Yes, MicroTik APs support roaming with CAPMAN.
Yes, MicroTik APs support roaming with CAPMAN.
You can set the APs to remove clients when their signal strength exceeds a specific dBm level via Capsman access-list. This ensures that when the connection quality drops too much, the AP automatically disconnects the client. As a result, clients must reconnect to another AP, which is chosen by the client themselves.
The client maintains control over roaming. Assuming low signal is present, it disrupts normal operation and forces a full restart, including terminating all IP links. During an active call, this results in a delay of five seconds or longer as the connection reestablishes.
Devices can switch quickly between the same SSID on Mikrotik CAPsMAN APs, but audio or video calls may experience a brief two-second interruption.
Mikrotik lacks certain fast roaming protocols like 802.11r, 802.11k, and 802.11v, which help clients move between access points swiftly without noticeable impact on calls. When people refer to Mikrotik’s lack of roaming capabilities, they mean these limitations.
Sources:
- Apple fast roaming standards guide
- Apple device roaming explanation
- Samsung roaming behavior details
- Mikrotik documentation on enterprise features
This shift toward business-focused hardware aims to overcome the limitations of my current setup. With xFi, I’m limited in setting up separate networks for different frequency bands. I expect these devices allow me to run two networks simultaneously—combining 2.4 and 5 GHz, plus a dedicated 2.4 GHz network.
With Mikrotik you need to manually configure each component—set up profiles for SSIDs and channels, assign radios separately for 2.4GHz and 5GHz. For beginners I suggest Unifi instead of CAPsMAN. Everything in Mikrotik demands learning both the system and basic networking concepts. It’s quite possible to get things wrong with Mikrotik.
A beginner is someone new to a skill or activity, typically lacking extensive experience but eager to learn.
You're considering Mikrotik due to local availability or pricing, while wondering if Ubiquiti could be an alternative. Device roaming seems effective with UniFi.
I understand prices vary worldwide, but in the US major distributors the gap between a CAP ac ($63) and an UAP-AC-Lite ($75) is around 16%. I realize extra charges can be tough, particularly when you're already tight on budget with the CAP ac. However, spending a bit more on the Unifi setup would be better. You don’t need to fully commit to Unifi; you can run APs without needing Unifi switches or routers. The controller software can stay on as needed—unless you want to enable guest network login. Single-pack APs come with a power injector, so you might not need a POE switch, though multi-packs don’t include them. I have a CAPsMAN installation in my home with three hAP AC units (not hAP AC2) for about four years. It functions reliably and consistently. Yet, as a Mikrotik fan and professional network engineer, I prefer simpler setups at my residence compared to what I handle professionally. Still, I’m considering swapping the Mikrotik APs for something else, since CAPsMAN has limitations I don’t think Mikrotik will resolve soon—like missing Fast Roaming 802.11r/k/v support. This isn’t the focus here, especially given it would exceed your budget. My top alternative would be Unifi.