? Message us on In today’s hyper-connected world, businesses, remote setups, and residential installations demand high-speed, long-range wireless connectivity with uncompromising stability. The Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC delivers precisely that—an efficient, compact, and robust wireless CPE solution that thrives in outdoor environments. Whether you’re setting up a point-to-point bridge across buildings or need a point-to-multipoint base station for wide coverage, the LOCO 5AC gets the job done with seamless performance and minimal footprint.
As a part of Ubiquiti’s airMAX AC lineup, the LOCO 5AC offers premium hardware with an integrated directional antenna, a clean industrial design, and advanced software capabilities—all tailored for outdoor wireless communication. This Ubiuiti access point is perfect for users who need professional-grade wireless performance without complex setups or high costs.
Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC: The Compact Powerhouse for Reliable Outdoor Wireless Connectivity
The Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC (Model: LOCO5AC) is a high-performance outdoor CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) operating on the 5GHz band with airMAX AC technology. Designed to provide long-range wireless communication, this unit integrates a powerful 13dBi directional antenna and supports 2×2 MIMO for optimized throughput and improved stability in noisy environments.
The LOCO 5AC is engineered to deliver high-speed wireless links—ideal for bridging networks over long distances, especially where cabling is impractical or costly. Leveraging Ubiquiti’s airMAX TDMA protocol, it minimizes latency and enhances network performance by allowing multiple devices to transmit without collisions.
Physically, the device is sleek and lightweight, featuring a compact white enclosure built to withstand outdoor conditions. Installation is straightforward with versatile mounting options, and it only requires a single Ethernet cable thanks to PoE support. From rooftop deployments to industrial perimeters, it blends power and simplicity, making it a top choice among IT professionals and network installers.
Advanced Capabilities in a Small Package
Despite its compact size, the Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC is packed with advanced features that rival higher-end access points:
- 5GHz Frequency Band: Ensures minimal interference and supports higher speeds than 2.4GHz networks.
- 13dBi Directional Antenna: Integrated antenna design with focused signal strength for long-range connections.
- AirMAX AC Protocol: Uses Ubiquiti’s proprietary TDMA-based protocol to optimize time-slots and reduce latency.
- PoE Powering: Simplifies installation with passive PoE (24V), eliminating the need for separate power wiring.
- airOS 8: Powerful web-based software platform that offers real-time analytics, configuration, and RF performance tracking.
These features, combined with the rugged construction, make it perfect for a variety of deployment scenarios including farms, campuses, surveillance setups, and rural internet access.
Real-World Use Cases of the LOCO 5AC
The Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC serves a wide range of outdoor networking applications. Some of the most common use cases include:
- Point-to-Point Wireless Bridging: Connect buildings across a campus or different locations of a business without trenching fiber.
- Point-to-Multipoint Distribution: Act as a base station to deliver internet to multiple receivers (CPEs) in remote areas.
- IP Surveillance Backhaul: Extend connectivity to remote security cameras where cabling isn’t practical.
- Rural Internet Expansion: Enable long-distance wireless broadband service to off-grid or rural communities.
Its reliability, ease of setup, and affordability make it especially attractive for ISPs and small businesses looking for powerful yet simple outdoor networking solutions.
Ports and Connectivity
Despite being a compact unit, the LOCO 5AC is designed with practical connectivity options. It features:
- 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Port: This Gigabit Ethernet port ensures maximum throughput for demanding applications.
- Passive PoE (24V): Enables both power and data delivery over a single cable, reducing wiring complexity and setup time.
There are no extra or complicated interfaces—just one efficient port that handles everything you need, making it plug-and-play friendly even for non-expert users.
How to Install and Align for Best Performance
Proper installation and signal alignment are crucial for optimal performance, especially in point-to-point scenarios. Follow these tips:
- Use the built-in signal strength indicator on the airOS 8 dashboard during setup.
- Ensure there’s clear line-of-sight between transmitting and receiving points—avoid physical obstructions like trees or buildings.
- Mount at elevated positions, such as rooftops or poles, using included hardware or compatible brackets.
You can monitor performance in real-time and adjust settings remotely using airOS.
Maximize Network Stability with AirMAX AC
One of the major benefits of the Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC is its use of airMAX AC technology. Unlike standard Wi-Fi, airMAX AC uses TDMA to assign time slots for communication between devices. This avoids signal collision and allows:
- Higher throughput
- Lower latency
- More connected clients per sector
- Better performance in noisy environments
Whether you’re an ISP building an infrastructure or a business owner connecting facilities, airMAX AC provides enterprise-grade reliability.
Comparison with Other Ubiquiti Outdoor CPEs
| Model | Frequency | Antenna Gain | Ethernet Ports | Max Throughput | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LOCO 5AC | 5GHz | 13dBi | 1x Gigabit | Up to 450+ Mbps | Budget-friendly long-range P2P |
| NanoStation M5 | 5GHz | 16dBi | 1x Fast Ethernet | Up to 150 Mbps | Older gen, cost-effective |
| PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 | 5GHz | 25dBi | 1x Gigabit | Up to 450+ Mbps | Longest-range P2P links |
| LiteBeam 5AC LR | 5GHz | 26dBi | 1x Gigabit | Up to 450+ Mbps | ISPs for rural broadband |
Among these, the Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC stands out as the best balance of price, performance, and compact size, ideal for users who want a reliable mid-range wireless bridge or access point without bulky hardware.
Technical Specifications – Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Model | LOCO5AC |
| Frequency | 5 GHz |
| Antenna Gain | 13 dBi |
| Networking Interface | 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet Port |
| Max Throughput | 450+ Mbps |
| Processor | Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 560 MHz |
| RAM | 64MB DDR2 |
| Flash Storage | 8MB |
| PoE Input Voltage | 24V Passive PoE |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to 70° C |
| Wind Survivability | 200 km/h |
| Dimensions | 179 x 77.5 x 59.1 mm |
| Weight | 180 g |
| Mounting | Pole-mount (included) |
| Software | airOS 8 |
| Management | airView, airControl, airMagic |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the range of the Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC?
It can reliably deliver links up to 5 km or more with clear line-of-sight.
2. Does the LOCO 5AC support PoE?
Yes, it supports 24V passive PoE.
3. Can I use this indoors?
While it’s technically possible, the LOCO 5AC is designed for outdoor use with weatherproofing.
4. What is airMAX AC?
airMAX AC is Ubiquiti’s proprietary protocol for low-latency, high-throughput wireless communication.
5. How do I power the LOCO 5AC?
Via a PoE injector (included) or a compatible PoE switch providing 24V passive output.
6. Can I use this for a point-to-point bridge?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for short to mid-range point-to-point connections.
7. Is the antenna removable?
No, the 13dBi antenna is built-in and non-detachable.
8. What kind of speeds can I expect?
Depending on environmental conditions, it supports up to 450+ Mbps throughput.
9. Does it come with mounting hardware?
Yes, pole-mounting accessories are included in the box.
10. Is it compatible with Ubiquiti’s UISP or UNMS platforms?
Yes, it integrates seamlessly with Ubiquiti’s network management tools for centralized monitoring.
Final Thoughts: Why Choose the Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC?
The Ubiquiti NanoStation LOCO 5AC is a dependable, high-performing, and compact wireless CPE that doesn’t cut corners. It is ideal for outdoor deployments where stability, long range, and ease of use matter most. With airMAX AC technology, PoE support, and a built-in directional antenna, it’s a go-to solution for both professionals and small-scale network deployments.
At ITMan, we proudly offer the LOCO5AC with competitive pricing and fast shipping across the UAE. Whether you’re expanding your wireless network or replacing aging infrastructure, this model is a smart, scalable investment.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.