MikroTik HEX

The MikroTik hEX (RB750Gr3) is a compact, five-port Gigabit Ethernet router designed for locations where wireless connectivity is not required. It is widely considered the “Gold Standard” for entry-level professional routers due to its incredible processing power, reliability, and affordable price point.

MikroTik hEX (RB750Gr3) Router

The hEX is a significant upgrade over the basic hEX lite, featuring a powerful dual-core processor and support for hardware-accelerated encryption. It is small enough to fit in your pocket but powerful enough to manage a complex home or small office network, serving as a dedicated firewall, VPN gateway, or core router.

Key Features of the hEX:

• Five Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Features five 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, providing full wire-speed connectivity for high-speed internet plans and local network devices.

• Dual-Core 880 MHz CPU: Powered by a robust MediaTek CPU with 4 threads, offering exceptional performance for routing, NAT, and complex firewall rules.

• Hardware IPsec Encryption: Supports hardware-accelerated IPsec encryption (~470 Mbps), making it one of the most cost-effective choices for secure, high-speed VPN tunnels.

• 256 MB RAM: Ample memory allows the router to handle large connection tables and multiple RouterOS services simultaneously.

• microSD Slot: Includes a microSD slot for improved data storage, which is particularly useful for hosting “The Dude” server (MikroTik’s network monitoring tool).

• Full-Size USB Port: Features a USB 2.0 port that can be used for external storage or connecting a 4G/LTE modem as a secondary/backup internet source.

• RouterOS (Level 4): Runs the full version of RouterOS, giving you professional features like VLANs, advanced QoS (bandwidth management), and sophisticated routing protocols.

Applications and Ideal Use Cases

The hEX is a versatile tool for many networking scenarios:

• Small Office/Home Office (SOHO): Ideal for users with Gigabit internet who want a professional, stable router to manage their wired network.

• VPN Gateway: Perfect for creating secure site-to-site tunnels between branches or providing secure remote access for employees.

• Network Monitoring Hub: With the microSD slot and extra RAM, it is the most affordable way to run a dedicated “The Dude” monitoring server for your network.

• ISP Edge Router: Often used by small ISPs as a CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) for high-speed fiber or wireless clients due to its reliability.

Technical Specifications at a Glance