Ubiquiti AM-5G19-120 5GHz 19dBi 120° Sector Antenna: The Complete Guide

Overview and Introduction

The Ubiquiti AM-5G19-120 is a high-performance, dual-polarization sector antenna designed specifically for Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) base station deployments. Part of Ubiquiti’s extensive antenna lineup, it is the ideal tool for Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs) to provide coverage to a wide, 120-degree area with reliable signal strength and capacity.

Its key feature is the wide 120-degree horizontal beamwidth combined with a substantial 19 dBi gain. This “sweet spot” of coverage and range makes it one of the most versatile and popular sector antennas for building robust wireless networks.

Key Features at a Glance

• Wide-Angle Coverage: 120° horizontal beamwidth for excellent sector coverage.

• Dual-Polarization (MIMO): Built-in support for 2×2 MIMO, increasing capacity and link reliability.

• High Gain: 19 dBi gain provides both coverage and range for client devices.

• Rugged Design: UV-resistant plastic radome with a solid metal backbone for outdoor durability.

• Integrated Mounting: Includes versatile brackets for easy mounting on poles or towers.

• Rocket Ecosystem Compatible: Directly connects to Ubiquiti Rocket radios for a clean, professional setup.

Full Technical Specifications

Performance and Real-World Use

What is the AM-5G19-120 Used For?

1. PtMP Base Station Sectors: Its primary use. Mounting multiple antennas on a tower to provide 360° coverage (e.g., three antennas for 3×120° sectors).

2. WISP Access Point Antenna: Replacing the stock antenna on a Rocket radio to significantly boost the range and capacity of a base station.

3. Dense Client Environments: Ideal for sectors with a high concentration of subscribers, as the 120° coverage and MIMO support handle multiple clients efficiently.

4. Semi-Long Range Coverage: The 19 dBi gain provides excellent range while maintaining a wide coverage area, perfect for covering suburban/rural cells.

Key Performance Characteristics

• Coverage vs. Gain Balance: The 19 dBi gain offers a perfect balance, providing more range than a lower-gain antenna (like a 13 dBi) without the extremely narrow beamwidth of a high-gain dish.

• MIMO Advantage: The dual-polarization is crucial for modern airMAX ac networks. It allows for simultaneous data streams, increasing total sector throughput and improving performance in noisy environments.

• Beamwidth Explained: The 120° Horizontal beamwidth defines the “pie slice” area it covers. The 8° Vertical beamwidth focuses the signal horizontally, which is ideal for clients that are generally at a similar height to the tower.

Setup and Compatibility Guide

What’s in the Box?

• AM-5G19-120 Sector Antenna

• Universal Sector Antenna Mount

• Mounting Hardware

The Core Requirement: A Rocket Radio

Like other Ubiquiti sector antennas, the AM-5G19-120 is an antenna only. You must pair it with a compatible Ubiquiti Rocket radio to create a functional access point.

Recommended Compatible Radios:

• Rocket 5AC Prism (Gen2) – Top Choice for its advanced features and easy alignment.

• Rocket 5AC Lite – A cost-effective option for lower-density sectors.

• Rocket M5 – For legacy MIMO networks.

Step-by-Step Installation Process:

1. Mount the Bracket: Secure the included mount to a vertical pole or tower leg.

2. Attach the Radio: Mount your chosen Rocket radio to the back of the AM-5G19-120 antenna using the standard four-hole pattern.

3. Connect the Antenna: Plug the antenna’s integrated, proprietary dual-pigtail cable directly into the two antenna ports on the Rocket radio.

4. Connect Network and Power: Use the Rocket’s included PoE injector to provide power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

5. Align the Sector:

   • Alignment is less critical than with a dish but still important.

   • Use a compass to set the general azimuth (e.g., 0° for North, 120° for Southeast, 240° for Southwest).

   • Ensure the antenna is mounted vertically (plumb) for the correct vertical beam pattern.

   • Fine-tune using the signal metrics of a test client station or the built-in AirPrism tool.

Conclusion:

The Ubiquiti AM-5G19-120 is a workhorse antenna that strikes an ideal balance between coverage area and signal gain. Its 120-degree beamwidth and 19 dBi performance make it an exceptionally versatile and reliable choice for building and expanding PtMP networks. For any WISP or network operator looking to deploy a robust and high-capacity base station, the AM-5G19-120, paired with a modern Rocket radio, remains one of the most recommended and effective solutions in the market.