🎯 Product Series & Key Models
The LiteBeam series has two main product lines, distinguished primarily by their Wi-Fi technology:
- LiteBeam M5 (LBE-M5-23): This is the legacy model based on the 802.11n standard. It’s a lightweight, compact bridge that offers a solid, proven solution for many networking needs.
- LiteBeam 5AC (LBE-5AC-GEN2, LBE-5AC-LR, LBE-5AC-XR): This is the current-generation series, utilizing the more advanced 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) standard for significantly higher performance. The 5AC series includes several models:
- LiteBeam 5AC (LBE-5AC-GEN2): The standard model, providing an excellent balance of performance and value.
- LiteBeam 5AC Long-Range (LBE-5AC-LR): An affordable option designed specifically for creating long-distance links, featuring a higher-gain antenna.
- LiteBeam 5AC XR (LBE-5AC-XR): The “Extreme-Range” model, built for creating the longest possible links, with an even larger, higher-gain antenna.
⚙️ Core Features
All LiteBeam models share several key features that make them popular for network deployments:
- Exceptional Range: LiteBeam devices can achieve links of 15km to over 30km, depending on the specific model and line-of-sight conditions.
- High Performance: The 5AC models can deliver 450+ Mbps of real-world throughput, while the M5 model offers up to 100+ Mbps.
- Directional Antenna: They use highly directional antennas (e.g., 23 dBi, 26 dBi for the LR model) to focus the signal, which provides improved noise immunity and long-distance capability.
- Integrated Design: The radio and antenna are integrated into a single, compact unit, simplifying installation.
- Tool-Less Assembly: The LiteBeam features a three-axis alignment mount and can be fully assembled in seconds without tools, with a built-in bubble level to aid in precise alignment.
- Dedicated Management Radio: The 5AC Gen2 models include a separate Wi-Fi radio for easy setup and management via the UISP mobile app.
- Industrial-Grade Durability: Built with an IP66-rated, weatherproof design, they operate in extreme temperatures from -40°C to 70°C (-40°F to 158°F) and can withstand winds up to 200 km/h (125 mph).
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): They are powered via a single Ethernet cable using the included 24V passive PoE adapter, simplifying cabling.
📊 Specifications Comparison
Here is a quick comparison of the key technical specifications for the main models:
Note: The “LiteBeam 5AC XR” model is designed for extreme range, with an even larger form factor and a higher gain antenna (likely >26 dBi) to support links of 30km+.
🚀 Common Use Cases
- Campus Connectivity: Connecting multiple buildings on a university, business, or hospital campus.
- WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider): Providing last-mile connectivity to customers in rural or underserved areas.
- Remote Surveillance: Creating a wireless link for IP cameras in locations like parking lots, farms, or construction sites.
- Disaster Recovery: Quickly establishing a temporary network link in emergency situations.
💡 Setup & Tips
- Line of Sight is Critical: For optimal performance, LiteBeam devices require a clear line of sight between them.
- Precise Alignment: Due to their directional nature, careful alignment is necessary. Use the built-in alignment tool in the UISP app to get the strongest signal (aim for better than -65dBm).
- Firmware Update: As with all Ubiquiti gear, it’s recommended to update to the latest firmware before deployment.
- Management: The 5AC models can be set up using the Ubiquiti UISP mobile app or the device’s web interface. The M5 model is managed via its web interface.