Outdoor wireless bridge and CPE
Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco NS-5ACL in Dubai, UAE
The NanoStation 5AC Loco is a compact airMAX AC radio for building-to-building connectivity, remote client links and wireless network extensions. Its integrated antenna and outdoor-ready enclosure help simplify deployment, while professional site planning remains essential for reliable performance.
Confirm the exact regional model, PoE injector, mounting location and link design before purchase.
Direct answer for buyers
The Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco NS-5ACL, also shown by Ubiquiti as Loco5AC, is a compact outdoor 5 GHz wireless radio used mainly for point-to-point bridging and as a station in point-to-multipoint airMAX networks. It is appropriate for businesses, installers, WISPs and project owners that need a practical wireless path between buildings, remote facilities or network distribution points. Before proceeding, confirm clear line of sight, link distance, local spectrum permissions, required throughput, interference level, pole position, Ethernet cable route, grounding, surge protection and a compatible 24 V passive PoE supply. A successful deployment depends as much on link engineering and installation quality as on the radio itself.
What it does
The device creates a directional 5 GHz data link between network points. Two compatible radios can form a bridge between buildings, while a Loco5AC can also operate as a remote station connected to an appropriate airMAX AC access point. The integrated antenna keeps the installation compact and removes the need to select a separate antenna for standard deployments.
Who it suits
It may suit offices, warehouses, schools, villas, hospitality sites, security-camera projects, construction compounds, logistics yards and managed wireless networks. It is not a replacement for indoor Wi-Fi access points, and it should not be selected only by advertised range. The actual design must consider terrain, Fresnel-zone clearance, interference and the capacity required by the applications carried over the link.
Business challenges this radio can help address
Cabling between separate buildings
Where trenching, leased fibre or new copper cabling is impractical, a properly engineered wireless bridge may provide a workable network path. The buyer should compare the total cost and operational impact of wireless against a physical cable route.
Connecting remote edge devices
Remote cameras, access-control points, small offices or field systems may need connectivity back to a central network. Bandwidth, power and security requirements must be reviewed before using the link for operational traffic.
Expanding a point-to-multipoint network
Service providers and campus operators can use the radio as a station in an airMAX AC network when the access point, channel plan and capacity model are compatible. Sector loading and expected client count should be assessed separately.
Improving deployment consistency
An integrated radio and antenna reduces the number of RF components that must be matched. It does not remove the need for professional alignment, outdoor-rated cable, grounding, surge protection and documented configuration.
Core capabilities at a glance
Designed for Ubiquiti’s outdoor TDMA-based wireless platform rather than general indoor Wi-Fi coverage.
Supports convenient local setup and management without using the main 5 GHz service radio for the initial connection.
Supports multiple channel widths, allowing the installer to balance capacity, interference and regulatory limits.
Specified for demanding temperatures and non-condensing humidity, subject to correct mounting and installation practice.
Product-fit decision matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| Building-to-building bridge | Both endpoints have suitable mounting positions and clear line of sight. | Distance, Fresnel clearance, expected throughput and matching radio configuration. |
| PtMP client station | The upstream access point supports the required airMAX AC mode and channel plan. | AP compatibility, sector capacity, signal target and client loading. |
| Compact outdoor installation | A small integrated antenna is preferred over a separate radio and antenna assembly. | Pole size, cable route, weather exposure and service access. |
| High-interference site | A spectrum review identifies a usable channel and the link budget remains acceptable. | Noise floor, competing transmitters, channel width and antenna alignment. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | Ubiquiti |
|---|---|
| Product name | airMAX NanoStation 5AC Loco |
| Model references | Loco5AC / NS-5ACL |
| Product type | Outdoor 5 GHz airMAX AC radio and CPE |
| Dimensions | 179 × 77.5 × 59.1 mm |
| Weight | 180 g |
| Enclosure | UV-stabilized polycarbonate |
| Mounting | Pole mount included |
| Network interface | One Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port |
| Power method | 24 V passive PoE, 2-pair |
| Power supply | 24 V, 0.3 A Gigabit PoE supply; current official listing states not included |
| Supported voltage | 22–27 V DC |
| Maximum power consumption | 7 W |
| Antenna gain | 13 dBi |
| Polarisation | Dual-linear |
| Beamwidth | 45° horizontal, 45° vertical, 45° elevation |
| Channel bandwidth | 10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz |
| Worldwide frequency range | 5150–5875 MHz, subject to regional restrictions |
| Management radio range | 2412–2472 MHz worldwide, subject to regional restrictions |
| Operating temperature | -40 to 70 °C |
| Operating humidity | 5 to 95% non-condensing |
Specifications should be rechecked against the exact regional unit and current manufacturer documentation when the quotation is prepared.
Power, compatibility and scope dependencies
The Loco5AC uses 24 V passive PoE rather than standard automatic PoE negotiation. Connecting it to an unsuitable power source can cause failure or damage, so the injector or compatible PoE output must be confirmed explicitly. The present Ubiquiti technical listing identifies the 24 V, 0.3 A Gigabit PoE supply as not included. Buyers should therefore avoid assuming that every boxed unit contains a power adapter.
Wireless compatibility also needs careful review. The radio is intended for airMAX AC deployments, and the operating mode, access point type, firmware level, channel width, country code and security settings must align with the rest of the network. A general 802.11ac label does not mean that it should be treated as a conventional indoor Wi-Fi access point for phones and laptops.
Outdoor installation requires shielded Ethernet cable, correct grounding, surge protection and a route that prevents water ingress. For exposed locations, confirm mast strength, wind loading, access for maintenance and local lightning-protection practices. Installation scope, cable length, civil work and configuration are quotation-dependent.
A practical deployment journey
Define the traffic requirement
List the applications that will use the link, including internet access, voice, CCTV, business systems, backups or remote management. Record peak and expected future bandwidth rather than choosing the radio only by headline throughput.
Survey the path
Check line of sight, Fresnel-zone clearance, height, obstacles, reflections and sources of interference. A visual path alone may not be sufficient when rooftops, trees or structures intrude into the radio path.
Confirm the bill of materials
Include the correct number of radios, passive PoE injectors, shielded outdoor cable, surge protectors, mounts, grounding materials, network-switch ports and any enclosures required at the site.
Install, align and configure
Mount each unit securely, align the antenna using measured signal information, apply the correct country settings, choose an appropriate channel and secure management access. Record the final configuration.
Test and hand over
Validate stability, throughput, latency, packet loss, error rate and application performance. Document IP addresses, credentials, firmware, mounting locations, cable routes and support contacts for future maintenance.
Directional wireless performance
The integrated 13 dBi antenna concentrates energy in a directional pattern, which is useful when the two endpoints can be aimed accurately. The stated 45-degree beamwidth provides more alignment tolerance than highly focused dish antennas, but it also means that interference outside the exact target path may still matter. Link performance depends on received signal, modulation, channel width, noise floor, alignment and airtime use. The product family is promoted for high-throughput airMAX AC links, but actual application throughput will be lower than a platform maximum and should be validated at the site.
Management and operational visibility
airOS provides operating modes, channel controls, traffic shaping, bridging, routing, DHCP, SNMP, SSH, web management and statistics such as data rate, packet errors, uptime and wireless distance. These tools help installers commission and monitor the radio, but they require disciplined administration. Management credentials, firmware policy, IP addressing, backups and access restrictions should be included in the deployment standard. The dedicated management radio is particularly helpful during installation because an engineer can connect locally without disconnecting the main Ethernet path.
Compact outdoor implementation
At 179 × 77.5 × 59.1 mm and 180 g, the radio is relatively compact for rooftop, pole and external-wall projects. The pole mount is included, but the complete installation may still require an appropriate bracket, mast, weatherproof cable entry, surge protection and safe access equipment. The UV-stabilized enclosure and published temperature range support outdoor use, yet long-term reliability still depends on cable quality, grounding, drainage, connector protection and regular inspection in harsh coastal, dusty or high-heat environments.
Suitable environments and use cases
Office campuses
Link a secondary office, reception building or storage facility back to the main network where a wired route is unavailable.
Warehouses and logistics yards
Extend network access to gatehouses, remote loading areas or detached warehouses, subject to a clear and stable RF path.
Video surveillance backhaul
Carry selected IP-camera traffic from a remote area after calculating aggregate bitrate, retention impact and peak usage.
Hospitality and education sites
Connect separated blocks, staff areas or support buildings while keeping network segmentation and security policies intact.
Temporary project compounds
Provide a planned wireless path during construction or temporary operations where civil works are not proportionate to the project duration.
Managed wireless networks
Use as a client radio in an appropriately designed airMAX AC point-to-multipoint network with controlled sector loading.
Integration and operational considerations
The radio should be treated as part of the wider network rather than as a standalone purchase. Decide whether it will operate as a transparent bridge or participate in routing, and confirm how VLANs, DHCP, monitoring and security controls will be handled. For CCTV links, verify multicast, bitrate peaks and camera-side power. For office traffic, assess user count, cloud applications and backup windows. For managed-service environments, define remote-access methods, alerting and maintenance responsibility.
A Gigabit Ethernet interface avoids a 100 Mbps wired-port limitation, but it does not guarantee Gigabit wireless throughput. Link capacity must be evaluated from the radio conditions and configuration. Wide channels may offer higher peak rates in a clean environment, while narrower channels can be more practical in congested spectrum. The most appropriate choice is determined through survey and testing.
The device’s 5 GHz operating frequencies are region dependent. Country settings and permitted channels must match UAE regulatory requirements and the exact regional hardware. Do not import or configure a radio for a frequency plan that is not permitted at the deployment location.
Questions to resolve before requesting a quotation
Procurement checklist
- Exact model reference: Loco5AC or NS-5ACL
- Required quantity and whether radios are needed as matched pairs
- Regional hardware and permitted frequency plan
- Link distance and endpoint coordinates
- Target throughput and application type
- 24 V passive PoE injector requirement
- Shielded outdoor Ethernet cable length
- Surge-protection and grounding components
- Pole, bracket or wall-mounting arrangement
- Configuration, alignment and testing scope
- Remote monitoring and documentation needs
- Current UAE availability and vendor lead time
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help translate a connectivity requirement into a practical bill of materials. This may include confirming whether the NanoStation 5AC Loco is appropriate, checking the peer-radio or access-point requirement, identifying PoE and surge-protection components, reviewing installation scope and coordinating a quotation. For projects with uncertain path conditions, a site survey or link-planning exercise should be discussed before equipment is ordered.
Buyers can also request configuration support, alignment guidance, testing criteria and handover documentation. Services are scope dependent and should be listed clearly in the quotation. For broader networking requirements, visit the FourTeck technology products page or review available installation and configuration services.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the Ubiquiti NanoStation 5AC Loco NS-5ACL. Availability may vary by quantity, regional version, vendor lead time and the inclusion of supporting components. A complete quotation should distinguish the radio, PoE injector, cable, surge protector, mounting hardware, installation labour and configuration service where required.
FourTeck can coordinate requirements for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman through one combined project discussion. Delivery and service arrangements depend on the confirmed destination, site access, project scope and schedule. Share the number of links, endpoint locations, required timeline and whether survey, installation or testing is needed. For assistance, use the FourTeck Dubai contact page.
GCC Availability
FourTeck can assist organisations planning NanoStation 5AC Loco deployments across GCC markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Assistance can cover requirement review, model confirmation, quantity planning, PoE and accessory selection, quotation coordination, configuration scope and installation planning. Product availability, permissible frequency settings, service visits, delivery schedules and vendor lead times can differ by country and project. Buyers should provide the destination country, exact model, number of radios, whether the units are required as point-to-point pairs or point-to-multipoint stations, expected deployment date and any installation or support requirement. This information allows FourTeck to prepare region-appropriate guidance without assuming local stock, fixed delivery times or identical regulatory conditions. Regional projects can also be discussed through FourTeck GCC support resources.
Africa Availability
For projects in Africa, FourTeck can help evaluate whether the Loco5AC is suitable for the required path, application load, environmental conditions and available power arrangement. Procurement planning may include the radios, passive PoE injectors, shielded cabling, surge protection, mounting components, configuration and support expectations. Fulfilment can depend on the destination, quantity, regional model, permitted spectrum, shipping arrangement, vendor lead time and local installation conditions. Buyers should share the destination country, site type, link distance, number of endpoints, preferred deployment schedule and whether remote or onsite assistance is expected. FourTeck does not assume local inventory or guaranteed customs outcomes; the project is reviewed according to the confirmed requirement. Additional regional information is available through FourTeck Africa, FourTeck Kenya and FourTeck Uganda.
Related products and services to consider
NanoStation 5AC
A larger NanoStation option with different antenna gain, port count and power characteristics. Compare the exact model rather than assuming equivalence.
NanoBeam 5AC
A more focused integrated radio option for links that may benefit from a narrower beam. Suitability depends on distance and RF conditions.
PowerBeam 5AC
A dish-style airMAX AC platform generally considered for longer or more demanding directional links after link-budget review.
Outdoor surge protection
Add suitable Ethernet surge protection and grounding to the outdoor cable design according to site practice and risk.
Wireless link survey
Review path clearance, interference, mounting height and expected capacity before finalising a radio pair.
Installation and configuration
Define mounting, cable routing, alignment, airOS setup, testing and documentation as a separate project scope.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
Wireless radios are easy to buy individually, but reliable links require more than a product code. Businesses contact FourTeck for requirement clarification, model selection, link-pair planning, accessory identification, quotation coordination and installation scoping. This helps prevent common procurement gaps such as missing passive PoE injectors, unsuitable cable, overlooked surge protection or a peer radio that does not match the intended network design.
FourTeck can also discuss how the link fits into switches, firewalls, VLANs, CCTV systems and remote-management processes. The aim is to establish a complete requirement before ordering. Learn more about the company on the FourTeck about page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the NS-5ACL the same as Loco5AC?
NS-5ACL is a commonly used model reference for the NanoStation 5AC Loco, while Ubiquiti’s current product pages use Loco5AC. Confirm the exact part number and regional version on the quotation.
Can two units create a building-to-building bridge?
Yes, two appropriately configured compatible radios can form a point-to-point link. The path, distance, interference, mounting and target capacity must be assessed first.
Does the radio include a PoE injector?
The current official Ubiquiti technical listing states that the 24 V, 0.3 A Gigabit PoE supply is not included. Confirm package contents and add the correct injector when required.
Can it be powered by a standard PoE switch?
The device uses 24 V passive PoE. Do not assume compatibility with a standard 802.3af or 802.3at switch output. Confirm the power method and voltage before connection.
Is it an indoor Wi-Fi access point?
No. It is an outdoor directional airMAX radio used for wireless links and CPE applications, not a general indoor access point for user devices.
What range can I expect?
Range cannot be guaranteed from the product name alone. It depends on line of sight, antenna alignment, interference, channel width, regulatory power, peer radio and the throughput target.
What cable should be used outdoors?
Use suitable shielded outdoor-rated Ethernet cable with proper grounding and surge protection. The exact cable category and route should follow the site design.
Can FourTeck configure and align the radios?
Configuration, alignment, testing and documentation can be discussed as a project scope. Requirements and site access should be provided for quotation.
How do I get a Dubai price?
Share the exact quantity, deployment type, PoE requirement, accessories and service scope with FourTeck. Current pricing and availability can then be confirmed.
Plan the complete wireless link before ordering
Send FourTeck the endpoint locations, distance, required capacity, quantity and installation expectations. The team can help confirm the model, PoE, accessories and service scope for a clear quotation.
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