Nv2 Protocol · Topic 1 of 3
Nv2 Features
Learn what the MikroTik Nv2 wireless protocol is, how its TDMA scheduling avoids hidden node problems, and what it needs from hardware and both ends.
- 4 min
- Nv2 is a MikroTik protocol based on TDMA time slots.
- The access point schedules when each client may send.
- Nv2 avoids collisions and removes the hidden node problem.
What it is
Nv2 is a MikroTik wireless protocol that uses time slots, so the access point decides exactly when each device may send.
It is the later of the two MikroTik protocols, after Nstreme, and it is built for 802.11n hardware. Its aim is steady throughput and low delay on outdoor links and point to multipoint networks with many clients.
Standard Wi-Fi lets devices compete for the air. Nv2 replaces that competition with a schedule.
How it works
Nv2 is based on TDMA, where the access point shares the air by time, and it needs Nv2 at both ends.
TDMA
TDMA (time division multiple access) divides time into slots. Each client gets slots in which it may send, and the access point controls the schedule. No client sends outside its slot.
| Point | Standard 802.11 | Nv2 |
|---|---|---|
| Access method | Devices compete, listen before they send | Access point schedules slots |
| Collisions | Possible | Avoided by the schedule |
| Hidden node problem | Real | Removed |
| Delay | Varies | More predictable |
Because no two clients send at the same time, clients that cannot hear each other cause no collisions. That is why Nv2 handles the hidden node problem, which hurts standard Wi-Fi on wide outdoor cells.
Distance and timing
In standard Wi-Fi, the acknowledgement timer and the distance setting must fit the link length. In Nv2, the access point controls timing, so the scheme copes with longer distances. The access point needs to know how far its most distant client is, and this is given by a cell radius setting, covered on the configuration page.
Fairness and traffic classes
The access point can also share the slots fairly among clients, and it can treat traffic by priority. Nv2 has its own priority queues, which can be driven by the packet priority. This is covered in the next page.
802.11n features still apply
Nv2 builds on 802.11n hardware, so the n features carry on. Channel bonding, chains and MCS rates work with Nv2. Its scheduling replaces the access method.
Security
Nv2 works with the normal security profiles, such as WPA2 with aes-ccm. It also has an optional Nv2 level security with its own pre shared key. Both ends must agree on it.
Requirements
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Both ends | RouterOS devices that run Nv2 |
| Hardware | A wireless card that supports Nv2, which means suitable 802.11n or later hardware |
| Clients | Ordinary clients, such as phones, cannot join an Nv2 network |
| Same settings | The protocol and the Nv2 security settings must match |
A normal 802.11 client cannot connect to an interface that uses only Nv2. Plan a separate access point for ordinary clients.
Selecting Nv2
The protocol is chosen with the wireless-protocol setting:
/interface wireless set wlan1 wireless-protocol=nv2There are also values that allow Nv2 together with Nstreme or standard behaviour. Use the plain nv2 value when you want a pure Nv2 network.
Nv2 compared with Nstreme
| Point | Nstreme | Nv2 |
|---|---|---|
| Access method | Optional polling | TDMA schedule |
| Hardware | Older cards as well | 802.11n and later |
| Hidden node handling | With polling | Built in |
| Status | The earlier protocol | The later and preferred protocol |
For new 802.11n links between RouterOS devices, Nv2 is normally the better starting point.
Where Nv2 fits
- Long outdoor links between two RouterOS devices.
- Point to multipoint cells with many client radios.
- Links where predictable delay matters.
It does not suit a public hotspot, because the clients are ordinary devices.
Choose Nv2 for new 802.11n outdoor links where you control both ends, and keep standard 802.11 for ordinary clients.
What to remember for the exam
Six facts cover this topic.
- Nv2 is a MikroTik protocol based on TDMA time slots.
- The access point schedules when each client may send.
- Nv2 avoids collisions and removes the hidden node problem.
- Nv2 needs support at both ends and suitable 802.11n hardware.
- Standard clients cannot join an Nv2 only network.
- The protocol is chosen with
wireless-protocol=nv2.
Common mistakes
Four errors are typical.
Expecting phones to connect. Ordinary clients do not speak Nv2.
Mixing protocols on the two ends. The link does not form or runs as something else.
Using old hardware. The card must support Nv2.
Treating it as a tuning option. Nv2 is a different access method and not a small change.
Check yourself
Work through these three questions.
What does TDMA mean in Nv2?
The access point divides time into slots and decides when each client may send. No client sends outside its slot.
Why does Nv2 avoid the hidden node problem?
Clients send only in their own slots, so two clients never send together. Clients that cannot hear each other cause no collisions.
Which setting selects Nv2 on an interface?
wireless-protocol=nv2selects it. Both ends must use it.
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