Ubiquiti Rocket ac
Powerful airMAX ac BaseStation

Overview:

Ubiquiti Networks has designed the first airMAX ac radios with high performance and ease of installation in mind. You have the freedom to deploy the Rocket ac anywhere in the world, and it allows for a high degree of flexibility in configuring channel bandwidths (subject to local country regulations).

The Rocket ac is available as three models: the Rocket5ac Lite, Rocket5ac PtP, and Rocket5ac PtMP. All three include airMAX ac technology. The Rocket5ac PtP and Rocket5ac PtMP also feature airPrism technology to further enhance performance.

Pair the Rocket ac with airMAX ac antennas for optimal performance:

• PtP backhaul - Rocket5ac Lite or Rocket5ac PtP with the RocketDish ac
• PtMP links - Rocket5ac PtMP or Rocket5ac Lite* with the airMAX ac Sector

* PtMP functionality is available with a firmware upgrade to airOS v7.1 or higher.

Rocket5ac Lite

Launched with PtP functionality, the Rocket5ac Lite adds PtMP functionality with a firmware upgrade to airOS v7.1 or higher. The Rocket5ac Lite is a cost-effective basestation for links experiencing low or moderate levels of interference.

Rocket5ac PtP

Featuring Ubiquiti's airPrism technology, the Rocket5ac PtP is designed for optimal PtP performance, although it can operate in PtMP mode. To take full advantage of its design and capabilities, deploy the Rocket5ac PtP for PtP links in noisy, high-density areas.

Rocket5ac PtMP

Also featuring Ubiquiti's airPrism technology, the Rocket5ac PtMP is designed for optimal PtMP performance, although it can operate in PtP mode. To take full advantage of its capabilities, deploy the Rocket5ac PtMP for PtMP links to airMAX ac CPEs located in crowded RF environments.

Application Example

airMAX Technology Included

Unlike the standard WiFi protocol, Ubiquiti's Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) airMAX protocol allows each client to send and receive data using pre-designated time slots scheduled by an intelligent AP controller.

This "time slot" method eliminates hidden node collisions and maximizes air time efficiency. It provides many magnitudes of performance improvements in latency, throughput, and scalability compared to all other outdoor systems in its class.

• Intelligent QoS - Priority is given to voice/video seamless streaming.
• Scalability - High capacity and scalability.
• Long Distance - Capable of high-speed, carrier-class links.

Up to 100 airMAX stations can be connected to an airMAX Sector; four airMAX
stations are shown to illustrate the general concept

Superior Performance

The next-generation airMAX ac technology boosts the advantages of our proprietary TDMA protocol.

Ubiquiti's airMAX engine with custom IC dramatically improves TDMA latency and network scalability. The custom silicon provides hardware acceleration capabilities to the airMAX scheduler, to support the high data rates and dense modulation used in airMAX ac technology.

Throughput Breakthrough

airMAX ac supports high data rates, which require dense modulation: 256QAM – a significant increase from 64QAM, which is used in airMAX.

With their use of proprietary airMAX ac technology, airMAX ac products supports up to 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput – up to triple the throughput of standard airMAX products.

Superior Throughput Performance

Features:

Passive Power over Ethernet (PoE)

24V Passive PoE functionality is included. Both power and data are carried over a single Ethernet cable to the Rocket ac. Use the included PoE Adapter or an optional PoE switch.

Plug and Play Integration

Every airMAX antenna has a built-in Rocket mount, so no tools are needed to install the Rocket ac. (airMAX ac antennas are recommended for optimal performance.)

Performance Breakthrough

airMAX ac products offer improved latency, noise immunity, scalability and significantly increased throughput performance.

Superior Processing

Ubiquiti's airMAX engine with custom IC dramatically improves TDMA latency and network scalability. The custom silicon provides hardware acceleration capabilities to the airMAX scheduler, to support the high data rates and dense modulation used in airMAX ac technology.

Plug and Play Integration

The innovative airMAX ac antennas feature significant advances in beam and energy isolation performance for increased capacity of airMAX networks.

The Rocket5ac Lite is compatible with the following RocketDish antennas:

• RD-5G31-AC
• RD-5G30
• RD-5G34

Advanced Software Technology

Ubiquiti’s airMAX technology is proven in millions of deployments worldwide, exhibiting outstanding performance in outdoor environments. The TDMA airMAX protocol enables unprecedented scalability, high throughput and low latency in unlicensed, multipoint networks.

To enhance airMAX ac performance, Ubiquiti Networks introduces our patented airPrism technology, which is featured on the Rocket ac models, R5AC-PTP and R5AC-PTMP.

Improves SNR
High data rates require a high Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR), which is challenging to achieve, especially in noisy, high-density areas. Integrated into Ubiquiti's custom silicon, airPrism technology creates a high SNR by isolating signals within the operating channel and rejecting interference using specialized circuitry, the High-Selectivity Receiver (HSR).

Removes Interference
Depending on the product model and operating mode, available channel widths may include 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, and/or 80 MHz. Theoretically APs operate on different channels; however, because of the wider channel bandwidths, there can be overlap in spectrum usage. airPrism technology removes up to an additional 30+ dB of adjacent channel interference through the active filtering design, so an airMAX ac AP with airPrism technology can provide significantly greater performance than a typical AP.

Facilitates AP Co-Location
Co-location is vital in many scenarios. For example, a WISP may have limited tower space, so it must co-locate all APs within that allotted footprint. Shielding and other means can lessen interference but may be impractical. By deploying airMAX ac APs with airPrism technology, you can co-locate APs and enhance the overall performance of your wireless network.

Product Views:

Rocket ac Lite Front, Side, and Back View

Rocket ac PTP Front, Side, and Back View

Rocket ac PTMP Front, Side, and Back View

Specifications:

	Rocket ac Lite	Rocket ac PTP	Rocket ac PTMP
Physical / Electrical / Environmental Information
Dimensions	162 x 84 x 37 mm (6.38 x 3.31 x 1.46")	198.5 x 86.4 x 44.1 mm (7.82 x 3.40 x 1.74")	198.5 x 86.4 x 44.1 mm (7.82 x 3.40 x 1.74")
Weight	250 g (8.81 oz)	295 g (10.41 oz)	295 g (10.41 oz)
Enclosure Characteristics	Outdoor UV Stabilized Plastic	Outdoor UV Stabilized Plastic	Outdoor UV Stabilized Plastic
Processor	MIPS 74Kc	Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz	Atheros MIPS 74Kc, 720 MHz
Memory	128 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 16 MB NOR FLASH	128 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 16 MB NOR FLASH	128 MB DDR2 SDRAM, 16 MB NOR FLASH
Networking Interface	(1) 10/100/1000 Mbps	(1) 10/100/1000 Mbps	(1) 10/100/1000 Mbps
RF Connections	(2) RP-SMA (Waterproof )	(2) RP-SMA (Waterproof )	(2) RP-SMA (Waterproof )
LEDs	Power, Ethernet, (4) Signal Strength	Power, LAN, (4) Signal Strength	Power, LAN, (4) Signal Strength, (5) Reserved
Max. Power Consumption	8.5W	8.5W	8.5W
Power Supply	24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE Adapter	24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE Adapter	24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE Adapter
Power Method	Passive PoE (Pairs 4, 5+; 7, 8 Return)
Supported Voltage Range	20-26VDC
ESD/EMP Protection	± 24KV Air / Contact
Operating Temperature	-40 to 80° C (-40 to 176° F)
Operating Humidity	5 to 95% Noncondensing
Shock and Vibration	ETSI300-019-1.4
Software Information
Modes	Access Point, Station
Services	Web Server, SNMP, SSH Server, Telnet , Ping Watchdog, DHCP, NAT, Bridging, Routing
Utilities	Antenna Alignment Tool, Discovery Utility, Site Survey, Ping, Traceroute, Speed Test
Distance Adjustment	Dynamic Ack and Ackless Mode
Power Adjustment	Software Adjustable UI or CLI
Security	WPA2 AES Only
QoS	Supports Packet Level Classification WMM and User Customer Level: High/Medium/Low
Statistical Reporting	Up Time, Packet Errors, Data Rates, Wireless Distance, Ethernet Link Rate
Channel Sizes	PtP Mode: 10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz PtMP Mode: 10/20/30/40 MHz
Other	Remote Reset Support, Software Enabled/Disabled, VLAN Support, 256QAM
Ubiquiti Specific Features	530/50/60 MHz Channels, airMAX ac Mode, Traffic Shaping with Burst Support, Discovery Protocol, Frequency Band Offset, Ackless Mode
Regulatory / Compliance Information
Wireless Approvals	FCC, IC, CE
RoHS Compliance	Yes

Operating Frequency:

Rocket ac Lite Output Power: 27 dBm
TX Power Specifications				RX Power Specifications
	DataRate	Avg. TX	Tolerance		DataRate	Sensitivity	Tolerance
airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB	airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	-96 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (1/2)	-95 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (3/4)	-92 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (1/2)	-90 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (3/4)	-86 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (2/3)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (2/3)	-83 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (3/4)	26 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (3/4)	-77 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (5/6)	25 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (5/6)	-74 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (3/4)	23 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (3/4)	-69 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (5/6)	22 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (5/6)	-65 dBm	± 2 dB
Rocket ac PTP Output Power: 27 dBm
TX Power Specifications				RX Power Specifications
	DataRate	Avg. TX	Tolerance		DataRate	Sensitivity	Tolerance
airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB	airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	-96 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (1/2)	-95 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (3/4)	-92 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (1/2)	-90 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (3/4)	-86 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (2/3)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (2/3)	-83 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (3/4)	26 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (3/4)	-77 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (5/6)	25 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (5/6)	-74 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (3/4)	23 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (3/4)	-69 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (5/6)	22 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (5/6)	-65 dBm	± 2 dB
Rocket ac PTMP Output Power: 27 dBm
TX Power Specifications				RX Power Specifications
	DataRate	Avg. TX	Tolerance		DataRate	Sensitivity	Tolerance
airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB	airMAX ac	1x BPSK (1/2)	-96 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (1/2)	-95 dBm	± 2 dB
	2x QPSK (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		2x QPSK (3/4)	-92 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (1/2)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (1/2)	-90 dBm	± 2 dB
	4x 16QAM (3/4)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		4x 16QAM (3/4)	-86 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (2/3)	27 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (2/3)	-83 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (3/4)	26 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (3/4)	-77 dBm	± 2 dB
	6x 64QAM (5/6)	25 dBm	± 2 dB		6x 64QAM (5/6)	-74 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (3/4)	23 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (3/4)	-69 dBm	± 2 dB
	8x 256QAM (5/6)	22 dBm	± 2 dB		8x 256QAM (5/6)	-65 dBm	± 2 dB

Compare:

	Rocket ac Lite	Rocket ac PTP	Rocket ac PTMP
Model Number	R5AC-Lite	R5AC-PTP	R5AC-PTMP
Frequency	Full-Band 5 GHz	Mid-Band 5 GHz	Mid-Band 5 GHz
airMAX ac Technology
airPrism Technology
PtP Functionality			1
PtMP Functionality	2	1
Gigabit Ethernet
Ubiquiti PoE
Output Power	27 dBm	27 dBm	27 dBm

¹ Requires firmware airOS v7.1.1 or higher.
² Requires firmware airOS v7.1 or higher.

Antenna Compatibility:

Plug and Play Integration

Rocket radios and airMAX antennas have been designed to seamlessly work together. Every airMAX antenna has a built-in Rocket mount, so installation requires no special tools.

Software:

Software to Easily Manage Devices and Reach Customers

AirOS is an intuitive, versatile, highly developed Ubiquiti firmware technology that resides on Ubiquiti Station products. It is exceptionally intuitive and was designed to require no training to operate. Behind the user interface is a powerful firmware architecture which enables hi-performance outdoor multipoint networking.

airOS Version 7

Sporting an all-new design for improved usability, airOS v7 is the revolutionary operating system for Ubiquiti airMAX ac products.

Powerful Wireless Features

• airMAX ac Protocol Support
• Long-Range Point-to-Point (PtP) Link Mode
• Selectable Channel Width
• PtP: 10/20/30/40/50/60/80 MHz
• PtMP: 10/20/30/40 MHz
• Automatic Channel Selection
• Transmit Power Control: Automatic/Manual
• Automatic Distance Selection (ACK Timing)
• Strongest WPA2 Security

Usability Enhancements

• Dynamic Configuration Changes
• Instant Input Validation
• HTML5 Technology
• Optimization for Mobile Devices
• Detailed Device Statistics
• Comprehensive Array of Diagnostic Tools, including Ethernet Cabling Test, RF Diagnostics, and airView Spectrum Analyzer

Advanced RF Analytics

airMAX ac devices feature a multi-radio architecture to power a revolutionary RF analytics engine.

An independent processor on the PCBA powers a second, dedicated radio, which persistently analyzes the full 5 GHz spectrum and every received symbol to provide you with the most advanced RF analytics in the industry.

Data from the spectrum analysis and RF performance monitoring is displayed on the Main tab and airView Spectrum Analyzer of airOS V7.

Real-Time Reporting

The Main tab displays the following RF information:

• Persistent RF Error Vector Magnitude (EVM) constellation diagrams
• Carrier to Interference-plus-Noise Ratio (CINR) histograms
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) time series plots

Persistent RF EVM Constellation Diagrams, CINR Histograms, and SNR Time Series

airMAX ac devices have an additional dedicated radio persistently analyzing the full 5 GHz spectrum and every received symbol to provide operators with the most advanced RF analytics in the industry.

Constellation Diagrams and CINR Histograms

SNR Time Series Plots

airOS Integrated Technologies

airMAX – Provides superior wireless performance, more clients per Access Point (AP), and lower latency. Unlike standard WiFi protocol, Ubiquiti's Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) airMAX protocol allows each client to send & receive data using pre-designated time slots scheduled by an intelligent AP controller.

This "time slot" method eliminates hidden node collisions & maximizes air time efficiency. It provides many magnitudes of performance improvements in latency, throughput, & scalability.

Spectrum Analyzer by Ubiquiti Networks

signatures and plan your networks to minimize noise interference. airView performs the following functions:

• Constantly monitors environmental noise
• Collects energy data points in real-time spectral views
• Helps optimize channel selection, network design, and wireless performance

airView runs in the background without disabling the wireless link, so there is no disruption to the network.

In airView, there are three spectral views, each of which represents different data.

• Waterfall Aggregate energy collected for each frequency
• Waveform Aggregate energy collected
• Ambient Noise Level Background noise energy shown as a function of frequency

Available with a firmware upgrade to airOS v7.1, airView provides powerful spectrum analyzer functionality, eliminating the need to rent or purchase additional equipment for conducting site surveys.

Waterfall Chart

This time-based graph shows the aggregate energy collected since the start of an AirView session, over time for each frequency. The power of the energy in dBm is shown across the frequency span and one row is inserted in this graph every few seconds.

It is important to note that the color of the energy designates its amplitude. The darker colors (Blues and darker shades) mean very low to low energy levels at that frequency bin, whereas increasingly brighter colors (ie: Green, Yellow, Orange, and finally Red) designate increasingly higher energy levels at the specific frequency bin.

The Waterfall View's legend (top-right corner) provides a numerical guide associating the various colors to power levels (dBm). The low end of that legend (left) is always adjusted with the calculated noise floor, and the high end (right) is set to the highest detected power level since the start of the session.

Channel Usage Chart

This graph is ideal for determining the best channel to setup a WiFi network for optimal performance. In the graph, each 2.4GHz WiFi channel is represented by a bar displaying a percentage representing the relative "crowdedness" of that specific channel.This percentage is calculated by analyzing both the popularity and the strength of RF energy in that channel since the start of a AirView session. An installer could use this view to optimize a network installation by avoiding highly used channels and setting up new AP's on channels showing the least usage.

Waveform Chart

This graph shows the aggregate energy collected since the start of an AirView Session. The power of the energy in dBm is shown across the frequency span. A Blue color will mean energy at a particular strength and frequency appears in the air with a relatively low occurence, whereas increasingly brighter colors (ie: Green, Yellow, Orange, and finally Red) designate energy appearing at a specific power/frequency with higher occurrence. The spectral view over time will essentially display the steady-state RF energy signature of a given environment. An installer could use this view to optimize a network installation by avoiding highly used channels and setting up new AP's on channels showing the least usage.

Real-time Chart

This graph displays a traditional Spectrum Analyzer in which energy (in dBm) is shown real-time as a function of frequency. There are three traces in this view: Max Hold, this trace will update and hold maximum power levels across the frequency since the start of an AirView session. Average, this trace shows the running average energy across frequency. Real-time, this trace shows the real-time energy seen by the AirView device as a function of frequency.

Centrally Manage 1000s of Ubiquiti Devices

AirControl is a powerful and intuitive web based server network management application which allows operators to centrally manage entire networks of Ubiqutii devices.

• Network Map - View access points and stations on a Google Road, Terrain, or Satellite Picture Map to aid in installation planning. Export to KML.
• Monitor Device Status - View status, information, and statistics of devices managed by AirControl on customizable and easy-to-read graphs.
• Mass Firmware Upgrade - Upgrade individual devices or groups of devices with synchronization for wireless association dependency.
• Web UI Access - Access the AirControl user interface through a web browser (HTTP or HTTPS); no installation is required on the client.
• Manage Groups of Devices - User-defined, dynamic, and auto device groups provide easy navigation and device management.
• Task Scheduling - Schedule tasks such as firmware update, reboot, IP range scan, device configuration backups, ping watchdog and custom commands execution.

Powerfully scale your business with airCRM, a suite of WISP applications that help you manage your business. To sign up for the public beta, visit: aircrm.ubnt.com

Provision, monitor, and manage all devices from a central interface. Enjoy quicker deployments, healthier networks, and faster customer service response times.

Use airCRM Control to perform the following tasks:

• Upgrade firmware
• Manage passwords
• Monitor and analyze network traffic
• Manage devices

A streamlined billing and customer management solution delivers automated invoicing, payment reminders, and credit card processing with Authorize.Net.

Use airCRM Billing to perform the following tasks:

• Create invoices
• Manage accounts
• Enable a customer portal
• Generate detailed reports

Miscellaneous:

Protect your networks from the most brutal environments with Ubiquiti's industrialgrade shielded ethernet cable, TOUGHCable.

• Increase Performance - Dramatically improve your ethernet link states, speeds, and overall performance with Ubiquiti TOUGHCables.
• Extreme Weatherproof - TOUGHCables have been built to perform even in the harshest weather and environments.
• ESD Damage Protection - Protect your networks from devastating electrostatic discharge (ESD) attacks.
• Extended Cable Support - TOUGHCables have been developed to have increased power handling performance for extended cable run lengths.

Bulletproof your networks

TOUGHCable is currently available in two versions: PRO Shielding Protection and CARRIER Shielding Protection.

Additional Information:

• 24 AWG copper conductor pairs
• 26 AWG integrated ESD drain wire to prevent ESD attacks and damage
• PE outdoor-rated, weatherproof jacket
• Multi-layered shielding
• Available in lengths of 1000 ft (304.8 m)

TOUGHCable Connectors

Specifically designed for use with Ubiquiti TOUGHCable, TOUGHCable Connectors protect against ESD attacks and Ethernet hardware damage, while allowing rapid field deployment without soldering. The standard TOUGHCable Connectors are available in a box of 100, while the TC-GND versions include ground wires and are available in a box of 20.

ESD attacks are the leading cause for device failures. The diagram below illustrates the areas vulnerable to ESD attacks in a network.	By using a grounded Ubiquiti Power over Ethernet (PoE) Adapter along with Ubiquiti TOUGHCable and TOUGHCable Connectors, you can effectively protect against ESD attacks.

Advanced Gigabit PoE Managed Switch

Introducing the Advanced Power over Ethernet Controllers, TOUGHSwitch™ PoE from Ubiquiti Networks. TOUGHSwitch PoE delivers reliable passive PoE and fast 10/100/1000 Mbps connectivity to attached Ubiquiti devices and other devices that support passive PoE.

To connect your PoE devices, simply enable PoE in the easy-to-use TOUGHSwitch Confi guration Interface. Each port can be individually confi gured to provide PoE, so both PoE and non-PoE devices can be connected.

Simplify Your Deployment

TOUGHSwitch PoE allows network architects to design cleaner, less cluttered deployments. For example, integrating one TOUGHSwitch PoE PRO can eliminate the need for the following:

• 8 PoE adapters
• 8 power cords
• 8 power outlets
• 8 Ethernet patch cables

TOUGHSwitch PoE deployments increase efficiency and greatly reduce potential failure points - resulting in faster installations and less maintenance and troubleshooting.

Documentation:

Download the Ubiquiti Rocket 5ac Series Datasheet (PDF).