🔍 What is Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC?
The PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 is part of the airMAX AC product line from Ubiquiti, designed for high-performance point-to-point (PtP) and point-to-multipoint (PtMP) wireless links. It uses a directional antenna with airMAX technology, providing:
- High throughput (up to 450+ Mbps)
- Low latency
- Advanced beam directivity for long-distance links (10+ km)
- Interference resistance via airView and airMagic
It’s widely used by ISPs, large campuses, remote offices, and video surveillance systems.
🛠️ Hardware You Need to setup PowerBeam 5AC
Before you begin setup, make sure you have:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| ✅ PowerBeam 5AC | One per end of the link (2 total for PtP) |
| ✅ PoE injector | Included in the box |
| ✅ Ethernet cables | At least 2x Cat5e or better |
| ✅ Laptop/PC with LAN port | For initial configuration |
| ✅ Pole/mounting hardware | For outdoor installation |
| ✅ Basic tools | Wrench, zip ties, drill if needed |
🔌 Step 1: Mounting & Powering Up the Device
- Mount the dish on a pole, rooftop, or wall using included brackets.
- Connect Ethernet cable:
- One end to PowerBeam.
- Other end to the PoE port on the PoE injector.
- Connect another cable from LAN port of injector to your PC or laptop.
- Plug the injector into the power outlet.
💡 Tip: Install in clear line-of-sight (LOS) for best signal. Avoid trees or buildings in between.
💻 Step 2: Accessing the Web Interface
- Set your PC IP to static:
- IP Address:
192.168.1.10 - Subnet Mask:
255.255.255.0
- IP Address:
- Open browser → enter
http://192.168.1.20 - Login with default:
- Username: ubnt
- Password: ubnt
- Accept license agreement.
- Change default username and password (required).
✅ Important: Don’t skip password change! Use a secure one and note it down.
🔄 Step 3: Firmware Update
- Go to Ubiquiti Downloads
- Select your model (PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 or LiteBeam AC etc.)
- Download the
.binfirmware file. - In the PowerBeam UI:
- Go to System > Firmware
- Click Upload
- Browse and select the downloaded file
- Wait for reboot
🛁 Understanding AP vs Station Mode
Before continuing, it’s important to clarify how communication works between the Access Point (AP) and the Station.
| Role | Function |
| Access Point (AP) | Sends/broadcasts the wireless signal |
| Station (Client) | Connects to and receives the signal from the AP |
❗ Note:
✅ The Station connects to the AP.
❌ The AP does not connect to the Station.
This is similar to how your phone connects to a Wi-Fi router — the router (AP) broadcasts the signal, and your phone (station) receives it.
If you’re configuring a point-to-point bridge, always set the main or internet-connected side as AP, and the remote side as Station.
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On the Access Point (AP) side:
- Go to Wireless Tab
- Set:
- Wireless Mode: Access Point
- SSID: Example:
FahedLink - Output Power: 20–25 dBm (adjust later)
- Frequency Band: 5 GHz
- Channel Width: 40/80 MHz
- Security: WPA2 AES
On the Station (Client) side:
- Scan for AP from Wireless tab
- Select the SSID you created
- Enter the same password
- Wireless Mode: Station
🌐 Step 5: Network Settings (Bridge Mode)
On AP:
- Network Mode: Bridge
- IP Address: Static (e.g.,
192.168.1.21) - Subnet:
255.255.255.0 - Gateway: Your router IP (e.g.,
192.168.1.1)
On Station:
- Network Mode: Bridge
- IP Address:
192.168.1.22 - Same subnet and gateway as AP
UISP (UNMS) Network Management Platform
🎯 Step 6: Align the Antennas
- Use LED lights on PowerBeam 5AC to gauge signal.
- Open Tools > Align Antenna in web UI.
- Use UISP Mobile App for real-time alignment if needed.
Ideal Signal Levels:
| Signal Strength | Performance |
| -50 to -60 dBm | Excellent |
| -60 to -70 dBm | Good |
| -70 to -80 dBm | Poor |
Also check:
- Noise Floor: Below -90 dBm is good
- CCQ (Client Connection Quality): >90% is ideal
📊 Step 7: Speed Test & Final Tuning
Use the Speed Test tool in the UI.
- Expected speeds: 100–450 Mbps depending on alignment, distance, and interference.
- Adjust channel width or frequency as needed.
🔧 Advanced Options (Optional)
Enable Watchdog
- Target: 8.8.8.8
- Reboot on failure
Enable SSH/SNMP
- For remote access and monitoring
VLAN Setup
- Useful for advanced ISP configurations
🤖 Use Cases of PowerBeam 5AC
| Scenario | Description |
| Rural Internet Link | Extend internet to a farm or remote house |
| Building-to-building bridge | Connect two offices without digging cables |
| CCTV IP camera backhaul | Send video feeds from remote area to central NVR |
| Temporary events (festivals) | Rapid wireless link setup for internet and video |
| ISP WISP deployment | Last-mile wireless delivery for rural subscribers |
🦖 Troubleshooting Guide for PowerBeam 5AC
If you’re not sure how to find the IP address of your PowerBeam AC, or you can’t access it, watch this quick video tutorial here for help.
| Problem | Cause/Action |
| Cannot access 192.168.1.20 | Check cable, IP config, power injector |
| Station not connecting to AP | Check password, frequency mismatch, alignment |
| No internet at station side | Check gateway/DNS, bridge mode, firewall rules |
| Poor throughput | Reduce channel width, optimize alignment |
| Device rebooting randomly | Faulty PoE or power surge – use surge protector |
🌐 Monitoring With UISP (UNMS)
- Install UISP
- Manage all Ubiquiti devices from one dashboard
- Get alerts, monitor signal, update firmware remotely
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🚀 Final Thoughts about PowerBeam 5AC
The Ubiquiti PowerBeam 5AC is one of the best choices for long-distance wireless bridging. By carefully following this step-by-step tutorial, you can build a stable, high-performance wireless link that lasts.
Stay tuned to FahedTech Tutorials for more networking and tech setup guides!