Ubiquiti airMAX LiteAP AC (LAP-120): The Ultimate Guide

Overview and Introduction

The Ubiquiti airMAX LiteAP AC (LAP-120) is a sleek, integrated 5GHz access point designed for cost-effective Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) deployments. Part of Ubiquiti’s popular LiteBeam family, it combines a radio, a 19 dBi integrated antenna, and a rugged housing into a single, compact unit. It’s the perfect solution for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) and network installers looking to deliver reliable internet to subscribers without the complexity and cost of a separate radio and antenna system.

Its key feature is the integrated 19 dBi sector antenna with a 120° beamwidth, providing the ideal balance of coverage and gain for dense client environments.

Key Features at a Glance

• All-in-One Design: Integrated 5GHz radio and 19 dBi antenna in a single, compact device.

• airMAX ac Technology: Features TDMA for reduced latency and increased capacity in PtMP.

• Wide 120° Coverage: Ideal for serving a high density of clients in a wide sector.

• Compact and Lightweight: Small form factor reduces wind load and simplifies mounting.

• Easy Installation: Built-in alignment LEDs and a tool-free mounting bracket for quick setup.

• Cost-Effective: Professional PtMP performance at an exceptionally affordable price point.

Full Technical Specifications

Performance and Real-World Use

What is the LiteAP AC (LAP-120) Used For?

1. PtMP Access Point: Its primary role. Deploying multiple units on a tower to provide 360° coverage for subscriber clients (like NanoBeam, PowerBeam, or LiteBeam stations).

2. WISP Base Station: A cost-effective and compact solution for WISPs to expand network coverage and add new sectors.

3. Public Wi-Fi Hotspots: Providing wide-area coverage in parks, campuses, or public squares.

4. Dense Urban/Suburban Deployments: Excellent for areas with a high concentration of users within a few kilometers.

Throughput and Capacity

• Throughput: In ideal conditions, the LAP-120 can achieve 150+ Mbps of real user data throughput per sector.

• Client Capacity: A single LiteAP AC can comfortably serve 60+ active client stations depending on their usage patterns, thanks to the efficient airMAX AC TDMA protocol.

Key Advantage: The 120° sector coverage means you can cover a full 360° area with just three units, making it a very scalable and efficient solution for building out a network.

Setup and Installation Guide

What’s in the Box?

• LiteAP AC (LAP-120) Unit

• Quick-lock Pole Mount

• Gigabit PoE Injector

• Mounting Hardware (Strap)

• Quick Start Guide

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Mounting: Wrap the included mount around a pole (1.5-2.5 inch diameter). The tool-free design locks securely into place. Ensure the pole is stable.

2. Attach the Device: Slide the LiteAP AC onto the mount until it clicks into place. The design allows for easy rotation for alignment.

3. Connect Cables: Use the included Gigabit PoE injector. Connect the POE port to the device and the LAN port to your network switch or router. Use a high-quality, outdoor-rated Ethernet cable.

4. Power On: Plug the PoE Injector into a power outlet. The device will boot up.

5. Find and Configure:

   • By default, the device uses DHCP. Use the UISP Mobile app or the Discovery Tool to find it on your network.

   • Alternatively, set a static IP on your computer and try http://192.168.1.20.

   • Log in (default credentials are ubnt/ubnt) and change the password immediately.

6. Configure Wireless Settings:

   • Set the Wireless Mode to “Access Point”.

   • Set a unique SSID.

   • Select the appropriate Channel Width (20MHz for long-range, 40MHz for capacity). Avoid DFS channels if possible for stability.

   • Set Security to “WPA2 AES” and create a strong password.

7. Align the Sector (if using multiple):

   • While the 120° beamwidth is wide, coarse alignment is still needed.

   • Use a compass to point the center of the antenna to the middle of your intended coverage sector (e.g., 0° for North, 120° for Southeast, 240° for Southwest).

Conclusion:

The Ubiquiti LiteAP AC (LAP-120) stands out as a remarkably efficient and budget-friendly solution for deploying PtMP network sectors. Its all-in-one design eliminates the complexity of component selection and assembly, while its 120° coverage and solid 19 dBi gain provide the perfect foundation for serving a wide area with multiple clients. For WISPs and network builders prioritizing ease of installation, low cost, and reliable performance, the LiteAP AC remains a top-tier choice that delivers exceptional value.