Yes, for signal reception restriction rules (and other specific access list rules) on MikroTik devices to take effect, it is recommended to disable the option Default Authenticate in wireless settings.

By disabling this option, you prevent devices from automatically authenticating with the access point unless they comply with the rules set in the access list.

The option Default Authenticate, when enabled, allows any device to authenticate with the access point without considering access list restrictions, such as signal quality, MAC address, or any other defined criteria.

By disabling this option, you ensure that only devices that meet the criteria specified in your access list can connect.

To disable Default Authenticate and effectively apply the signal reception restriction rules or any other rule from the access list, you can follow these steps in the MikroTik RouterOS interface:

1. Access the web interface of your MikroTik device (WinBox or WebFig).
2. Go to section wireless.
3. Select the tab Interfaces and choose the wireless interface you want to configure.
4. In the interface settings, look for the option Default Authenticate and uncheck it.
5. Make sure you properly configure your Access List with the rules you want to apply, including any signal reception restrictions.
6. Apply the changes.

After completing these steps, the rules defined in your access list will determine whether a device can authenticate and connect to the wireless network based on specified criteria, such as signal reception.

This allows you to have more granular control over who can connect to your network, improving security and bandwidth management.