Ubiquiti 5 GHz airMAX Antennas: High Capacity in a Less Congested Frequency Band
Ubiquiti airMAX 5 GHz antennas are the top choice for building high-performance Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) networks, especially in RF-dense environments where the 2.4 GHz band is overcrowded. The 5 GHz band offers more available channels and enables higher data rates.
As with the 2.4 GHz models, Ubiquiti distinguishes between two main types of base station antennas: the airMAX Omni (AMO-5G) and the airMAX Sector (AM-5G). Both are designed for seamless integration with airMAX Rocket M5 or Rocket Prism 5AC radio modules (for airMAX AC).
airMAX Omni Antennas (AMO-5G): 360° Coverage with a Focus on Easy Installation
The airMAX Omni antenna in the 5 GHz band is the omnidirectional solution for a PtMP base station.
- Coverage: It provides full 360-degree coverage in the horizontal azimuth. It is typically used when fast, area-wide coverage in all directions is needed for a manageable number of clients.
- Models: Common models include the AMO-5G10 (10 dBi) and the AMO-5G13 (13 dBi).
- Advantage: Simple, cost-effective base station setup with minimal equipment.
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Disadvantage: Lower antenna gain and thus shorter range to CPEs compared to sector antennas. Higher risk of noise in densely populated areas as interference is picked up from all directions.
airMAX Sector Antennas (AM-5G): Maximum Scalability and Performance
The airMAX Sector antenna is the professional, scalable solution for high-performance PtMP networks.
- Coverage: Focused coverage with horizontal beamwidths typically of 60°, 90°, or 120°.
- Models: Examples include the AM-5G17-90 (17 dBi, 90°) and AM-5G20-90 (20 dBi, 90°).
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Advantage:
- High Gain: The focused beam allows for very high gain (up to 20 dBi), improving the link budget to distant clients and significantly increasing signal quality (CINR/SNR).
- Frequency Reuse: Due to the sharp directivity, isolation between sectors is excellent. This allows for frequency reuse on the same tower, which is critical for capacity planning.
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Application: Essential for WISP networks in urban or suburban areas with high client density and capacity requirements.
Comparison: Omni vs. Sector in the 5 GHz Band
| Feature | airMAX Omni (AMO-5G) | airMAX Sector (AM-5G) |
|---|---|---|
| Horizontal Coverage | 360° | 60°, 90° or 120° |
| Typical Gain (dBi) | 10 - 13 dBi | 16 - 20 dBi |
| Scalability | Low | High |
| Main Advantage | Simple, fast coverage | High gain, interference isolation, capacity |