Ubiquiti AM-5G17-90 5GHz AirMax BaseStation,17dBi,90 deg,roc

Ubiquiti AM-5G17-90 5GHz Sector Antenna

Overview

The Ubiquiti AM-5G17-90 is a 5GHz sector antenna engineered for point-to-multipoint airMAX deployments requiring directional coverage across a 90-degree horizontal plane. Manufactured in China and weighing just 0.350 lb, this antenna integrates within Ubiquiti's UISP Wireless ecosystem for scalable outdoor broadband and backhaul networks. The 17 dBi gain specification delivers focused RF energy to service remote subscriber locations, reducing unnecessary radiation in non-target directions and improving signal quality at distance.

Key Features

The sector form factor makes the AM-5G17-90 ideal for base station mounting where a single radio must serve clients across a defined azimuth wedge. The 17 dBi gain balances coverage distance with beam width, allowing integrators to position this antenna on tower or pole infrastructure without excessive sidelobe bleed into adjacent sectors. At 5GHz operation, the antenna supports modern 802.11ac and 802.11ax waveforms, enabling capacity-dense deployments in licensed and unlicensed spectrum bands. Its lightweight construction simplifies mechanical load calculations and reduces wind loading on support structures.

Deployment Scenarios

Common applications include rural broadband delivery, where three or four AM-5G17-90 antennas mounted orthogonally on a single base station can serve a 360-degree coverage footprint. The antenna is suited for backhaul aggregation points feeding regional networks, as well as enterprise campus links where directional gain suppresses co-channel interference. The 90-degree radiation pattern accommodates both dense urban multi-sector setups and sparse rural deployments with wider per-sector client distribution.

Network Integration

The Ubiquiti AM-5G17-90 connects via standard N-type connectors to airMAX radios and base station hardware within the UISP Wireless product line. Impedance matching and low VSWR ensure efficient power transfer across 5GHz frequency bands. Network planning software can model coverage using the antenna's published gain and pattern data, allowing engineers to predict service area boundaries and optimize sector orientation before field installation.

Installation Notes

Mount the AM-5G17-90 on horizontal or vertical mast structures using provided bracket hardware. Ensure clear line-of-sight to client locations and avoid metal obstacles within the main lobe. Connectorize to radios using low-loss cable runs, and seal all connections to prevent moisture ingress. Verify antenna orientation for intended coverage before final tightening of mounting hardware.

Marty Allison, Infrastructure Architect

"The Ubiquiti AM-5G17-90 remains a workhorse in regional broadband networks where cost-per-sector and mechanical simplicity matter. The 17 dBi gain delivers adequate range for most rural point-to-multipoint topologies, and the lightweight design keeps tower loading predictable. I recommend it for startups and regional carriers building their first UISP Wireless clusters; just confirm your radio power budget and cable loss before committing to deployment distances beyond 3–5 km."