MikroTik hEX Refresh E50UG Dual-Core Gigabit Router

The MikroTik hEX refresh E50UG is a compact wired router designed for homes, small offices, branch networks and users who want the flexibility of RouterOS without built-in Wi-Fi. It combines a dual-core 950MHz EN7562CT ARM processor, 512MB RAM, 128MB NAND storage and five Gigabit Ethernet ports in a small desktop chassis.

The hEX refresh is the newer generation of the classic hEX platform. MikroTik increased the memory from 256MB to 512MB and moved to a modern ARM-based dual-core processor, giving the device considerably more processing resources than the previous generation. The product runs RouterOS v7 with a Level 4 license, so routing, firewall, VPN, VLAN, QoS and other RouterOS functions can be configured according to the network design.

For an Indian home or small office using a separate wireless access point, the wired-only design can actually be useful. The router can sit at the network edge while Wi-Fi is handled by a dedicated access point. This arrangement is also practical for CCTV installations, small business networks, computer labs and branch offices where wired Ethernet connections are the priority.

The five 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports provide Gigabit connectivity for WAN and LAN deployments. Ether1 supports passive PoE-in as an alternative power method, while the separate DC input accepts 12–28V DC. The device has no Wi-Fi radio and no PoE-out, so wireless access points, IP cameras or other powered devices requiring PoE-out need separate equipment.

For buyers comparing wired and wireless network designs, the TP-Link EAP235-Wall Gigabit Access Point can be paired with a wired router when Wi-Fi coverage is required separately from the routing device.

Key Features

• Dual-core EN7562CT ARM processor running at 950MHz.
• 512MB RAM for RouterOS routing and network services.
• 128MB NAND storage.
• 5 × 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet ports.
• RouterOS v7 with Level 4 license.
• Passive PoE-in through Ether1.
• 12–28V DC power input.
• 1 × USB 2.0 Type-A port.
• Passive cooling for silent operation.
• Compact 113 × 89 × 28mm desktop form factor.
• Operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C.
• CE, EAC and RoHS certifications listed by MikroTik.

Why Choose the hEX Refresh for a Wired Network

The main advantage of the hEX refresh is that it focuses its hardware and software resources on wired routing instead of combining routing with a wireless radio system. This makes it useful when the network already has dedicated access points or when Wi-Fi is not required at the router itself.

The 512MB RAM and ARM-based dual-core processor provide a substantial hardware upgrade over the older hEX platform. MikroTik’s own testing shows higher throughput figures on the refreshed model, although actual performance depends heavily on packet size, firewall rules, queues, VPN configuration and other RouterOS services running at the same time.

For a small office in Delhi, Noida or Gurgaon, the router can be used as the central gateway with a separate Gigabit switch and access point. In a home broadband installation, it can sit between the ISP connection and the wired network while a dedicated Wi-Fi access point handles wireless clients.

ARM Dual-Core Processor and 512MB RAM

The hEX refresh uses the EN7562CT dual-core processor clocked at 950MHz. MikroTik identifies the platform as ARM, while its current product documentation lists the architecture as ARM 32bit and the processor with two cores and two threads. The device has 512MB of RAM and 128MB of NAND storage.

The move to ARM and the increase to 512MB RAM are important because RouterOS can perform much more than basic NAT. Depending on the configuration, the router can handle firewall rules, VLANs, VPN services, routing policies, DHCP, DNS and other network functions.

That does not mean every feature can run simultaneously at maximum throughput. Complex firewall rules, queues, VPN encryption and other CPU-intensive functions can reduce available routing performance. For that reason, MikroTik’s published test results should be treated as controlled benchmark results rather than a guaranteed Internet speed for every configuration.

Five Gigabit Ethernet Ports

The hEX refresh provides five 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports. This gives the router enough wired interfaces for a typical small network without immediately requiring a separate switch for a few connected devices.

A common deployment is to use Ether1 as the WAN connection and the remaining Ethernet ports for LAN devices. Additional ports can connect a desktop computer, NAS, network printer or uplink to a larger Gigabit switch.

For an office with more than four or five wired endpoints, a dedicated network switch can be added. The router then remains responsible for routing and network policy while the switch provides additional LAN ports.

The five Gigabit ports also make the hEX refresh suitable for small CCTV and networking installations where a router, NVR, workstation and switch need to communicate over a wired network. The router itself should not be confused with a PoE switch: it does not provide PoE output to cameras or access points.

RouterOS v7 and Level 4 License

RouterOS is the core software environment that gives the hEX refresh its networking functionality. MikroTik lists RouterOS v7 and a Level 4 license for this product. The operating system is preinstalled and licensed, so there is no separate RouterOS license purchase required for normal operation. MikroTik also states that the device receives free software updates for the life of the product or for a minimum of five years from the date of purchase.

RouterOS provides a much broader configuration environment than a basic plug-and-play home router. Depending on the deployment, administrators can configure routing, firewall policies, VLANs, DHCP, DNS, VPN services, queues, bridges and other network functions.

This flexibility is particularly useful for technical users and small businesses in India that need more control over their network than a typical ISP-supplied router provides.

Firewall, Routing and Network Control

The hEX refresh can be configured as the main router and firewall for a wired network. RouterOS allows administrators to define firewall rules and routing policies according to the requirements of the installation.

A small office can use the router to separate trusted LAN traffic from Internet traffic, create VLAN-based network segments and control how different networks communicate. A home user can use the same platform for more advanced routing than is normally available through a basic broadband router.

Because RouterOS is highly configurable, the final performance depends on the configuration. A simple NAT and firewall deployment places a different workload on the CPU than a heavily segmented network with complex queues and multiple VPN tunnels.

VLAN and Network Segmentation

VLAN capability is one of the useful reasons to select MikroTik when a network needs more than a flat LAN. VLANs can be used to separate different classes of devices while keeping them on the same physical infrastructure.

For example, an office can maintain separate networks for employees, guest devices and management equipment. A CCTV installation can similarly separate cameras and recording equipment from normal office computers when the wider network design and switches support the required VLAN configuration.

Indian small businesses moving from a simple all-in-one ISP router to a managed network can therefore use the hEX refresh as the routing foundation while adding managed switches and dedicated access points as the network grows.

VPN and Secure Remote Connectivity

RouterOS supports multiple VPN technologies and network-security configurations. The hEX refresh also has published IPsec hardware-acceleration test results, showing that MikroTik has designed the platform for more than simple Internet sharing. Actual VPN throughput depends on the encryption method, packet size, number of tunnels and other RouterOS processing requirements.

This can be useful for small offices that need secure connectivity between locations or remote access to selected internal resources. A branch office in Noida, for example, can use the router as its network gateway while establishing a VPN connection to another office or central network.

VPN performance should be evaluated against the intended topology before deployment. A simple site-to-site configuration is a different workload from running many simultaneous encrypted tunnels with additional firewall and queue processing.

Passive PoE-In and Power Options

Ether1 supports passive PoE-in, giving the installer an alternative way to power the router. The separate DC input also accepts 12–28V DC. MikroTik supplies a 24V 0.38A power adapter with the device.

Passive PoE-in can be useful in network cabinets or locations where the router is being powered from compatible networking equipment or a suitable passive PoE injector. The input should not be confused with 802.3af/at active PoE, and the power source must comply with the device’s specified voltage range.

The hEX refresh does not provide PoE-out. If connected devices such as access points or IP cameras need PoE power, use an appropriate PoE switch or injector.

USB 2.0 Expansion

A full-size USB Type-A 2.0 port is provided on the router. The USB interface can be used for supported external devices and storage-related functions within RouterOS.

This can be useful in deployments where a small amount of external storage or another supported USB peripheral is required. The USB port should be considered an additional feature rather than a replacement for dedicated network-attached storage.

Passive Cooling and Compact Design

The hEX refresh uses passive cooling, so there is no system fan generating continuous fan noise. This makes the device practical for desks, small network cabinets and office environments where silent operation is preferred.

The chassis measures 113 × 89 × 28mm, allowing it to occupy very little space compared with many conventional business routers. The compact form factor is convenient for small offices, branch counters and home networking cabinets where equipment space is limited.

MikroTik specifies a tested operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C. The router is intended for indoor installation, and adequate ventilation should still be maintained around the device, particularly in Indian environments where network cabinets can become considerably warmer than the surrounding office.

Network Applications

Home Broadband Networks

The hEX refresh can be used as the wired gateway for a home where Wi-Fi is provided through separate access points. This is useful for users who want more control over VLANs, firewall rules, routing or VPN services than an ISP-supplied router normally provides.

Small Offices

Small offices can use the router as the central gateway for computers, printers, NAS devices and a dedicated wireless access point. As the number of wired devices increases, a Gigabit switch can be connected to provide additional ports.

Branch Offices

A compact wired router can be useful for branch locations where equipment needs to fit into a small cabinet or communications area. RouterOS provides the flexibility to configure the branch according to the organisation’s central networking design.

CCTV and Security Networks

The hEX refresh can provide routing for a CCTV network, while cameras should normally be powered through an appropriate PoE switch or injector. The router can handle communication between the CCTV network, NVR and permitted upstream networks according to the configured design.

ISP and Network Technician Deployments

Network professionals can use the router as a compact routing platform for testing, small deployments and customer-premises networks. RouterOS also provides scripting and configuration capabilities for administrators who need more control than a consumer router interface provides.

Technical Specifications

Package Contents

• 1 × MikroTik hEX refresh router.
• 1 × 24V 0.38A switching power adapter.
• Standard manufacturer documentation.
• Ethernet cables and PoE injectors are not included unless specifically mentioned in the quotation.
• Wi-Fi access point and network switch are not included.

For a network requiring wireless coverage, a separate access point can be added. For additional wired devices, a Gigabit switch can be connected to the hEX refresh. Thencix can help configure the required router, switch and access-point combination.

Why Buy From Thencix

Thencix supplies networking equipment from Nehru Place, Delhi, with configuration support for home, business and project deployments. For MikroTik equipment, the exact RouterOS configuration can be just as important as the hardware specification, so buyers can discuss the intended network topology before purchase.

The hEX refresh is supplied with a GST invoice. Warranty and RMA handling for MikroTik equipment are seller/distributor dependent; MikroTik’s current support guidance instructs customers who purchased through an official distributor to contact the seller regarding warranty terms.

For availability, configuration assistance, bulk requirements or a quotation, contact Thencix on WhatsApp at +91 9891150949 or email [email protected].

Thencix is located at 109B Osian Building, 12 Nehru Place, Delhi 110019, providing a physical point for networking equipment procurement and technical discussion in Delhi NCR.

Comparison With Similar Wired Routers

The hEX refresh is most useful when RouterOS flexibility and wired networking are more important than integrated Wi-Fi. A conventional wireless router can be simpler for a household that does not require VLANs, advanced routing or detailed firewall configuration, while the MikroTik platform provides considerably more control for technically managed networks.

For a TP-Link-based multi-WAN deployment, the TP-Link TL-R605 Multi-WAN VPN Router is another wired routing option to consider when centralized Omada management and multiple WAN connections are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the MikroTik hEX refresh E50UG

The E50UG is a compact five-port Gigabit wired router running RouterOS v7. It uses a dual-core 950MHz ARM processor, 512MB RAM and 128MB NAND storage.

Does the hEX refresh have Wi-Fi

No. The E50UG is a wired router and does not include an integrated Wi-Fi radio. A separate access point can be connected when wireless coverage is required.

How many Gigabit ports does the E50UG have

It has five 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports. Ether1 also supports passive PoE-in.

What operating system does the hEX refresh use

The device runs RouterOS v7 with a Level 4 license. The operating system is preinstalled and licensed on the device.

Can the hEX refresh be powered through Ethernet

Yes. Ether1 supports passive PoE-in with a 12–28V input range. It can also be powered through its DC jack. The supplied adapter is rated at 24V and 0.38A.

Does the E50UG provide PoE output

No. The device provides passive PoE-in on Ether1 but does not provide PoE-out. Use a suitable PoE switch or injector when powering access points, cameras or other PoE devices.

Can I use the hEX refresh for a Gigabit Internet connection

The device has five Gigabit Ethernet ports and MikroTik publishes routing benchmark results exceeding 1Gbps under specific test configurations. Actual Internet throughput depends on packet size, firewall rules, queues, VPN processing and the ISP connection.

Can I configure VLANs on the hEX refresh

RouterOS provides VLAN and network-segmentation functionality. The exact VLAN design should be matched to the switches, access points and other equipment in the network.

Does the router support VPN

RouterOS supports VPN functionality, and MikroTik publishes IPsec performance results for the E50UG. Actual VPN throughput depends on the encryption method, number of tunnels and other active router functions.

Is the hEX refresh suitable for a small office

Yes. It can serve as the wired gateway for a small office, with additional switches and access points added as the network grows. Its RouterOS platform is particularly useful where the administrator needs control over routing, firewall and network segmentation.

Can I connect a Wi-Fi access point to the hEX refresh

Yes. A separate access point can be connected to one of the Gigabit Ethernet ports. This design allows the router and Wi-Fi system to be selected independently according to the network requirements.

What warranty is available for the hEX refresh

Warranty terms should be confirmed from the seller or distributor for the specific unit. MikroTik’s current warranty guidance directs customers who purchased through an official distributor to contact the seller regarding applicable warranty terms.

For current availability, configuration assistance, bulk procurement or a complete networking solution, contact Thencix on WhatsApp at +91 9891150949.