High-performance 5 GHz Point-to-Point (PtP) bridge with integrated dish reflector. Provides up to 450+ Mbps data throughput and and 15+ km link range.
The airMAX PowerBeam 5AC Gen2, bearing the model manufacture part number PBE-5AC-Gen2, is a cutting-edge wireless network bridge developed by Ubiquiti Networks. This device is engineered to deliver exceptional point-to-point (PtP) and point-to-multipoint (PtMP) connectivity, making it an integral component of modern high-speed wireless networks. Operating within the 5 GHz frequency band, the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 utilizes Ubiquiti's proprietary airMAX ac technology to provide superior throughput, network stability, and scalability.
The PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 is fully compatible with other airMAX ac devices. This includes a wide variety of Ubiquiti’s outdoor wireless access points, bridges, and customer premises equipment (CPE) that also utilize airMAX ac technology. Such compatibility ensures efficient point-to-point (PtP) and point-to-multipoint (PtMP) connections, enabling network operators to design flexible, high-capacity wireless networks that can be easily scaled or modified to meet evolving needs.Also, keep in mind that the PowerBeam 5AC can coexist in networks that also incorporate UniFi devices, especially when using separate network segments. However, it's important to note that the PowerBeam operates using airOS, and UniFi devices are managed through the UniFi Controller. Direct interaction is limited due to the different technologies and purposes these series serve, with UniFi focusing on managed indoor and semi-outdoor Wi-Fi networking and airMAX targeting long-distance outdoor wireless connectivity.
At the heart of the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2's design is its 25 dBi gain, directional antenna, integrated into a compact and aerodynamic form factor. This integration enhances the device's ability to focus the radio signal, significantly increasing range and reducing interference. The antenna's precision and directivity are critical for establishing 15+ km wireless links, ensuring that data transmission remains robust and reliable over kilometers, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Ubiquiti's airMAX ac technology underpins the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2's performance, incorporating a custom silicon chip that supports an advanced modulation scheme. This technology enables the device to achieve higher throughput rates compared to earlier standards, making it well-suited for bandwidth-intensive applications such as HD video streaming, VoIP communications, and large data transfers. The implementation of Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol within airMAX ac technology also reduces network latency and increases time efficiency by organizing data transmission, allowing for more concurrent data sessions and improved network performance.
One of the standout features of the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 is its innovative design aimed at maximizing ease of installation and flexibility in deployment. The device includes a proprietary mounting bracket, designed to offer both stability and adjustability, facilitating precise alignment and optimal signal reception. This mounting system, combined with the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2's all-weather enclosure, ensures that the device can be deployed in a wide range of outdoor environments, from rural settings to urban rooftops, without compromising on performance or durability. Additionally, Ubiquiti’s InnerFeed® technology integrates the radio into the feedhorn of an antenna, so there is no need for cables to connect the radio to the antenna. This improves performance because it eliminates cable losses. The PowerBeam 5AC requires no tools for assembly; only a single wrench is required for pole-mounting.
Durability is another cornerstone of the PowerBeam 5AC's design. Built from is made from die-cast UV-stabilized plastic to withstand the challenges of outdoor deployment, the device features a rugged, weather-resistant housing that protects its internal components from harsh environmental conditions, including rain, wind, and extreme temperatures from -40 °C to 70 °C. This ensures long-term, dependable operation in a variety of climatic conditions, making it an ideal choice for outdoor wireless networking applications across diverse geographic locations.
Security is a paramount concern in wireless networking, and the PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 addresses this with robust encryption and security protocols. The device supports WPA2 encryption to safeguard data transmissions, ensuring that the wireless network remains secure from unauthorized access and threats.
The PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 is managed using Ubiquiti's airOS 8, an advanced operating system that provides a user-friendly interface for device configuration, network management, and performance analytics. airOS 8 offers a suite of powerful features, including real-time spectral analysis, detailed statistical reporting, and advanced RF analytics, allowing network administrators to optimize their wireless networks for peak efficiency.
Choosing the right PowerBeam
Selecting the right PowerBeam product from Ubiquiti for your network involves a nuanced understanding of your specific needs and environmental conditions. Consider the frequency band: 2.4 GHz models like the PBE-2AC-400 and PBE-M2-400 are adept at penetrating obstacles and are suitable for medium-range deployments, while 5 GHz models, including PBE-5AC-Gen2, PBE-5AC-500, PBE-5AC-620, and PBE-5AC-ISO-Gen2, offer higher throughput and are ideal for clearer, longer-range links. The choice between these depends on the balance between range, throughput, and environmental factors such as different urban / natural obstacles and interference
Antenna size directly influences range and signal focus: larger dishes on the PBE-5AC-500 and PBE-5AC-620 support the longest distances, whereas the PBE-5AC-Gen2 provides versatile deployment options. The PBE-5AC-ISO-Gen2's enhanced noise isolation makes it perfect for high-interference environments. Lastly, deployment scenarios—whether seeking broad coverage for multiple locations or a focused beam for direct point-to-point links—will guide your selection. Budget considerations and future scalability also play crucial roles in determining the most cost-effective and performance-optimized choice for your wireless network infrastructure.
Compare with similar products
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Wireless Standard | |
| |
802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
|
2.4GHz Radio Rate | |
| |
| 450 Mbps
|
| 450 Mbps
| 450 Mbps
|
5GHz Radio Rate | |
| |
450 Mbps
|
| 450 Mbps
|
|
|
Wireless Antenna Frequency Range & Gain | |
| |
5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 25 (dBi)
| 2.412 - 2.472 (GHz) 18 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 25 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 27 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 29 (dBi)
|
Antenna range | |
| |
15 km
| 25 km
| 15 km
| 25 km
| 25 km
|
Ethernet Ports | |
| |
1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
|
Chipset | |
| |
MIPS 74Kc
| MIPS 74Kc
| MIPS 74Kc
| Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz
| Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz
|
RAM | |
| |
64 MB
| 64 MB
| 64 MB
| 128 MB
| 128 MB
|
Storage Memory | |
| |
|
|
| 16 MB
| 16 MB
|
Max Power Consumption | |
| |
8.5 W
| 7.5 W
| 8.5 W
| 8.5 W
| 8.5 W
|
Weight | |
| |
2.22 kg
| 1.795 kg
| 3.22 kg
| 3.15 kg
| 6.4 kg
|
| | | | | |
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Wireless Standard | 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
| 802.11ac
|
2.4GHz Radio Rate |
| 450 Mbps
|
| 450 Mbps
| 450 Mbps
|
5GHz Radio Rate | 450 Mbps
|
| 450 Mbps
|
|
|
Wireless Antenna Frequency Range & Gain | 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 25 (dBi)
| 2.412 - 2.472 (GHz) 18 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 25 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 27 (dBi)
| 5.150 - 5.875 (GHz) 29 (dBi)
|
Antenna range | 15 km
| 25 km
| 15 km
| 25 km
| 25 km
|
Ethernet Ports | 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
| 1 x 1 Gbps
|
Chipset | MIPS 74Kc
| MIPS 74Kc
| MIPS 74Kc
| Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz
| Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz
|
RAM | 64 MB
| 64 MB
| 64 MB
| 128 MB
| 128 MB
|
Storage Memory |
|
|
| 16 MB
| 16 MB
|
Max Power Consumption | 8.5 W
| 7.5 W
| 8.5 W
| 8.5 W
| 8.5 W
|
Weight | 2.22 kg
| 1.795 kg
| 3.22 kg
| 3.15 kg
| 6.4 kg
|
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