use a 300 to 1000 Mbps connection.

Skip it if you need dual band (5 GHz) or gigabit Ethernet. Look at a dual band MikroTik with gigabit ports instead.

Quick setup (about 10 minutes)

1. Plug it in and connect. Internet cable into the Internet port, power via MicroUSB. Connect your phone or laptop to the default MikroTik Wi-Fi.
2. Open the setup page. Go to 192.168.88.1 in a browser. Username admin; on many units there’s no default password (or check the sticker).
3. Update first. Tap Check for updates and install the latest RouterOS. This keeps things stable and compliant.
4. Secure it. In Quickset, pick your country, set a strong Wi-Fi password, then set a router admin password. You’re done.

What it’s good at

• Learning real networking. RouterOS gives you bandwidth shaping, firewalling, user access control, and rarer at this price.
• WPS and CAPsMAN. There’s a WPS button for easy joins, and you can flip it into cAP mode to be managed by a central controller later. Handy for labs.
• Always-on frugal box. It sips power (max around 3.5 W), so it’s fine to leave running.

Practical limits to know

• No gigabit ports. All four are 10/100, so wired speeds cap around 100 Mbps per device.
• 2.4 GHz only. You won’t get 5 GHz performance or relief from 2.4 GHz crowding in busy apartments. Max link rate is 300 Mbps (real-world will be much lower).
• MicroUSB power only. No PoE. Keep the included 5 V adapter nearby for stable power.

Everyday tips

• Place it high and central, away from microwaves and thick walls.
• Change the admin password right away; also disable services you don’t use (FTP, Telnet) in RouterOS.
• Name your Wi-Fi clearly (e.g., AdwaitX-Home) and keep your country set correctly for legal power/channels.

Should you buy it?

If you want an ultra-affordable starter router or a RouterOS sandbox, yes. The RB941 usually sells for around $25, which is tough to beat for a learning tool or a small space. For faster plans or bigger homes, step up to a dual band MikroTik with gigabit.

What to avoid

• Don’t expect 1 Gbps speeds or Wi-Fi 6-class performance.
• Don’t power it from a flaky USB port; use the included 5 V adapter.

FAQs

Takeaway: If you’re fine with 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi and 100 Mbps ports, the RB941 is a smart, low-risk buy especially if you want to learn RouterOS without spending much.

Source: Mikrotik | Mikrotik Help