Ubiquiti NanoStation AC (NS-5AC) | 5GHz airMAX AC CPE & Access Point

The Ubiquiti NanoStation AC (NS-5AC) is a versatile and rugged 5GHz wireless radio, perfect for Point-to-Point (PtP) and Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) connections. Combining an integrated antenna with MIMO technology and the powerful airMAX AC TDMA protocol, it delivers reliable, high-performance connectivity for outdoor deployments.

Key Features at a Glance

• High-Speed 802.11ac Technology: Offers wireless speeds of up to 450+ Mbps, ideal for broadband applications.

• Integrated 13 dBi Antenna: Provides a balanced beamwidth for excellent range and coverage.

• airMAX AC Platform: Features Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) for reduced latency and increased capacity in PtMP networks.

• Compact and Rugged Design: Durable, outdoor-weatherproof housing with included Gigabit PoE adapter.

• Dual Ethernet Ports with Passive PoE: Main port for data and power, plus a secondary port for daisy-chaining another device.

• Easy Alignment with LED Meter: Simplifies installation with a built-in signal strength indicator.

Full Technical Specifications

Detailed Product Overview

Versatile Performance for Multiple Scenarios

The NanoStation AC is the Swiss Army knife of Ubiquiti’s airMAX lineup. Its balanced 13 dBi integrated antenna and 45° beamwidth make it exceptionally versatile:

• As a Client Device (CPE): Perfect for connecting a single location (like a home or business) to a PtMP access point up to several kilometers away.

• As an Access Point (AP): Capable of serving multiple client devices (like other NanoStations or airMAX CPEs) in a sector, making it a cost-effective solution for WISPs.

• For Short-to-Mid-Range PtP Links: An excellent choice for building-to-building bridges over distances of up to 5-10 km, especially where a narrow, high-gain dish would be overkill.

Advanced airMAX AC Technology

At its core, the NS-5AC runs on Ubiquiti’s airMAX AC platform. This proprietary protocol uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), which allows the access point to efficiently manage airtime among all connected clients. This results in:

• Reduced Latency: Smoother performance for VoIP, video conferencing, and online gaming.

• Increased Capacity: The AP can handle more simultaneous clients without a degradation in performance.

• Improved Stability: A more predictable and reliable connection for all users on the network.

Simplified Installation and Management

The NanoStation AC is designed for quick and easy deployment.

• LED Signal Meter: The array of LEDs on the front acts as a real-time signal strength meter (RSSI), allowing you to perfectly align the device without a helper or a laptop on the ground.

• U-Bolt Mounting Kit: The included mount easily attaches to poles, masts, or walls of various diameters.

• Intuitive Web Interface: The airOS operating system provides a user-friendly web interface for configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

• Gigabit PoE Adapter Included: Everything you need to get started is in the box, including a weatherproof Power over Ethernet adapter.

Target Audience & Ideal Use Cases

This device is ideal for:

• Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs): As a reliable and affordable CPE for customer installations or as a compact access point.

• Home and Business Users: To establish a wireless link for internet access, CCTV camera backhaul, or connecting two buildings on a property.

• IT Professionals and Integrators: For deploying temporary networks, providing wireless connectivity to remote offices, or as a backup link.

• Farm and Rural Property Owners: To extend a network to outbuildings, barns, or gate cameras.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the NanoStation AC and a Rocket with a separate antenna?
A1: The NanoStation AC is an all-in-one unit with an integrated antenna, making it simpler and more cost-effective for single-client or shorter-range applications. A Rocket with a separate antenna (like a sector or dish) offers more flexibility and power for high-capacity base stations or very long-distance links.

Q2: Can the NanoStation AC be used for Wi-Fi for my phones and laptops?
A2: No, not directly. The NanoStation AC uses Ubiquiti’s airMAX protocol, which is for building wireless infrastructure links. It is not a standard Wi-Fi access point for consumer devices. You would connect its Ethernet port to a standard Wi-Fi router to provide access for phones and laptops.

Q3: What is the maximum range?
A3: As a CPE in a PtMP setup, it can reliably connect to an access point 10-15 km away with a clear line of sight. In a PtP link with two NS-5AC devices, ranges of 20+ km are achievable under ideal conditions.

Q4: What does the secondary Ethernet port do?
A4: The secondary port provides Passive PoE passthrough. This allows you to power another device, like an airCube or a surveillance camera, directly from the NanoStation, eliminating the need for a separate power injector at the installation site.

Q5: Is this the 2.4GHz or 5GHz model?
A5: The NS-5AC is a 5GHz device. Ubiquiti offers a similar model, the NanoStation Loco M2/M5, for 2.4GHz and 5GHz respectively, but the NS-5AC is specifically for the 5GHz band.