Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC: More Than Just a Facelift
The NanoStation 5AC looks similar to its legendary predecessor, but under the hood, almost everything has been replaced. While old WiFi systems struggled with many simultaneous accesses, this model uses the proprietary airMAX ac TDMA protocol (Time Division Multiple Access).
This means the antenna assigns fixed time slots to each client for sending and receiving. This eliminates data collisions and maximizes "Airtime". The result is extremely low latency and a real TCP/IP throughput of over 450 Mbps – enough power for HD video streams, VoIP telephony, and fast internet connections simultaneously.
The Pro Advantage: Dual Ethernet with PoE Passthrough
The main argument for the "large" NanoStation 5AC (compared to the small NanoStation Loco) is its connectivity options. It has two Gigabit Ethernet ports that are intelligently switched.
* Port 1 (PoE In): This is where the antenna itself receives data and power.
* Port 2 (PoE Passthrough): This port can "loop through" the power.
This is a game-changer for security installations: You install the NanoStation on a pole to receive the network signal. Directly on the second port, you connect a UniFi Video Camera (e.g., G3/G4/G5 Bullet). The camera is now powered directly by the antenna. You save the laying of a second long cable and a second power supply.
Note: If you use PoE Passthrough, ensure that your PoE injector provides enough power for both devices (e.g., 24V 1A instead of 0.5A, for power-hungry consumers).
Installation 2.0: The Management Radio
Ubiquiti listened to technician feedback. Previously, aligning an antenna was tedious – you needed a laptop on the ladder. The NS-5AC has a dedicated 2.4 GHz WiFi Radio integrated that is there just for you.
The process is revolutionarily simple:
1. Mount the antenna and connect power.
2. Open the free UISP App (formerly UNMS) on your smartphone.
3. The phone connects automatically to the antenna's management WiFi.
4. You immediately see the signal strength on the display and can align the antenna with millimeter precision, apply firmware updates, and complete the configuration – all without a laptop.
airOS 8 and Spectrum Analysis
The antenna runs on the powerful airOS 8 operating system. A highlight is the integrated airView Spectrum Analyzer. While the antenna transmits data in the background, a dedicated chip permanently scans the environment for interference sources.
The system graphically shows you which frequencies are congested (e.g., by the neighbor's WiFi) and automatically suggests the cleanest channel. This allows you to get the maximum performance even in densely populated areas.
Technical Data
| Manufacturer / Model: | Ubiquiti / NS-5AC |
| Frequency Band: | 5 GHz (Worldwide Standard) |
| Maximum Data Rate: | 450+ Mbps (Real Throughput) |
| Maximum Range: | 15+ km (with clear Line of Sight) |
| Antenna Gain: | 16 dBi |
| Network Interfaces: | 2x 10/100/1000 Ethernet Ports |
| Power Supply: | 24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE (Injector included) |
| Supported Input Voltage: | 24V Passive PoE or 802.3af Alternative A |
| PoE-Out (Passthrough): | Switchable on Port 2 (Passes through input voltage) |
| ESD/EMP Protection: | ± 24kV (Air/Contact) |
| Mounting: | Pole clamps included |
| Dimensions: | 257 x 84 x 30 mm |
| Weight: | 233 g |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC |
| 1 x Gigabit PoE Injector (24V, 0.5A) |
| 1 x Power Cord |
| 2 x Robust Cable Ties (Pole Mount) |
| 1 x Quick Start Guide |
Homepage: https://www.ui.com
Street name: Von-Bargen-Straße 34
Postal code, City: 22041 , Hamburg
Country: Deutschland
E-Mail: hallo@dajb-hamburg.de
