Outdoor 5 GHz wireless bridge
Ubiquiti airMAX PowerBeam 5AC PBE-5AC-Gen2 in Dubai, UAE
Build a focused wireless connection between two locations with a directional airMAX ac bridge designed for outdoor point-to-point work. The PowerBeam 5AC Gen2 combines a 25 dBi integrated reflector, Gigabit Ethernet, passive PoE and a separate Wi-Fi management radio in a compact pole-mounted assembly.
Plan the complete link
Share the two site locations, estimated distance, required capacity, mounting conditions and installation scope for a more useful quotation.
Direct answer for buyers
The PBE-5AC-Gen2 is a directional outdoor wireless device used primarily to create a network bridge between sites with clear line of sight. It should be considered by businesses, system integrators and service providers that need a practical alternative or complement to a cabled connection. The unit is not a general indoor Wi-Fi access point and is normally deployed as part of a planned link, often with a compatible airMAX ac radio at the opposite end. Before proceeding, confirm the path profile, distance, required throughput, interference level, mounting structure, lightning protection, power arrangement, regional radio settings and exact quantity.
What the PowerBeam does
The PowerBeam focuses radio energy in a narrow direction through its integrated dish reflector. In a correctly engineered installation, this focused pattern helps establish a link between separated buildings, towers, compounds or network endpoints. Ethernet traffic enters through the Gigabit RJ45 interface, crosses the wireless path and exits through the corresponding bridge device at the remote location.
The design is intended for outdoor fixed wireless use. Typical applications include carrying office network traffic between nearby premises, connecting remote CCTV locations, feeding network access to a warehouse or gatehouse, extending connectivity within a campus and supporting wireless internet service infrastructure. The actual topology, permitted channel width and capacity should be designed for the project rather than assumed from the model name.
Who it suits
This model is relevant where the endpoints can be mounted with a stable, unobstructed path and where a directional 5 GHz link is technically suitable. It may fit small and medium businesses, multi-building sites, logistics operations, education environments, hospitality properties, farms, construction projects, surveillance integrators and wireless service providers.
It is less suitable where line of sight is blocked by buildings, foliage or terrain; where the 5 GHz band is heavily congested; where the mounting point moves; or where the project requires licensed microwave, carrier-grade redundancy or a formal service-level commitment. In those cases, a different radio architecture, fibre service or professionally engineered microwave solution may be more appropriate.
Business challenges and practical responses
Cable installation is difficult
A point-to-point bridge can connect two network locations without trenching between them, subject to clear line of sight, legal frequency use and a stable mounting position.
A remote camera location needs backhaul
The link can transport IP traffic from surveillance devices, but bandwidth, latency, switch capacity, PoE for cameras and video retention traffic must be calculated together.
A branch building needs shared services
The bridge may carry access to servers, internet, voice and applications. Network segmentation, security policies and fallback connectivity remain separate design decisions.
Installation needs simple local setup
The dedicated management Wi-Fi radio can support initial setup from a nearby mobile device, while operational management and monitoring depend on the selected airOS and UISP workflow.
Capabilities that matter in a planned link
Directional 25 dBi antenna
The integrated reflector concentrates the radio pattern and reduces the need for a separate antenna cable. Alignment accuracy remains essential.
airMAX ac operation
The proprietary platform is intended for fixed wireless networking. Compatibility and operating modes should be confirmed at both ends of the link.
Gigabit Ethernet
A single GbE RJ45 port connects the radio to the local network and carries passive PoE power from the included injector.
Dedicated management radio
A separate Wi-Fi management interface assists local setup without using the main directional link as the only access path.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Building-to-building bridge | Both roofs or poles have stable clear line of sight. | Distance, Fresnel-zone clearance, mounting and cable route. |
| CCTV backhaul | Combined camera traffic fits the engineered link budget. | Bitrate, peak traffic, switch design and resilience requirement. |
| Temporary project site | Mounts are secure and the path will remain unobstructed. | Power, weather protection, relocation plan and site access. |
| Service-provider CPE | The operator already uses a compatible airMAX ac network. | AP compatibility, channel plan, firmware and subscriber profile. |
| High-availability primary link | Only when the wider design includes suitable redundancy. | Backup path, failover, monitoring and service expectations. |
Verified technical information
The following details relate specifically to the PBE-5AC-Gen2. Frequency availability, transmit power and permitted channels remain region dependent. Performance figures are platform capabilities and should not be treated as guaranteed application throughput.
| Brand | Ubiquiti |
|---|---|
| Product name | airMAX PowerBeam 5AC |
| Model | PBE-5AC-Gen2 |
| Product type | Outdoor 5 GHz point-to-point / CPE wireless bridge |
| Antenna | Integrated 25 dBi dish reflector |
| Maximum platform throughput | Up to 450+ Mbps stated for the airMAX ac platform; real application performance is deployment dependent |
| Networking interface | One Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port |
| Management | airOS 8, dedicated Wi-Fi management radio, UISP ecosystem support |
| Power method | 24 V passive PoE, two-pair |
| Included power supply | 24 V, 0.5 A Gigabit PoE adapter |
| Supported voltage | 20–27 V DC |
| Maximum power consumption | 8.5 W |
| Dimensions | 420 × 420 × 230 mm |
| Weight | 2.2 kg |
| Mounting | Pole mount included |
| Operating temperature | -40 to 70 °C |
| Operating humidity | 5% to 95% non-condensing |
| Wind survivability | Up to 200 km/h under stated manufacturer test conditions |
| Certifications | CE, FCC, IC, RoHS and other region-specific listings shown by the manufacturer; confirm regional requirements |
| Warranty guidance | Confirm applicable supplier and regional warranty terms in the quotation |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE availability, quantity and vendor lead time |
Compatibility and deployment dependencies
A complete point-to-point bridge normally needs a radio at each endpoint. The second unit must support a compatible operating mode, channel plan and firmware strategy. Do not assume that every 5 GHz Wi-Fi device can form an airMAX ac link. A service-provider deployment may pair the PowerBeam with a compatible airMAX access point, while a private building bridge may use two aligned units. The exact arrangement should be confirmed before ordering.
Regional settings control available frequencies, channel widths and transmit power. Those values must follow local regulations. Outdoor Ethernet cabling, surge protection, grounding, mounting brackets, mast strength, switch ports and UPS coverage are part of the wider installation even when they are not all included in the radio box. The included injector supplies passive PoE; connecting the unit to an incompatible PoE source can damage equipment. Confirm the power method at both sites.
Wireless performance depends on line of sight and Fresnel-zone clearance, not simply visible sight from one roof to another. Trees, cranes, future construction, heat shimmer, reflections, rain, interference and mast movement can affect the link. A site survey or at least a careful desktop path study is recommended before treating the bridge as a production connection.
From requirement to working link
Define the traffic
List applications, expected average and peak bandwidth, latency sensitivity, user count, cameras, voice traffic and any future growth.
Study the path
Confirm coordinates, elevation, distance, obstructions, Fresnel clearance, available mast height and access for safe installation.
Design the bill of materials
Confirm radio quantity, mounts, outdoor cable, surge protection, grounding, switching, UPS, enclosures and installation tools.
Install and align
Mount securely, weatherproof the cable path, configure the endpoints and align using signal, noise and capacity readings.
Test and document
Validate throughput, latency, stability, VLAN handling and failover expectations, then record settings and support contacts.
Focused radio design and link quality
The central advantage of the PowerBeam form factor is its integrated directional reflector. A directional antenna places more energy toward the intended remote endpoint and receives more strongly from that direction than an ordinary omnidirectional access point. This supports longer fixed links and can reduce reception of unwanted signals arriving from other directions. It does not eliminate interference, however. Competing transmitters on the same or adjacent channels can still reduce modulation rates and usable capacity.
For a business buyer, the important measure is not only received signal strength. Signal-to-noise ratio, channel utilisation, modulation stability, retransmissions, latency and packet loss all influence the experience. A link that shows a strong signal may still perform poorly if the selected channel is congested or if the antennas are misaligned. Conversely, using excessive transmit power can create an imbalanced link or unnecessary interference. Configuration should follow the calculated path and the regulatory limits for the country.
The quoted 450+ Mbps figure is a platform-level real TCP/IP capability under suitable conditions, not a commitment for every installation. Practical throughput varies with channel width, distance, signal quality, interference, protocol overhead, firmware settings and the capabilities of the opposite radio. Buyers planning large file transfers, multiple high-resolution cameras or backup traffic should size from measured application demand and retain operational headroom.
Alignment is especially important with a focused antenna. Installers should adjust azimuth and elevation while observing both signal and quality indicators. Final tightening must not shift the dish. The pole should be sufficiently rigid for the wind exposure, and the mounting location should allow future maintenance without creating an unsafe access problem. A stable medium-strength link is generally more useful than a high reading that changes significantly in wind.
Management, monitoring and operational control
The Gen2 design includes a dedicated management Wi-Fi radio. During initial deployment, an installer can connect locally with a mobile device rather than repeatedly returning to the network cabinet. This can be valuable on rooftops or towers where fine alignment and configuration need to be coordinated at the antenna. Management access should still be secured with strong credentials and an appropriate operational process.
airOS 8 provides the radio configuration environment. Administrators can define wireless mode, channel settings, network addressing, bridge behaviour, management services and monitoring parameters. The UISP ecosystem can be considered where multiple compatible devices require central visibility. The exact management design depends on network scale, ownership and support responsibilities; a single private bridge may need a simpler process than a service-provider estate with many customer endpoints.
Operational monitoring should include more than an up/down check. Useful indicators include signal strength on both chains, noise floor, airMAX quality and capacity, negotiated Ethernet speed, CPU and memory utilisation, uptime and event logs. A sudden change in signal may indicate movement, water ingress, cable damage, new obstruction or interference. Thresholds should be based on the normal readings after commissioning rather than copied from another site.
Firmware management also deserves planning. Confirm compatibility between endpoints, review release information, retain configuration backups and schedule changes rather than updating an important bridge without a recovery route. Where the wireless link is the only path to the far device, an incorrect network change can remove remote management access. Documenting physical access, default recovery procedures and IP addressing reduces future troubleshooting time.
Outdoor installation, power and resilience
Outdoor wireless projects fail as often from installation details as from radio selection. The PowerBeam is designed for outdoor operation, but the complete path includes the mounting pole, fasteners, Ethernet cable, entry point into the building, PoE injector, switch port, grounding and power protection. Each component needs to suit the environment. UV-rated shielded cable is generally considered for exposed runs, and drip loops and proper weather sealing help prevent water from travelling toward connectors or indoor equipment.
The included 24 V passive PoE adapter powers the radio over Ethernet. Passive PoE is not interchangeable with every standards-based PoE source. The installer must identify the correct port and polarity and avoid connecting equipment that expects a different voltage. The injector should be placed in a protected indoor or weather-rated location, and the AC supply should be included in the UPS plan where continued operation during short outages is required.
Surge protection and grounding should follow site policy and local electrical practice. A rooftop cable can provide a path for induced electrical energy even without a direct lightning strike. The radio alone should not be treated as the full lightning-protection strategy. In high-exposure sites, consult a qualified installer about mast bonding, cable shielding, surge devices and building entry protection.
Resilience is a network design question. One wireless bridge creates one path, so a hardware fault, obstruction, severe interference or power loss can interrupt service. Applications that cannot tolerate an outage may need a second diverse link, wired backup, cellular failover or another redundancy method. The PowerBeam can participate in such a design, but it does not independently provide high availability simply because two radios form the main bridge.
Where the PBE-5AC-Gen2 can fit
Commercial buildings
Connect a main office and an annex across a road or courtyard, provided both mounting points have an unobstructed path and the network design accounts for shared business applications.
Warehouses and logistics yards
Extend connectivity to a gate, loading area or secondary warehouse where trenching is difficult. Vehicle movement and future structures should be considered during path selection.
Surveillance networks
Backhaul camera traffic from a remote cluster. Calculate aggregate and peak bitrates, multicast behaviour and recording traffic before selecting channel width and redundancy.
Hospitality and leisure sites
Connect separate buildings, service areas or outdoor facilities while keeping guest access, operations and surveillance traffic properly segmented at the network layer.
Construction and temporary operations
Provide a relocatable link between site offices or monitoring points. Secure mounting, dust exposure, changing obstructions and safe power arrangements need regular review.
Wireless service networks
Use as a customer endpoint within a compatible airMAX ac design. AP sector capacity, subscriber density, frequency planning and central monitoring determine overall service quality.
Integration and network considerations
A wireless bridge is one segment of the network. Switch configuration at each end determines which VLANs and services cross the link. Businesses should decide whether the remote site will share the same Layer 2 domain, use routed separation or connect through firewalls. Extending a large broadcast domain across a wireless path can create avoidable traffic and troubleshooting complexity. The correct choice depends on network size, application design and security policy.
Quality of service may be relevant where voice, interactive applications and bulk traffic share the bridge. Traffic prioritisation cannot create extra radio capacity, but it can help protect sensitive flows during congestion. Camera uploads, cloud backups and software distribution should be assessed for peak use, not only average demand. Where possible, schedule heavy transfers outside critical operating periods.
The device has one Ethernet interface, so an outdoor switch or local indoor switch may be needed when several endpoints exist at the remote location. The radio’s passive PoE requirement should be separated from the powering needs of cameras, access points or other equipment. Confirm switch port speed, VLAN support, power budget and enclosure conditions for the complete remote site.
Security controls should include restricted management access, unique credentials, configuration backups, suitable firmware, network segmentation and logging. A bridge transports traffic; it does not replace a firewall, identity controls or endpoint security. Buyers linking two organisations or tenant networks should define ownership, permitted traffic, incident response and change control before deployment.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quotation
What are the exact endpoint coordinates?
Coordinates and mounting heights allow a basic path and distance review instead of relying on an approximate location description.
How much traffic must cross the link?
State average and peak demand, application types, camera counts and expected growth so capacity can be evaluated realistically.
Is the opposite radio already installed?
Provide its exact model and firmware. Similar frequency alone does not confirm an appropriate airMAX connection.
What mounting structure is available?
Describe pole diameter, roof access, wind exposure, cable route and any landlord or facility restrictions.
What level of continuity is required?
A critical production service may need UPS coverage, a backup link and active monitoring beyond the two radios.
Who will install and support it?
Clarify whether the quotation should cover supply only, configuration, site survey, installation, alignment, testing or ongoing support.
Procurement checklist
☐ Confirm the exact model as PBE-5AC-Gen2.
☐ Confirm whether the requirement is one unit, a matched pair or a CPE for an existing airMAX AP.
☐ Record endpoint coordinates, link distance and planned mounting height.
☐ Confirm line of sight and Fresnel-zone clearance.
☐ Define required average, peak and future bandwidth.
☐ Review regional 5 GHz frequency and power restrictions.
☐ Confirm pole, bracket and wind-exposure requirements.
☐ Include outdoor Ethernet cable, surge protection and grounding materials where required.
☐ Verify the 24 V passive PoE arrangement and protected AC power.
☐ Confirm switch ports, VLANs and network addressing.
☐ Decide whether installation, alignment and testing are included.
☐ Define monitoring, backup configuration and firmware responsibility.
☐ Confirm warranty terms, destination and vendor lead time in the quotation.
☐ Identify any backup-link or business-continuity requirement.
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help turn a product request into a more complete purchasing brief. This may include confirming the exact PowerBeam model, reviewing whether the topology needs one unit or a pair, discussing compatible endpoint options, identifying basic path-planning information and preparing a bill of materials for the radio, cabling, power and mounting components. Assistance can also cover quotation coordination and defining whether configuration, installation and testing should be included.
For projects with multiple locations, share a site list and the purpose of each proposed link. A building bridge, CCTV backhaul and service-provider subscriber connection have different traffic and management requirements even when they use similar hardware. FourTeck can help organise these requirements so the quotation separates confirmed products from optional services and project-dependent items.
Visit the FourTeck technology products section for related infrastructure, review available installation and configuration services, or send the project details through the FourTeck contact page. For broader company information, see about FourTeck.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-Gen2. Availability can depend on quantity, regional variant, supplier position and vendor lead time. A quotation should identify the exact model, included PoE adapter, requested accessories, service scope and applicable warranty terms. Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the requirement and destination are confirmed.
For projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman, FourTeck can review the intended link, help define the required bill of materials and coordinate supply or deployment discussions. Site access, roof permissions, cable routes, mounting structures, electrical arrangements and installation schedules remain project-specific. Installation and configuration should be clearly included in the quotation when required rather than assumed to accompany hardware supply.
GCC availability
Businesses planning PowerBeam deployments across the GCC can contact FourTeck for requirement review, model confirmation, quotation coordination and delivery planning. The same radio model may be considered for projects in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain or Oman, but permitted frequencies, power limits, regional variants and procurement arrangements may differ. Share the destination country, exact quantity, intended topology, link distances, expected bandwidth and desired project schedule. FourTeck can also discuss whether the requirement includes configuration, installation planning, mounting accessories, surge protection, testing or ongoing operational support. Product availability, supplier lead times, shipping schedules, service visits and warranty handling can vary by country and project scope, so these points should be confirmed in the written quotation. For Kuwait-related coordination, buyers may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support.
Africa availability
FourTeck can assist organisations evaluating the PBE-5AC-Gen2 for projects in selected African markets, including East African deployments and wider regional procurement requirements. Buyers should provide the destination country, exact radio quantity, proposed link topology, deployment environment and preferred schedule. Power arrangements, allowed radio channels, mounting conditions, shipping options, local installation capability and support expectations may differ substantially between locations. Availability and fulfilment can also depend on product region, vendor lead time, project size and local import arrangements. FourTeck can help review the equipment list, compatible endpoints, cabling and protection accessories, configuration scope and documentation needs without assuming that every service is included automatically. Project planners can explore FourTeck Africa solutions, technology support in Kenya and FourTeck Uganda services for regional contact pathways.
Related options and supporting services
Second PowerBeam endpoint
A private point-to-point link commonly needs two compatible radios. Confirm quantity and regional variant before ordering.
airMAX access-point options
For point-to-multipoint service, select a compatible AP and antenna based on sector width, subscriber count and capacity.
Outdoor cabling and protection
UV-rated cable, surge protection, grounding components and weatherproof routing may be required for a reliable installation.
Link planning and site survey
A path review helps assess distance, obstructions, mounting height and likely spectrum challenges before deployment.
Installation and alignment
Professional mounting, cabling, configuration, alignment and performance testing can be scoped separately.
Firewall and switching integration
VLAN, routing, security and failover design may be needed to integrate the bridge into the wider business network.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
A model number alone does not describe the full link. Businesses contact FourTeck to clarify quantities, distinguish a standalone replacement from a complete bridge pair, review endpoint compatibility, define mounting and power accessories and place installation requirements into the quotation. This helps reduce the risk of receiving the radio while still missing cable, surge protection, a suitable PoE plan or a compatible device at the opposite endpoint.
FourTeck can also help structure a multi-site requirement, identify information needed for link planning and coordinate commercial questions such as regional availability, lead time and warranty guidance. The objective is practical procurement clarity: exact model, documented assumptions, visible optional items and a clear separation between hardware supply and project services. No wireless performance or delivery schedule should be considered guaranteed until the site conditions, design and commercial terms are confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the PBE-5AC-Gen2 mainly used for?
It is mainly used as an outdoor 5 GHz directional bridge for point-to-point links or as customer-premises equipment within a compatible airMAX ac network.
Do I need two units for a building-to-building link?
Usually, yes. A private point-to-point bridge needs a compatible radio at each end. Confirm whether the remote endpoint already exists before deciding the quantity.
Is the 450+ Mbps figure guaranteed?
No. It is a platform capability under suitable conditions. Actual throughput depends on channel width, distance, signal quality, interference, alignment, settings and the opposite radio.
Can it work without clear line of sight?
Reliable fixed links normally require clear line of sight and adequate Fresnel-zone clearance. Buildings, terrain and foliage can make the model unsuitable or reduce stability.
What power supply does it use?
It uses 24 V passive PoE and is listed with a 24 V, 0.5 A Gigabit PoE adapter. Confirm power compatibility before connecting any alternative injector or switch.
Does it include a mounting kit?
The manufacturer lists pole mounting as included. The mast, structural hardware, outdoor cable, surge protection and grounding components may still need to be sourced for the site.
Can it be managed centrally?
It uses airOS 8 and can fit within the UISP management ecosystem. The correct management approach depends on device count, network ownership and support process.
Is installation included with purchase?
Installation is not assumed. Ask for site survey, mounting, cable work, configuration, alignment and testing to be listed explicitly when these services are required.
How can I check UAE availability and price?
Send FourTeck the exact model, quantity, destination and required services. Availability, selling price, warranty terms and vendor lead time should be confirmed in the current quotation.
What information helps FourTeck prepare a useful quote?
Provide endpoint locations, distance, mounting height, traffic requirement, existing radio model, quantity, installation scope, destination and preferred project schedule.
Discuss your PowerBeam link requirement
Share the site distance, quantity, required bandwidth and service scope. FourTeck can coordinate model confirmation, a bill-of-material review and a current UAE quotation.
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