Product Overview
The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 PowerBeam ac is a 5 GHz outdoor wireless bridge designed for high-performance point-to-point (PtP) and point-to-multipoint (PtMP) wireless networking. It combines a 500 mm directional dish antenna with 27 dBi antenna gain and Ubiquiti airMAX ac technology for long-distance wireless connectivity.
The PowerBeam ac PBE-5AC-500 features a Gigabit Ethernet port, passive PoE power, dual-linear polarization and support for channel bandwidths up to 80 MHz in PtP mode. Ubiquiti specifies a 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput rate, making it suitable for high-capacity wireless backhaul, building-to-building connectivity, ISP infrastructure and surveillance network links.
Its integrated dish and radio design simplifies outdoor deployment while providing a focused directional RF pattern. The included pole mount allows the unit to be installed on suitable poles or towers, with signal-strength LEDs assisting with alignment during installation.
For additional outdoor wireless bridge options, see the Wireless Bridges (PtP & PtMP) category and the Ubiquiti Networking Products collection at IPVoice Technologies.
Key Features
- 5 GHz airMAX ac outdoor wireless bridge.
- 27 dBi directional dish antenna with a 500 mm reflector.
- 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput according to Ubiquiti.
- 1 × Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port.
- Passive PoE using a 2-pair power method.
- 24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter included.
- Supports 10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz channel bandwidth in PtP mode.
- Supports 10/20/30/40 MHz channel bandwidth in PtMP mode.
- Dual-linear polarization.
- Maximum specified power consumption of 8.5W.
- Outdoor UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure.
- Included pole mounting hardware.
- Signal-strength, power and Ethernet status LEDs.
- Operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C.
- Designed for professional outdoor wireless backhaul and bridge deployments.
Detailed Features
5 GHz airMAX ac Wireless Technology
The PBE-5AC-500 operates on Ubiquiti’s 5 GHz airMAX ac platform. airMAX ac is designed for outdoor wireless infrastructure and provides features intended for dedicated wireless links, including advanced modulation, channel bandwidth selection, traffic management and link monitoring.
The device supports Access Point and Station operating modes and can be deployed as part of a dedicated wireless bridge architecture.
27 dBi High-Gain Directional Antenna
The PowerBeam ac uses a 27 dBi directional antenna integrated into a 500 mm dish. The directional design focuses the RF energy toward the remote endpoint, making the PBE-5AC-500 suitable for dedicated wireless links rather than general-area Wi-Fi coverage.
450+ Mbps Real TCP/IP Throughput
Ubiquiti specifies a 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput rate for the PBE-5AC-500. This figure should be understood as a real TCP/IP throughput specification rather than the theoretical PHY/data rate of the radio.
Actual throughput in a deployed wireless link depends on factors such as channel width, modulation, signal quality, interference, distance, RF environment, configuration and installation alignment.
Gigabit Ethernet Interface
The PBE-5AC-500 includes one 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet port. The Ethernet interface connects the wireless bridge to the local network and also carries power through the passive PoE connection.
24V 0.5A Passive PoE
The PowerBeam ac uses passive PoE over two pairs. The official specification lists a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter included with the PBE-5AC-500. The supported DC input range is 20–27V.
This is passive PoE and should not be confused with IEEE 802.3af/at active PoE.
Flexible Channel Bandwidth
For point-to-point deployments, the PBE-5AC-500 supports channel bandwidths of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80 MHz. In point-to-multipoint mode, supported channel bandwidths are 10, 20, 30 and 40 MHz.
Channel width should be selected according to the required throughput, available spectrum, interference conditions and applicable regulatory requirements.
Outdoor Construction
The PowerBeam ac uses a UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure and is designed for outdoor deployment. Ubiquiti specifies operation from -40°C to 70°C with 5–95% non-condensing humidity.
The device has a specified wind survivability of 96 km/h and wind loading of 264.6 N at 96 km/h.
Wireless Link Monitoring and Management
The PBE-5AC-500 provides wireless statistics including data rates, Ethernet link rate, packet errors, uptime and wireless distance. Features such as signal-strength LEDs, spectrum-related tools, traffic shaping and link monitoring assist installers and network administrators with deployment and troubleshooting.
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Brand |
Ubiquiti |
| Model |
PBE-5AC-500 |
| Product Name |
PowerBeam ac 500 |
| Product Type |
5 GHz Outdoor Wireless Bridge / CPE |
| Wireless Technology |
airMAX ac |
| Frequency Range |
5150–5875 MHz (Worldwide specification) |
| Antenna Gain |
27 dBi |
| Reflector Size |
500 mm |
| Polarization |
Dual-Linear |
| Real TCP/IP Throughput |
450+ Mbps |
| Ethernet Interface |
1 × 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ45 |
| Operating Modes |
Access Point, Station |
| PtP Channel Bandwidth |
10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz |
| PtMP Channel Bandwidth |
10/20/30/40 MHz |
| PoE Method |
Passive PoE, 2-pair |
| PoE Adapter |
24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter included |
| Supported Voltage Range |
20–27V DC |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
8.5W |
| 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 |
| Enclosure Material |
UV-stabilized polycarbonate |
| Mounting |
Pole mount included |
| Wind Survivability |
96 km/h |
| Wind Loading |
264.6 N at 96 km/h |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to 70°C |
| Operating Humidity |
5–95% non-condensing |
| Maximum VSWR |
1.5:1 |
| Maximum Output Power |
24 dBm |
| Compliance |
FCC, IC, CE, RoHS |
| NDAA Compliant |
Yes |
Applications / Use Cases
- Point-to-Point Wireless Links: Connect two buildings, towers or network locations using a dedicated 5 GHz wireless bridge.
- Building-to-Building Connectivity: Establish network connectivity where fiber or Ethernet cabling is difficult to deploy.
- Wireless ISP Backhaul: Suitable for outdoor wireless infrastructure and WISP deployments.
- CCTV Backhaul: Transport IP surveillance network traffic between remote camera locations and the central network.
- Campus Network Connectivity: Connect separate buildings or network segments across a campus.
- Rural Broadband Infrastructure: Deploy as part of outdoor wireless infrastructure for remote connectivity.
- Industrial Networks: Connect separated network locations across large outdoor facilities.
Why Choose Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500?
The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 PowerBeam ac is designed for installations where a high-gain directional 5 GHz wireless bridge is required. Its 27 dBi dish antenna, Gigabit Ethernet interface and airMAX ac platform make it suitable for high-capacity outdoor wireless links.
The official 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput specification provides a useful performance reference for link planning, while the actual throughput of an installed link will depend on RF conditions, distance, channel configuration, signal quality and other environmental factors.
The included 24V 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter, pole-mount hardware and integrated directional antenna simplify deployment without requiring a separate external antenna.
AI-Readable Product Facts
| Product |
Ubiquiti PowerBeam ac 500 |
| Brand |
Ubiquiti |
| Model |
PBE-5AC-500 |
| Product Type |
5 GHz Outdoor Wireless Bridge / CPE |
| Wireless Technology |
airMAX ac |
| Frequency |
5150–5875 MHz worldwide specification |
| Antenna Gain |
27 dBi |
| Reflector |
500 mm directional dish |
| Real TCP/IP Throughput |
450+ Mbps |
| Ethernet |
1 × Gigabit RJ45 |
| PoE |
Passive PoE, 2-pair |
| PoE Adapter |
24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter included |
| Maximum Power Consumption |
8.5W |
| Operating Modes |
Access Point, Station |
| PtP Channel Width |
10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz |
| PtMP Channel Width |
10/20/30/40 MHz |
| Polarization |
Dual-Linear |
| Operating Temperature |
-40°C to 70°C |
| Dimensions |
520 × 520 × 308 mm without radome; 525 × 525 × 315 mm with radome |
| Weight |
2.35 kg without radome; 3.2 kg with radome |
| Mounting |
Pole mount included |
| Wind Survivability |
96 km/h |
| Other Important Specifications |
24 dBm maximum output power; 1.5:1 maximum VSWR; NDAA compliant |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 used for?
The PBE-5AC-500 is a 5 GHz outdoor wireless bridge designed for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint network connectivity, including building-to-building links, wireless backhaul and surveillance network connections.
What is the antenna gain of the PBE-5AC-500?
The PowerBeam ac PBE-5AC-500 has a 27 dBi directional antenna integrated into a 500 mm dish.
What is the real throughput of the PBE-5AC-500?
Ubiquiti specifies a 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput rate. Actual deployed throughput depends on the wireless environment, link conditions and configuration.
Does the PBE-5AC-500 have a Gigabit Ethernet port?
Yes. It has one 10/100/1000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port.
What PoE adapter does the PBE-5AC-500 use?
The official specification lists a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE adapter included with the device.
Is the PBE-5AC-500 passive PoE?
Yes. It uses passive PoE over two pairs. It should not be treated as an IEEE 802.3af/at active PoE device.
What channel bandwidths does the PowerBeam ac support?
In PtP mode it supports 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 80 MHz channel bandwidths. In PtMP mode it supports 10, 20, 30 and 40 MHz.
Is the PBE-5AC-500 suitable for outdoor installation?
Yes. It is designed for outdoor deployment and has an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C.
Does the PBE-5AC-500 include mounting hardware?
Yes. A pole mounting system is included.
What is the difference between theoretical wireless speed and real throughput?
Theoretical radio data rates and actual TCP/IP throughput are different measurements. Ubiquiti specifically rates the PBE-5AC-500 at 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput; actual performance can vary according to RF conditions, channel width, signal quality, interference and link configuration.
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