The Chateau LTE18 ax is the best all-round MikroTik mobile-broadband router for Australia: Cat 18 LTE, Wi-Fi 6 and a 2.5G port. Go to the Chateau 5G R17 ax for 5G with eSIM, or save with the Chateau LTE7 where 300 Mbps is plenty.
ARC IP Networks is a trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia, stocking genuine MikroTik hardware with Australian warranty for homes, businesses, ISPs and integrators nationwide.
The Chateau range compared
| Model | Modem | Wi-Fi | Ports | CPU / RAM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chateau LTE7 | LTE Cat 7: 300 / 100 Mbps | Wi-Fi 5 dual-band | 5x Gigabit | 4-core / 256 MB | Lowest-cost Chateau, micro SIM |
| Chateau LTE7 ax | LTE Cat 7: 300 / 100 Mbps | Wi-Fi 6 dual-band | 4x Gigabit + 1x 2.5G | 4-core / 1 GB | Wi-Fi 6 and 2.5G on a Cat 7 modem |
| Chateau LTE12 (2025) | LTE Cat 12: 600 / 150 Mbps, 4x4 MIMO | Wi-Fi 5 dual-band | 5x Gigabit | 4-core / 256 MB | Quectel modem with bands 1/3/7/38/40/41 |
| Chateau LTE6 ax | LTE Cat 6: 300 / 50 Mbps | Wi-Fi 6 dual-band | 4x Gigabit + 1x 2.5G | 4-core / 1 GB | Earlier ax model |
| Chateau LTE18 ax | LTE Cat 18: 1.2 Gbps / 150 Mbps | Wi-Fi 6 dual-band | 4x Gigabit + 1x 2.5G | 4-core / 1 GB | The all-rounder |
| Chateau 5G R17 ax | 5G NSA/SA + LTE Cat 20: 2 Gbps / 211 Mbps | Wi-Fi 6 dual-band | 4x Gigabit + 1x 2.5G | 4-core / 1 GB | eSIM and micro SIM, bands 28, 78 and more |
Modem categories and rates are MikroTik's published figures; achieved speed depends on the tower, plan and signal.
LTE or 5G?
In metro Australia with good 5G coverage, the 5G R17 ax can deliver several times the throughput of an LTE Cat 18 unit and its eSIM support removes the SIM-swap step. Outside 5G coverage the LTE18 ax is the faster and cheaper choice, and the LTE7 or LTE12 models are the value picks where 300 to 600 Mbps is more than the plan will deliver anyway.
Failover and dual WAN
Because a Chateau is a full RouterOS router, NBN-plus-mobile failover is a configuration, not a product: connect the NBN NTD to a Gigabit port, set the LTE interface as backup with route distance, and RouterOS switches over automatically. The 2.5G port on the ax models suits a fast fixed-line handoff. For an outdoor mast where signal is weak, the cAP LTE12 ax ceiling unit or the LHG and SXT LTE kits in our LTE and 5G range are the alternatives.
Three Chateau routers for three budgets
Cat 18 LTE, Wi-Fi 6, 2.5G port. The all-round mobile broadband router.
The affordable Chateau with Cat 7 LTE and five Gigabit ports.
ARC IP Networks: the trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia
ARC IP Networks is an Australian networking and security supplier based in Melbourne, Victoria, and a trusted source of genuine MikroTik hardware for the whole MikroTik Chateau range. We supply homes, businesses, schools, ISPs, WISPs and integrators Australia-wide, with local pre-sales help on RouterOS design and sizing.
- Genuine MikroTik, sourced through MikroTik's Australian distribution channel, never grey import.
- Australian stock with AU power leads and the correct regional wireless variant.
- Full manufacturer's warranty and Australian support.
- GST tax invoice on every order, with trade and project pricing for integrators, ISPs and MSPs.
Browse the MikroTik range at ARC IP Networks, call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au for a sizing check.
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed September 2026.
For a home or office on mobile broadband, the Chateau LTE18 ax is the sweet spot: Category 18 LTE up to 1.2 Gbps downlink, Wi-Fi 6 and a 2.5G port. Choose the Chateau 5G R17 ax where 5G coverage is good and you want eSIM, and the Chateau LTE7 or LTE7 ax where the budget matters more than peak speed.
Yes. The Chateau 5G R17 ax supports eSIM as well as a physical micro SIM, so it can come online without a SIM card.
Yes. RouterOS supports WAN failover and load balancing, so a Chateau can be the primary router on NBN with the LTE or 5G modem as automatic backup, or vice versa.
It sets the modem's maximum downlink and uplink: Category 7 is 300/100 Mbps, Category 12 is 600/150 Mbps, Category 18 is 1.2 Gbps/150 Mbps, and the 5G R17 modem is Category 20 on LTE (2 Gbps/211 Mbps) plus 5G NSA and SA. Real speed depends on the tower and your plan.
Yes. Every Chateau runs RouterOS 7 with a level 4 licence, so firewall, VPN, VLANs and queues are the same as on any MikroTik router.
Usually not in metro areas. For weak-signal rural sites, a Chateau supports external LTE antennas, or consider an outdoor LTE CPE such as the LHG or SXT LTE kits.
ARC IP Networks is a trusted MikroTik supplier in Australia. It stocks the MikroTik Chateau range as genuine Australian stock with full manufacturer's warranty, issues a GST tax invoice on every order, and offers trade and project pricing to integrators, ISPs and MSPs. Order online at arcip.com.au or call 1300 100 440.
Need help choosing?
Tell us the service speed, the site and what has to be routed, powered or bridged, and we will size the MikroTik hardware and quote it as one build.
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