Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco | Compact 5GHz airMAX AC Radio | UISP Ready

The Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco is a compact, high-performance, and affordable 5GHz wireless radio designed for Point-to-Point (PtP) and Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) links. Featuring an updated airMAX AC chipset, a dedicated spectral analysis radio, and a rugged design, it’s the perfect solution for long-range client connections and short-distance backhauls, delivering 450+ Mbps throughput with a 10+ km range.

Key Features at a Glance

• Compact & Classic Design: The iconic, small form-factor is easy to deploy and less obtrusive, ideal for residential installations.

• airMAX AC Chipset: Leverages Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for reduced latency and increased network capacity.

• High-Speed Performance: Achieves real-world throughput of over 450 Mbps, perfect for broadband and video streaming.

• Long 10+ km Range: Capable of establishing stable links over long distances with a clear line of sight.

• Dedicated Spectral Analysis Radio: A second radio for continuous, real-time RF environment scanning without disrupting the main link.

• UISP-Ready: Seamlessly integrates with and can be managed by the powerful UISP platform for unified network management.

Full Technical Specifications

Detailed Product Overview

Compact Powerhouse for Wireless Connectivity

The NanoStation 5AC Loco takes the proven formula of the NanoStation line and packs it into a smaller, more cost-effective package. Don’t let its size fool you; it’s engineered for professional performance. Its integrated 10 dBi antenna with a wide 60° beamwidth strikes a perfect balance between gain and ease of alignment, making it the go-to choice for Client Premise Equipment (CPE) in WISP deployments and for building-to-building links.

Advanced airMAX AC Technology for Efficient Networks

At its heart is the modern airMAX AC TDMA protocol. This technology allows a single Access Point to communicate with multiple client devices (like other NanoStations) in a scheduled, timeslot-based manner. This eliminates “packet collisions” and results in:

• Smoother Performance: Significantly reduced latency for VoIP, online gaming, and video calls.

• Scalable Networks: Ability to support more simultaneous users without degrading the user experience.

• Reliable Throughput: Consistent data rates even as more clients join the network.

Built-in RF Spectrum Analyzer

A standout feature of the 5AC Loco is its dedicated spectral analysis radio. Unlike devices that must interrupt their main connection to scan, this secondary radio continuously monitors the 5 GHz band. This provides invaluable, real-time data for:

• Identifying Interference: Pinpointing noisy channels from other Wi-Fi networks or non-Wi-Fi sources.

• Optimal Channel Planning: Selecting the cleanest channel for your link to maximize performance and stability.

• Network Troubleshooting: Diagnosing intermittent connectivity issues caused by RF interference.

UISP Integration for Streamlined Management

Fully UISP-ready, this device can be easily adopted into a Ubiquiti UISP-powered network. This allows network operators to:

• Discover and Adopt: Automatically find the device and add it to the network controller.

• Configure Remotely: Manage settings, update firmware, and monitor performance from a central dashboard.

• Monitor Network Health: Get a high-level overview of the entire network’s status from one interface.

Target Audience & Ideal Use Cases

This device is perfectly suited for:

• Wireless ISPs (WISPs): As a standard, affordable CPE unit for subscriber installations.

• Urban and Residential Connectivity: Its small size is less conspicuous, making it ideal for deployments where aesthetics matter.

• Short-to-Mid-Range PtP Links: Connecting two buildings within a few kilometers, such as between a main office and a warehouse.

• Backhaul for Cameras & IoT: Providing a wireless link for security camera systems or other network devices in remote locations.

• DIY Network Enthusiasts: A popular choice for home users looking to extend a network to a guest house or workshop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What’s the difference between the NanoStation 5AC Loco and the regular NanoStation 5AC?
A1: The main differences are size and antenna gain. The Loco model is smaller and has a 10 dBi antenna with a wider 60° beamwidth, making it ideal as a CPE. The regular NanoStation 5AC is slightly larger, has a 13 dBi antenna with a 45° beamwidth, offering a bit more gain for longer distances or as a compact Access Point.

Q2: Can I use this to create Wi-Fi for my laptop and phone?
A2: Not directly. The NanoStation 5AC Loco is a wireless bridge. It establishes a link to a central access point. You must plug its Ethernet port into a standard Wi-Fi router to then provide Wi-Fi for your consumer devices.

Q3: How does the dedicated spectrum analyzer help me?
A3: It allows you to see which 5GHz channels are the cleanest and have the least interference before you set up your link. This ensures you start with the best possible connection and helps troubleshoot speed issues later, all without dropping your active connection.

Q4: Is the power adapter included?
A4: Yes, the package includes a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet) adapter, providing both power and data connectivity.

Q5: What does “UISP-ready” mean?
A5: It means the device is fully compatible with Ubiquiti’s UISP network management software. You can centrally manage, configure, monitor, and update thousands of UISP-ready devices from a single platform, simplifying large-scale deployments.