Ubiquiti RD-5G31-AC 5Ghz AC Rocketdish, 31 dBi

Ubiquiti RD-5G31-AC 5 GHz 31 dBi RocketDish Antenna

Overview

The Ubiquiti RD-5G31-AC is a high-performance 5 GHz dish antenna engineered for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless deployments in the airMAX AC ecosystem. With 31 dBi gain across the 5.1–5.8 GHz frequency range, this antenna delivers extended range and focused RF coverage for security integrators, ISP backhaul, and telecom infrastructure installations. The RocketDish form factor is optimized for directional transmission, enabling reliable long-distance links with minimal interference susceptibility.

Key Features

• 31 dBi Antenna Gain: High directional gain concentrates RF energy over extended distances, ideal for backhaul and point-to-point links requiring coverage beyond 1 km.
• 5 GHz Frequency Range (5.1–5.8 GHz): Operates across the full U-NII spectrum, supporting UNII-1, UNII-2, UNII-3, and UNII-4 bands with regulatory flexibility across ETSI, FCC, and regional certifications.
• Dual-Linear Polarization with 35 dB Cross-Pol Isolation: Dual-linear design minimizes cross-polarization interference and enables simultaneous use of vertical and horizontal paths for capacity or resilience gains.
• Max VSWR 1.4:1: Low voltage standing wave ratio ensures efficient RF coupling to the connected radio module, reducing signal loss at the feed point.
• Wind Survivability 200 km/h (125 mph): Engineered to withstand extreme wind loading of 1,028 N at 200 km/h, meeting structural standards for rooftop and tower installations in high-wind zones.
• Universal Pole Mount and RocketM Bracket: Includes weatherproof RF connectors and universal mounting hardware; compatible with standard pole diameters and Ubiquiti RocketM radio enclosures.
• ETSI EN 302 326 DN2 Compliant: Meets European regulatory specifications; NDAA Compliant for U.S. federal and critical infrastructure procurement.
• Compact Dimensions (748 x 748 x 349 mm): Balanced form factor—manageable for tower placement while maintaining high gain; with mount, weighs 7.6 kg (16.76 lb).

Integration & Compatibility

The RD-5G31-AC integrates seamlessly with Ubiquiti airMAX AC radios, PrismStation horns, and UISP management platforms. The antenna's weatherproof RF connectors and universal mounting bracket support rapid deployment on existing tower infrastructure, rooftop masts, and pole-mounted installations. Its high gain and narrow beamwidth make it suitable for directional backhaul, point-to-point site links, and focused sector coverage in dense RF environments where interference rejection is critical. Compatible with UNII-compliant airMAX AC radio units operating in 5 GHz bands.

Package Contents

• Ubiquiti RD-5G31-AC 31 dBi RocketDish Antenna
• Universal Pole Mount
• RocketM Bracket
• Weatherproof RF Connectors

Karl Wilson

I have specified the RD-5G31-AC on multiple backhaul and point-to-point deployments, and it consistently delivers the gain and isolation required for long-distance 5 GHz links. The 31 dBi specification translates to real-world range extension and interference suppression—particularly valuable when integrating legacy tower sites or bridging across congested urban RF environments. The NDAA compliance and ETSI certification streamline procurement for federal and critical-infrastructure projects.

Technical Highlights:

• Gain and Beamwidth Efficiency: At 31 dBi, the RD-5G31-AC achieves focused directional coverage with narrow beamwidth, concentrating RF energy on target receive points while rejecting off-axis interference—critical for mesh network stability and link budget closure in rain-fade margins.
• Dual-Polarization Isolation: The 35 dB minimum cross-pol isolation enables co-channel reuse in spatial diversity scenarios; field experience shows reliable 15–20 dB improvements in adjacent-channel rejection versus single-polarization competitors.
• Wind Load Rating: The 1,028 N rating at 200 km/h exceeds typical tower loading standards and survives the ice-load shedding events common in northern climates—no structural reinforcement typically required on standard monopoles.

Deployment Considerations:

• Narrow beamwidth requires precise azimuth and elevation alignment; recommend laser level or dual-GPS validation for links exceeding 5 km to optimize SNR margins.
• The 5.1–5.8 GHz range spans multiple regulatory zones; verify local channel approval before deployment—UNII-3 (5.650–5.850 GHz) availability varies by jurisdiction.
• VSWR of 1.4:1 is tight and field-proven; pair with quality feedline and minimize connectors between antenna and radio to maintain signal integrity on long backhaul runs.

For integrators planning fiber-to-radio hybrid networks or extending coverage beyond optical reach, the RD-5G31-AC is a reliable, NDAA-compliant choice. Its wind rating and isolated dual-linear design reduce operational risk on aging tower infrastructure and deliver predictable link margins in interference-dense environments.