Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco

The Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco (Loco5AC) is a compact 5 GHz outdoor wireless radio designed for point-to-point connectivity, building-to-building networking, wireless bridging, network extension and customer-premises applications.

Built around Ubiquiti's airMAX AC technology, the Loco5AC combines a 13 dBi integrated directional antenna with Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in a small, lightweight outdoor unit. It can operate in Access Point or Station mode, making it suitable for creating dedicated wireless links between two locations. 

Key Features

• 5 GHz airMAX AC wireless technology

• 13 dBi integrated directional antenna

• 1 × Gigabit Ethernet port

• Access Point and Station operating modes

• Point-to-point wireless connectivity

• Supports channel bandwidths up to 80 MHz

• Compact and lightweight design

• Outdoor UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure

• Pole mounting included

• Passive PoE powered

• Traffic shaping with burst support

• Dynamic ACK and Ackless Mode

• QoS with WMM packet classification

• Bridging and routing support

• DHCP support

• SSH, SNMP and web-based management

• Wireless distance and link statistics

• Designed for professional outdoor wireless deployments

Ubiquiti Loco5AC Specifications

Wireless Performance & Antenna

The NanoStation 5AC Loco uses an integrated 13 dBi directional antenna designed to focus the wireless signal toward the intended connection.

This directional design makes the Loco5AC particularly useful for dedicated wireless links, rather than as a general-purpose indoor Wi-Fi access point. 

Gigabit Ethernet Connectivity

The Loco5AC has a Gigabit Ethernet port, allowing it to connect to switches, routers, computers, CCTV systems and other network equipment.

Ubiquiti currently specifies a 24V, 0.3A Gigabit PoE supply, although its current product listing states that the PoE supply is not included with the unit. 

Point-to-Point Wireless Connectivity

One of the most common applications for the Loco5AC is creating a point-to-point wireless bridge.

For example:

Main Office → Loco5AC → 5 GHz Wireless Link → Loco5AC → Remote Office

Once configured, the wireless link can allow the second location to access the network from the first location.

Common Point-to-Point Applications

Building-to-Building Network Extension

The Loco5AC is particularly useful where two buildings need to share the same network but installing Ethernet or fiber between them is difficult or expensive.

A typical installation can look like:

Router / Switch
↓
Loco5AC – Access Point
↓
5 GHz Wireless Link
↓
Loco5AC – Station
↓
Switch / Access Point / CCTV / Computers

The actual achievable link performance depends on factors such as distance, line of sight, interference, channel configuration, antenna alignment and local regulatory requirements.

Outdoor Design

The Loco5AC is designed for outdoor deployments and uses a UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure.

Its compact dimensions make it easy to mount on a pole without requiring a large mounting structure.

airMAX AC Technology

The NanoStation 5AC Loco uses Ubiquiti's airMAX AC technology, which is designed specifically for outdoor wireless networking.

The platform provides features such as:

• AirMAX AC Mode

• Traffic shaping

• Burst support

• Dynamic ACK

• Ackless Mode

• QoS

• WMM packet classification

• Wireless distance adjustment

• Link statistics

• Data-rate monitoring

• Ethernet link-rate monitoring

• Packet-error monitoring

• Wireless-distance monitoring 

These features make the Loco5AC suitable for deployments requiring more control than a conventional consumer Wi-Fi device.

Network Management

The Loco5AC provides several management and networking services.

Where Can the NanoStation 5AC Loco Be Used?

Offices

Connect separate office buildings and extend the existing network without running a physical cable between the buildings.

Schools

Connect administration blocks, classrooms, laboratories, dormitories and other buildings within a campus.

CCTV Systems

Provide a wireless network connection between remote CCTV cameras and the central recording/network infrastructure.

Farms

Connect houses, offices, workshops, stores and other buildings spread across a property.

Hotels & Lodges

Connect separate buildings and extend network infrastructure across a property.

Wireless ISPs

The Loco5AC can be deployed as customer-premises equipment in suitable wireless ISP configurations.

Homes & Compounds

Connect separate houses, offices, garages or other structures where a wired connection is impractical.

Installation Requirements

For the best results, a point-to-point Loco5AC installation should take several factors into consideration.

Clear Line of Sight

The two radios should ideally have a clear line of sight between them.

Correct Alignment

The integrated directional antennas need to be properly aimed toward each other.

Suitable Mounting

The units should be securely mounted to prevent movement that could affect alignment.

Appropriate Cabling

Outdoor Ethernet cables should be installed and protected appropriately.

Grounding & Surge Protection

Outdoor network installations should incorporate appropriate grounding and surge protection, particularly in areas exposed to lightning.

Frequency Selection

Wireless channels should be selected according to the local regulatory environment and the interference conditions at the installation site.

Ubiquiti Loco5AC vs NanoStation 5AC

The larger NanoStation 5AC provides a 16 dBi antenna and two Gigabit Ethernet ports, while the Loco5AC is the more compact model with a 13 dBi antenna and one Gigabit port. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco?

The NanoStation 5AC Loco is a compact 5 GHz outdoor wireless radio designed for point-to-point connectivity, wireless bridges, network extension and customer-premises applications.

Can I use two Loco5AC units to connect two buildings?

Yes. Two units can be configured in Access Point and Station modes to create a dedicated wireless link between two locations.

Does the Loco5AC have a Gigabit port?

Yes. It has one 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet port. 

What antenna does the Loco5AC have?

It has an integrated 13 dBi directional dual-linear antenna with a 45° beamwidth. 

Does the Loco5AC support 80 MHz?

Yes. It supports channel bandwidths from 10 MHz through 80 MHz, including 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 MHz options. 

Is the Loco5AC suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. It features a UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure and is specified for an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C. 

Does it use PoE?

Yes. The Loco5AC uses passive PoE. Ubiquiti's current listing specifies a 24V 0.3A Gigabit PoE supply, which is listed as not included. 

Can the Loco5AC be used for CCTV?

Yes. It can be used to establish wireless network connectivity between remote CCTV installations and the main network, provided the link has sufficient capacity and is properly configured.

Is the Loco5AC a normal Wi-Fi router?

No. It is an outdoor wireless radio designed primarily for dedicated wireless links rather than conventional indoor Wi-Fi distribution.

Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco Setup & Configuration

The supplied video can be included on the product page to help customers understand the device's configuration and deployment.

Contact Orbitlink Solutions

Location: Lyric House, 7th Floor Room S9, Kimathi Street, Nairobi

Call / Text / WhatsApp: +254743720551

Email: info@orbitlinksolutions.co.ke / orbitlinksolutions@gmail.com

Looking for a reliable wireless bridge or outdoor network solution? Contact Orbitlink Solutions for the Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco and other Ubiquiti networking equipment.