The Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC-500 (PBE-5AC-500) is a high-performance airMAX ac bridge, designed for long-range, point-to-point (PtP) wireless links.¹ It's a parabolic dish antenna that combines a high-gain dish reflector with an integrated radio.²

Key Features

• High Gain and Long Range: The "500" in the model name refers to the 500 mm diameter of its dish reflector.³ This large size, combined with a 27 dBi antenna gain, allows the device to create a highly focused wireless beam for stable connections over 25+ km.⁴

   

• airMAX ac Technology: It utilizes Ubiquiti's proprietary airMAX ac protocol, which provides improved latency, noise immunity, and scalability compared to standard Wi-Fi.⁵ It's capable of delivering 450+ Mbps of real TCP/IP throughput.⁶

   

• Integrated Design: The radio and antenna are integrated into a single unit using Ubiquiti's InnerFeed technology.⁷ This eliminates the need for RF cables, which can cause signal loss, thereby improving overall performance.⁸

   

• Robust and Weatherproof: The device is built with a UV-stabilized plastic enclosure and includes a protective radome to shield the radio and antenna from harsh weather conditions.⁹ It's designed to withstand high winds and extreme temperatures.

   

• Power over Ethernet (PoE): It is powered by a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter, which is typically included.¹⁰ This allows both power and data to be transmitted over a single Ethernet cable.

   

• Easy Installation: The PowerBeam features a simplified mechanical design that requires only a single wrench for pole-mounting, making installation quick and efficient.¹¹