If you need stable 5G connections in places where fiber optics cannot reach – or where mobile radio counts as redundancy – MikroTik’s ATL 5G R16 is a must. With the ATLGM&RG520F-EU model, MikroTik delivers a robust complete outdoor package aimed at professionals: IP66-certified, with integrated 5G directional antenna (4×4 MIMO) and Quectel RG520F-EU modem.

What is the ATL 5G R16 made for?

The ATL 5G R16 is ideal for:

• Locations with a weak mobile signal where internal routers reach their limits.
• Directional radio connections with long range thanks to 16 dBi antenna gain.
• Failover/redundancy solutions for industry, the energy sector, IoT or surveillance.
• Providers who want to make 5G usable in rural areas (e.g. as a CPE in customer use).

Technical highlights of the ATL 5G R16

• Modem: Quectel RG520F-EU (5G SA/NSA, LTE Cat 20, 4×4 MIMO, up to 4.2 Gbps DL)
• Antenna: 16 dBi directional antenna (4 channels, internally installed)
• Ethernet: 1× Gigabit Ethernet with PoE-In (24-57 V, max. 16 W)
• SIM: 1× Micro-SIM + eSIM (RouterOS v7 supports multiple provider profiles)
• Housing: IP66, weatherproof from -40 °C to +70 °C
• System: ARM CPU (800 MHz), 512 MB RAM, RouterOS L3
• Product code: ATLGM&RG520F-EU

RouterOS + 5G = full control

RouterOS v7 is a comprehensive operating system:

• Modem commands directly via terminal (/interface lte), incl. firmware update
• Watchdog & Netwatch for automated restarts in the event of connection problems
• Firewall, VPN, DynDNS, DHCP, VLANs and more – as usual from MikroTik
• eSIM support: e.g. for international use without changing SIMs

Antenna & range

The integrated 16 dBi directional antenna provides massive amplification – allowing the ATL:

• Reach 5G/LTE masts several kilometers away
• Significantly improve reception in “dead zones” in the valley or behind wooded areas
• can be specifically aligned to sector antennas (azimuth fine adjustment recommended)

Note: For optimum performance, a clean mast installation with line of sight is required. MikroTik also provides mounting material for this in the scope of delivery.

Typical application scenarios

1. Farm with LTE-only coverage → 5G failover for Starlink
2. Self-sufficient camera surveillance at the edge of the forest + LTE redundancy
3. Industrial plant with VPN access via 5G in the event of fiber optic failure
4. Remote router for OT devices in the control cabinet on the premises

Application example: Agriculture 5G + VPN + automation

Situation

An agricultural business in the Upper Palatinate is modernizing its infrastructure: machines and sensors are to be controlled centrally via a SCADA system. There is no fiber optic connection on site, DSL is unusable (<2 Mbit/s).

Goal

• VPN access for technicians
• Control of milking technology & ventilation
• Transmission of camera streams (barn, pasture)
• Weather-resistant outdoor system
• Optional: Automatic alerts via SMS/e-mail

solution

1. ATLGM&RG520F-EU installed at the highest point of the site (e.g. silo).
2. SIM card configured with static IP + backup eSIM.
3. RouterOS routing with main connection via 5G, availability monitoring.
4. Remote maintenance via IPsec VPN to a central server at the technical partner.
5. MikroTik NAT rules for targeted port access to monitoring systems.
6. Netwatch script with automatic reboot on inactivity.
7. SMS notification in the event of signal loss (via LTE modem commands).

Result

• Upload rates of 80-120 Mbit/s, even in the rain
• Stable access to camera feeds
• Technical staff save on site visits
• Feedback by e-mail in the event of system failures
• Continuous operation >6 months without manual intervention

scope of delivery

• ATL device (preconfigured with 5G modem)
• Gigabit PoE injector + 24 V power supply unit
• Mast mounting & earthing cable
• Instructions

Our conclusion

The ATL 5G R16 is not a 0815 5G router – it is a tool for professionals. Robust, focused on performance and surprisingly compact. If you need reliable connections outdoors, this is the right device for you.