Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 PowerBeam

Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 PowerBeam Wireless Bridge

Overview

The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 is a 5GHz airMAX ac dish bridge designed for point-to-point wireless links in enterprise and service provider networks. Operating at 450+ Mbps throughput with real TCP/IP performance validation, this passive PoE-powered unit delivers reliable long-range backhaul connectivity without requiring external power supplies. The PBE-5AC-500 integrates seamlessly into Ubiquiti's airMAX ecosystem and is compatible with airMAX ac controller platforms for centralized management and monitoring.

Key Features

The PBE-5AC-500 employs a dish bridge form factor optimized for directional point-to-point deployment. Power delivery uses passive PoE at 24V 0.5A (8.5W maximum consumption), minimizing installation complexity in remote or difficult-to-reach locations. The single Ethernet port supports both data and power delivery over standard Cat5e or Cat6 cabling. Operating in the 5GHz airMAX ac band, the unit achieves 450+ Mbps real TCP/IP throughput, making it suitable for mid-range backhaul links and branch connectivity. Management integration with airMAX ac controllers enables remote configuration, monitoring, and performance analytics across distributed deployments.

Deployment Scenarios

The PBE-5AC-500 addresses point-to-point wireless backhaul requirements in campus networks, rural broadband delivery, and service provider edge deployments. Its low power consumption (8.5W maximum) makes it practical for solar or battery-backed installations. Typical use cases include connecting remote access points to core network infrastructure, linking distribution nodes across difficult terrain, and establishing secondary or tertiary backhaul paths where fiber deployment is cost-prohibitive. The dish bridge design provides gain and directional selectivity, reducing interference in congested RF environments.

Network Integration

Integration with Ubiquiti management infrastructure leverages airMAX ac controller compatibility, allowing the PBE-5AC-500 to operate alongside other airMAX ac and airMAX devices in unified networks. Single Ethernet port connectivity simplifies topology design for point-to-point links. Standard passive PoE injection eliminates the need for specialized power equipment at remote ends, reducing bill-of-materials cost and deployment time.

Installation Notes

The PBE-5AC-500 weighs 31.45 lb, requiring appropriate mounting hardware and structural assessment at installation sites. Passive PoE delivery via a single port requires compatible PoE injectors or midspan devices at the feed point. Unit orientation and alignment are critical for optimal directional performance in point-to-point links. Manufactured in China, the unit supports standard regulatory compliance profiles across global deployments.

Marty Allison, Infrastructure Architect

"The Ubiquiti PBE-5AC-500 remains a solid choice for budget-conscious point-to-point backhaul in mid-range distances. The passive PoE architecture and low power envelope make remote site deployment straightforward—you're not managing external AC power or UPS equipment. Real TCP/IP throughput testing at 450+ Mbps confirms this unit performs as specified, without marketing inflation. For integrators building out distributed networks in cost-sensitive regions, the PBE-5AC-500 delivers predictable, documented performance. The airMAX ac controller integration gives you visibility across your links, which is often overlooked in smaller deployments but essential for troubleshooting. Worth evaluating against distance and interference profiles in your specific RF environment."