Your Stable WiFi Bridge: Connect Buildings Without Cables
Do you want to extend your Network to an outbuilding, garage, or garden shed, but laying an Ethernet Cable is too complex or impossible? The Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco Link Set is the perfect solution. It builds an extremely stable and fast WiFi Bridge for two buildings that feels like a direct cable connection. Stream 4K videos, operate IP Cameras, or work from your home office without compromise – this set delivers the necessary bandwidth and reliability where you need it.
airMAX ac Technology: More Than Just Standard WiFi
While conventional WiFi is optimized for indoor use, Ubiquiti's airMAX ac Components technology was specifically developed for outdoor deployment. The intelligent TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) protocol prevents data collisions that lead to latency spikes and performance drops with standard WiFi over long distances. The result is a consistently high transmission rate and low latency, even in environments with much radio interference. Thus, your Point-to-Point (PtP) WiFi Bridge becomes a rock-solid data highway.
Effortless Configuration Thanks to Management WiFi
The biggest challenge with directional radio is precise alignment. Ubiquiti has integrated an ingenious solution for this: Each NanoStation 5AC Loco has a separate 2.4 GHz Components WiFi solely for configuration. You simply connect with your smartphone via the UISP Mobile App while standing on the ladder. The app shows you the signal strength in real-time, allowing you to perfectly align the Antennas to achieve maximum range and speed. No more cumbersome fiddling with a laptop and cables!
What You Should Know Before Buying
This set is a professional tool with two important specifics. First: To operate each unit, you need a 24V Gigabit PoE Injector, which is not included. This powers the NanoStation via the Ethernet Cable. Second: A direct and clear line of sight between the two points is absolutely crucial for its function. Trees, buildings, or other obstacles in the signal path can drastically reduce performance or make the connection impossible.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Extremely good value for money for a stable directional radio link.
- Pro: Very compact and discreet design, ideal for facade mounting.
- Pro: Ingeniously simple setup and alignment via smartphone app.
- Pro: High stability and low latency thanks to airMAX ac Components protocol.
- Note: Compatible 24V Gigabit PoE Injectors are not included and must be purchased separately.
- Note: A clear, direct line of sight between the two devices is absolutely essential for stable function.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | Ubiquiti Networks |
| Item Name: | NanoStation 5AC Loco - Link Set |
| EAN / GTIN: | 4251028603841 |
| Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): | LOCO5AC-PTP |
| Device Designation (single): | NanoStation 5AC Loco (NS-5ACL) |
| Product Type: | WiFi Point-to-Point Bridge (Set of 2 Devices) |
| Dimensions (per device): | 179 x 77.5 x 59.1 mm |
| Weight (per device): | 180 g |
| Housing Material: | UV-stabilized Polycarbonate (for outdoor use) |
| Mounting: | Pole Mounting Kit (cable ties) included |
| Processor: | Atheros MIPS 74Kc |
| RAM: | 64 MB DDR2 |
| Network Interface: | 1x 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Port |
| Power Supply: | Passive PoE, 24V (Pins 4, 5+; 7, 8 Return) |
| PoE Injector: | Not included |
| Max. Power Consumption: | 7W |
| Operating System: | Ubiquiti airOS 8 |
| WiFi Protocol: | airMAX ac Components (based on 802.11ac) |
| Max. Data Throughput: | 450+ Mbps |
| Max. Range: | 10+ km (under ideal conditions) |
| Frequency Range: | 5150 - 5875 MHz (5 GHz Components) |
| Antenna Gain: | 13 dBi |
| Beamwidth: | 45° (H/V/E) |
| Polarization: | Dual-Linear |
| Security: | WPA2-AES |
| Operating Modes: | WiFi Access Point (PtP/PtMP), Station (CPE) |
| Management Interface: | Dedicated 2.4 GHz Components Management WiFi, Web GUI |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to 70°C |
| Humidity: | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| ESD/EMP Protection: | ±24kV Contact/Air |
| Certifications: | CE, FCC, IC |
Scope of Delivery
| 2 x Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco |
| 2 x Pole Mounting Kit (cable ties) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I connect a NanoStation 5AC Loco directly to my regular WiFi Router to boost my signal?
No, that's not its primary purpose. Your NanoStation is designed for a point-to-point connection and requires a compatible airMAX ac Components device on the other side, like the second Loco from your set. It uses a special protocol (airMAX ac) and a highly directional Antenna that cannot communicate with the omni-directional WiFi of your home WiFi Routers.
How do you power the NanoStation 5AC Loco when you mount it outdoors on a mast?
It's simple: power and data run over a single Ethernet Cables. This is called 'Passive Power over Ethernet' (PoE). You'll need a PoE Injectors / Power Supplies (sold separately), which you place indoors. From there, one Ethernet Cables runs to the NanoStation and a second to your WiFi Router or Ethernet Switch.
Do I need to be a Network professional to set up this set?
A basic understanding of IP addresses is certainly helpful. But don't worry: thanks to the management WiFi and the UISP / UniFi Cable app, configuration has become super easy. The biggest challenge is the precise physical alignment of the two devices. However, the software supports you with a live display of the signal quality.
The range is stated as over 10 km. Is that realistic for me, and how fast will my connection be then?
The 10 km is a theoretical top value under perfect laboratory conditions – meaning clear line of sight and no interference. Realistically, with optimal alignment, you can expect stable connections over several kilometers with excellent data throughput. The greater the distance, the lower the speed will naturally be. For distances over 1-2 km, a model with a stronger Antennas might be a better choice for you.
Can I use this set as a regular WiFi Access Points for my garden?
We advise against that. Your NanoStation has a Directional Antennas that bundles the signal like a spotlight. To illuminate an area like your garden, you need an outdoor WiFi Access Points with an Omni-Directional Antennas that distributes the signal in all directions. For that, take a look at the UniFi Access Points series from Ubiquiti Networks.
What's the exact difference between the regular NanoStation 5AC and this 'Loco' version?
Good question! The 'Loco' is the more compact, lighter, and more affordable variant. The main difference: the Loco has a slightly lower Antennas gain (13 dBi vs. 16 dBi), which slightly reduces the range. Additionally, it lacks the second Ethernet Cables port, which on the regular NanoStation 5AC allows you to directly power an IP Cameras.
Street name: Third Avenue 685
Postal code, City: 10017 , New York
Country: Vereinigte Staaten
State: New York
Homepage: https://www.ui.com