Ubiquiti R5AC-LITE Rocket AC: The Ultimate Wireless Backhaul Solution

Overview: The Foundation of Professional Wireless Networks

The Ubiquiti R5AC-LITE Rocket AC is a versatile and high-performance 5GHz radio base station designed for building robust, scalable wireless networks. As a core component of Ubiquiti’s airMAX AC platform, it is engineered to serve as a central access point in a Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) topology, connecting multiple client devices over long distances. Ideal for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs), campus connectivity, and industrial IoT deployments, the Rocket AC delivers carrier-class performance and reliability in a compact, affordable form factor.

Full Technical Specifications: Ubiquiti R5AC-LITE Rocket AC

Radio Specifications

| Wireless Standard | airMAX AC (TDMA) |
| Max Raw Data Rate | 450+ Mbps |
| Antenna Gain | Integrated 2×2 MIMO Antenna (12 dBi) |
| Beamwidth | 60° (Horizontal), 30° (Vertical) |
| Output Power | Up to 25 dBm (varies by region) |

Key Features and Benefits: The airMAX AC Advantage

1. High-Capacity Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) Performance

The Rocket AC Lite is engineered to be the central hub (Access Point) in a star network topology.

• Connect Multiple Clients: A single Rocket AC Lite can efficiently serve dozens of client devices like airMAX AC Station radios (NanoStation, PowerStation, LiteStation).

• airMAX TDMA Protocol: Ubiquiti’s proprietary Time Division Multiple Access protocol allows the base station to manage bandwidth efficiently between all connected clients, reducing latency and eliminating “hidden node” issues common in standard Wi-Fi.

• 450+ Mbps Aggregate Throughput: Provides ample bandwidth for distributing internet access, VoIP, and video streaming to multiple users.

2. Integrated High-Gain Antenna for Easy Deployment

Unlike some Rocket models that require separate antennas, the R5AC-LITE comes with a built-in 12 dBi, 2×2 MIMO antenna.

• All-in-One Simplicity: No need to purchase, cable, and weather-seal a separate antenna, simplifying installation and reducing points of failure.

• 60° Sector Coverage: The integrated antenna provides a wide, focused beam, ideal for covering a specific area like a street, a field, or a section of a campus.

• 2×2 MIMO: Improves link reliability and performance by using multiple spatial streams.

3. airOS Operating System for Advanced Management

The Rocket runs Ubiquiti’s powerful airOS firmware, providing deep control and monitoring.

• Intuitive Web Interface: Configure all settings via a clean, responsive web GUI.

• Advanced Features: Includes tools for spectrum analyzer, RF analysis, GPS sync, and detailed client statistics.

• UNMS Integration: Can be centrally managed alongside other Ubiquiti devices (EdgeRouters, switches) using the Ubiquiti Network Management System (UNMS) for scalable network operations.

4. Rugged, All-Weather Design

Built to withstand the elements for outdoor deployment.

• Weather-Resistant Housing: The compact, bullet-style enclosure is designed for outdoor operation.

• Wide Temperature Range: Operates reliably in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 80°C.

• Included Mounting Kits: Comes with versatile mounting hardware for easy installation on poles, masts, or walls.

Who Is The R5AC-LITE Rocket AC For?

This device is a specialized tool for building wireless infrastructure, not for general home Wi-Fi.

Ideal Use Cases:

• Wireless ISPs (WISPs): As a cost-effective sector access point for subscriber deployments.

• Remote Office/Building Connectivity: To provide a network bridge to a separate building that lacks fiber or copper cabling.

• Industrial & Agricultural Monitoring: Connecting remote sensors, cameras, and control systems across a large area.

• Campus Environments: Linking multiple buildings across a school, business park, or hospital campus.

• Surveillance Systems: Providing wireless backhaul for IP cameras in parking lots, construction sites, or other remote locations.

How to Build a Network: Rocket AC as the Base Station

A typical deployment requires specific components:

1. Base Station: The R5AC-LITE Rocket AC, mounted high on a tower or building.

2. Client Devices: Ubiquiti airMAX AC CPEs (Customer Premise Equipment) like the NanoStation 5AC (NS-5ACL) or LiteBeam 5AC (LBE-5AC-Gen2) at each remote location.

3. Configuration: The Rocket is set to “Access Point” mode in airOS, while the client devices are set to “Station” mode.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the R5AC-LITE be used for Point-to-Point (PtP) links?
A: While possible, it is not ideal. The integrated 60° sector antenna is designed to cover a wide area, not for a focused long-distance link. For PtP connections, a Rocket Dish (R5AC-PTMP) or a PowerBeam is a much better choice.

Q: What is the difference between the Rocket AC Lite and the Rocket AC Prism?
A: The Rocket AC Prism has a more advanced, dual-polarity (V+H) integrated antenna that can serve clients regardless of their antenna orientation, simplifying installation for the service provider. The standard Lite model has a fixed polarity.

Q: Does it come with a power adapter?
A: Yes. It includes a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet) injector.

Q: What is the real-world range?
A: Range is highly dependent on the environment, output power regulations, and the client device used. In a clear line-of-sight scenario, reliable links of 5-10+ km (3-6+ miles) are achievable with suitable client radios.

Q: Is this a standard Wi-Fi access point?
A: No. It uses Ubiquiti’s proprietary airMAX AC protocol, which is not compatible with standard Wi-Fi clients like laptops and smartphones. It must communicate with other airMAX AC client devices.

Conclusion

The Ubiquiti R5AC-LITE Rocket AC is a cornerstone of affordable, high-performance wireless networking. Its combination of a robust radio, a integrated sector antenna, and the powerful airMAX AC protocol makes it an unbeatable value for building professional-grade PtMP networks. Whether you’re a WISP building your network, a business connecting remote assets, or an IT professional solving a tough connectivity challenge, the Rocket AC Lite provides a reliable, scalable, and cost-effective foundation.