Various ways of powering the MikroTik hAP

I have several MikroTik RB952Ui hAP AC Lite routers. They're located in closets, basements, attics, and on desktops. Each location results in different needs in terms of power.

Happily, the hAP AC Lite is quite flexible when it comes to power.

Here I document the three different ways I have powered my MikroTik AC Lite routers.

Power Solutions: Active PoE+ Splitter, Passive PoE Injector, and Standard wall adapter

Standard Power: MikroTik (or aftermarket) Wall Wart

The default way to power the AC Lite is by using its standard "barrel-style" power port, which is far more flexible than your typical router. The AC Lite accepts power between 10 and 24VDC. When using the MikroTik in a desktop configuration, I use the stock 24 volt MikroTik power adapter. The stock adapter output specifications are as follows:

24 VDC
1200 mA
2.1mm barrel
Center Positive

Passive Power-over-Ethernet solution: TP-Link Power Injector

Sometimes it is useful to power the router without the power adapter - like if you're placing the device in a place that's far from wall power. The AC Lite can accept Passive power over Ethernet. I'm not a huge fan of Passive PoE, but I appreciate that it is very affordable and has its uses. In my case, I use a TP-Link "TL-PoE2412G" Passive PoE power injector. These are super-affordable passive power injectors. When using this solution, I am usually powering a passive PoE device connected to port 5, which is the Lite's port that supports "PoE Passthrough".

Standards-Based Power-over-Ethernet solution: 802.3at/af PoE Splitter

Finally, it is completely reasonable to use standards-based PoE. Since the AC Lite does not natively support standards-based PoE, I use a common 12v 802.3af/at-based PoE splitter. These are a natural choice if you already have a standards-based PoE switch, such as this TP-Link PoE Switch.

I have my PoE switch powered by a UPS, so if power goes out, not only does my switch stay powered up, but all of my PoE gear keeps running too - including my hAP AC Lite.

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