Ubiquiti LBE-5AC-LR-5 UISP airMAX LiteBeam 5AC Long-Range Station (5-pack)

Highlights at a Glance

• Long-range focus: larger reflector size tightens beamwidth and improves noise immunity in congested RF environments
• InnerFeed design: radio integrated directly into the feedhorn, eliminating cable losses and reducing assembly complexity
• Dedicated management radio: auxiliary 2.4 GHz radio enables mobile setup and alignment without disrupting the 5 GHz operating link
• Dual operating modes: supports both Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint deployments with selectable channel widths
• airOS v8: redesigned interface with airMagic channel selection, airView spectrum analyzer, and mobile-optimized management
• Rugged outdoor construction: aluminum and polycarbonate enclosure rated for wind survivability up to 200 km/h

Design & Performance

The LiteBeam 5AC LR variant is engineered specifically for long-range applications, featuring a larger reflector than the standard model to concentrate RF energy in a tighter beamwidth. This directional focus spatially filters out noise from adjacent signals, which is especially valuable in areas crowded with other transmitters operating on the same or similar frequencies. Ubiquiti's InnerFeed technology integrates the radio directly into the antenna feedhorn, removing the need for a separate RF cable and the performance losses that come with it.

The reflector is constructed from aluminum while the housing uses polycarbonate, yielding a lightweight device that weighs 1.4 kg without the mount and 1.7 kg with it. ESD and EMP protection is rated at ±24 kV for both contact and air discharge, providing enhanced safeguarding against power surges. The included pole-mounting kit allows quick installation, and the mount provides elevation adjustment while azimuth is set by rotating the device around the pole.

Wireless Features & Operating Modes

The device operates across the 5150 to 5875 MHz frequency range worldwide and supports the airMAX ac protocol for high-throughput wireless connectivity. It functions as an access point station in both Point-to-Point and Point-to-Multipoint network topologies, with Access Point PtMP airMAX Mixed Mode available for deployments that combine different airMAX device generations. Channel widths are selectable, offering 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and 80 MHz options in PtP mode and 10, 20, 30, and 40 MHz in PtMP mode.

Automatic channel selection and transmit power control with both automatic and manual modes give operators flexibility in optimizing link performance. Automatic distance selection handles ACK timing, while dynamic ACK and ackless mode provide further distance adjustment options. WPA2 security protects the wireless link, and QoS is implemented through WMM packet classification with user-level priority settings of high, medium, and low. The device also supports frequency band offset and traffic shaping with burst capability.

Management & Software

airOS v8 provides the operating environment, featuring a redesigned user interface built on HTML5 technology with optimization for mobile devices. Dynamic configuration changes and instant input validation streamline the setup process, while a comprehensive array of diagnostic tools includes RF diagnostics and the airView spectrum analyzer for real-time interference analysis. The airMagic channel selection tool assists operators in identifying the best available frequencies for their deployment.

A dedicated management radio operating in the 2.4 GHz band (2412 to 2472 MHz worldwide, 2412 to 2462 MHz in the US and Canada) allows installers to configure and align the device via the UNMS mobile app without connecting to the primary 5 GHz operating link. Network services available on the device include bridging, routing, DHCP, SNMP, SSH, and a built-in webserver. Ping Watchdog monitors link connectivity, and statistical reporting covers data rates, Ethernet link rate, packet errors, uptime, and wireless distance.

Deployment & Environmental

The LiteBeam 5AC LR is designed for outdoor deployment with an operating temperature range of -40 to 70°C (-40 to 158°F) and humidity tolerance from 5 to 95 percent noncondensing. Wind loading is rated at 550 N at 200 km/h, and the device survives wind speeds up to 200 km/h (125 mph). Power is delivered through a single GbE RJ45 port using passive PoE on two pairs, with a 24V, 0.3A gigabit PoE adapter included in the package. The supported voltage range spans 20 to 27V DC, and maximum power consumption is 7W. Power and Ethernet LEDs on the housing provide at-a-glance status indication. The device is NDAA compliant and carries CE, FCC, and IC certifications.