Description
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Overview
The Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) is a high-performance 5GHz wireless bridge designed for long-distance outdoor networking. It combines a 500mm dish reflector with a high-gain 27dBi antenna to provide a focused wireless beam for demanding Point-to-Point deployments.
The PBE-5AC-500 uses airMAX ac technology and Ubiquiti's InnerFeed design, which integrates the radio into the antenna feed to reduce cable-related losses. It is suitable for connecting buildings, remote sites, network infrastructure and other locations where wired connections are impractical.
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Price in Kenya
| Product |
Price in Kenya |
| Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) |
KSh 23,000 – 35,000 |
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Key Specs
| Specification |
Details |
| Model |
PBE-5AC-500 |
| Frequency |
5GHz |
| Operating Frequency |
5150–5875 MHz |
| Antenna Gain |
27dBi |
| Dish Reflector |
500mm |
| Polarization |
Dual Linear |
| Max. VSWR |
1.5:1 |
| Throughput |
450+ Mbps Real TCP/IP |
| Ethernet |
1 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 |
| Power Method |
Passive PoE |
| PoE Adapter |
24V 0.5A Gigabit PoE included |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
8.5W |
| Supported Voltage |
20–27V DC |
| Dimensions Without Radome |
520 × 520 × 308 mm |
| Dimensions With Radome |
525 × 525 × 315 mm |
| Weight Without Radome |
2.35 kg |
| Weight With Radome |
3.2 kg |
| Mounting |
Pole Mount |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to 70°C |
| Operating Humidity |
5–95% noncondensing |
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Performance
- 450+ Mbps Throughput: Provides high real TCP/IP throughput for demanding wireless bridge deployments.
- 27dBi Antenna Gain: The high-gain directional antenna concentrates the wireless signal for long-distance connectivity.
- 5GHz airMAX ac: Provides efficient outdoor wireless communication with improved capacity and scalability.
- 500mm Dish: The large reflector helps produce a focused wireless beam for long-range links.
- Long-Distance Connectivity: Suitable for links extending across buildings, campuses, rural areas and remote network locations.
- Noise Resistance: The directional design helps reduce unwanted interference when the equipment is properly aligned.
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Smart Features
- airMAX ac mode
- Point-to-Point wireless bridging
- Point-to-Multipoint support
- Dedicated spectral analysis radio
- Dedicated Wi-Fi management radio
- Traffic shaping with burst support
- Dynamic ACK
- QoS and WMM
- DHCP and routing
- SNMP and SSH management
- Ping watchdog
- Distance adjustment
- Statistical reporting
- Adjustable channel bandwidth
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Design & Build
- Large 500mm directional dish reflector
- UV-stabilized outdoor enclosure
- Pole-mount installation system
- Tool-efficient snap-and-lock assembly
- Integrated radio and antenna feed using InnerFeed technology
- 2.35kg weight without radome
- 3.2kg weight with radome
- Designed for temperatures from -40°C to 70°C
- Maximum power consumption of only 8.5W
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Connectivity
- 5GHz wireless connectivity
- 1 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port
- Passive PoE power
- 24V 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter
- 27dBi directional antenna
- Dual-linear polarization
- PtP channel widths from 10MHz to 80MHz
- PtMP channel widths from 10MHz to 40MHz
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Use Cases
- Building-to-Building Networking: Connect offices, warehouses and other buildings without installing long network cables.
- Wireless Backhaul: Create high-capacity links between network sites.
- WISP Deployments: Use the PowerBeam as part of wireless Internet infrastructure.
- Rural Broadband: Extend connectivity to remote locations where fibre or Ethernet installation is difficult.
- Campus Networks: Connect separate sections of a large property or institution.
- CCTV Backhaul: Transport surveillance network traffic between remote cameras and a central location.
- Point-to-Point Links: Establish focused long-distance connections between two compatible wireless bridge devices.
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Pros & Cons
| Pros |
Cons |
| High 27dBi antenna gain |
Large physical footprint |
| 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput |
Requires accurate alignment |
| 500mm directional reflector |
Requires clear line of sight |
| Gigabit Ethernet |
5GHz performance can be affected by obstacles |
| airMAX ac technology |
Higher installation requirements than compact CPEs |
| Dedicated management and spectral analysis radios |
Not designed as a general indoor Wi-Fi access point |
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) FAQs
What is Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500)?
It is a 5GHz high-performance wireless bridge designed primarily for long-distance Point-to-Point and outdoor networking applications.
What is the antenna gain of the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500?
The PBE-5AC-500 has a 27dBi directional antenna integrated with a 500mm dish reflector.
What throughput does the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500 support?
It is specified for up to 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput, depending on link conditions, configuration and environmental factors.
Does the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500 have a Gigabit Ethernet port?
Yes. It features one Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port for wired network connectivity.
Does the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500 include a PoE adapter?
Yes. It includes a 24V 0.5A Gigabit Passive PoE adapter.
What is the maximum range of the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500?
The device is commonly marketed for links of 25km or more under suitable conditions. Actual distance depends on line of sight, interference, antenna alignment, regulatory limits and environmental conditions.
Is the Ubiquiti PowerBeam PBE-5AC-500 suitable for outdoor use?
Yes. It is designed for outdoor deployment and operates from -40°C to 70°C, with an outdoor UV-stabilized enclosure.
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) Conclusion
The Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac High-Performance airMAX Bridge (PBE-5AC-500) is a powerful solution for long-distance 5GHz wireless networking. Its 27dBi antenna, 500mm dish reflector, airMAX ac technology and 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput make it suitable for demanding Point-to-Point wireless links.
With Gigabit Ethernet, Passive PoE, dedicated management capabilities and a rugged outdoor design, the PBE-5AC-500 is an excellent choice for WISP networks, wireless backhaul, rural broadband and building-to-building connectivity.