Ubiquiti Networks RP-5AC-GEN2 rocket PRISM AC-Gen2 5 GHz airMAX ac Radio BaseStation

Ubiquiti Networks RP-5AC-GEN2-US Rocket Prism Overview

The Ubiquiti airMAX Rocket Prism AC Gen2 (RP-5AC-GEN2) is a powerful wireless base station built for high-performance outdoor networks. Designed to pair seamlessly with Ubiquiti’s RocketDish antennas (sold separately), it delivers blazing-fast data rates of over 500 Mbps using advanced airMAX ac technology—perfect for long-distance connectivity.

Its rugged, die-cast aluminum housing makes it tough enough to handle extreme weather, so you can count on reliable performance even in demanding environments. Inside, it’s powered by an Atheros MIPS 74Kc processor and 128 MB of DDR2 RAM, giving it the processing strength needed for stable, high-speed signals.

The Rocket Prism AC Gen2 also includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and two waterproof RP-SMA connectors, keeping your connections safe from water damage while ensuring peak performance in the field.

The Rocket Prism AC Gen2 BaseStation is built for flexibility, operating in both access point and station mode to meet different network needs. It features integrated QoS (Quality of Service) to intelligently manage bandwidth, ensuring smooth and efficient data flow.

Powered by Ubiquiti’s airMAX engine with a dedicated circuit, it delivers improved TDMA latency, which means higher throughput and noticeably faster network speeds—ideal for demanding, high-performance wireless setups.

Key Features

·         Die-Cast Aluminum Enclosure

·         Atheros MIPS 74Kc Processor

·         128MB DDR2 SDRAM

·         1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps Network Interface

·         2 x RP-SMA Waterproof RF Connections

·         Signal Strength, GPS, Power, LAN LEDs

·         Intelligent QoS

·         High Capacity & Scalability

·         High-Speed, Carrier-Class Links

·         airMAX ac Technology

Powerful Features and Specifications Include:

Data Throughput: Provides real TCP/IP throughput of over 500 Mbps, supporting demanding applications such as HD video streaming, VoIP, and online gaming.

Technology: Employs airMAX ac TDMA protocol for enhanced bandwidth efficiency and incorporates patented airPrism RF filtering to isolate signals within the operating channel and reduce interference in high-density wireless environments.

Frequency Coverage: Covers the entire 5 GHz band worldwide (5150–5875 MHz) with support for different US regulatory sub-bands.

Management Radio: Equipped with a separate 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi radio for easy configuration and management via a mobile device.

Construction: The unit features a rugged, die-cast aluminum enclosure with waterproof RP-SMA connectors and GPS antenna for synchronization.

Power: Powered via Passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) with a 24V, 1A Gigabit PoE adapter included. Maximum power consumption is 9.5W.

Environmental: Operates in temperatures from -40 to 80°C and withstands humidity from 5 to 95% non-condensing, with enhanced surge protection and compliance with certifications like CE, FCC, and IC.

Dimensions and Weight: Measures 88 x 40 x 230 mm and weighs approximately 400 g.

Software and Features: Supports airOS 8 with airMAX ac protocol, real-time RF analytics, dynamic channel widths (10-80 MHz for PtP, 10-40 MHz for PtMP), and security with WPA2 AES. Also includes various network services and utilities like SNMP, SSH, bridging, routing, antenna alignment tools, and spectral analysis (airView).

Applications: Ideal for ISPs and network operators providing high-speed wireless internet in urban and rural settings, it supports over 50 clients, making it suitable for dense residential or commercial deployments and long-range connectivity needs.

What are the key differences between the RP-5AC-GEN2 and earlier Ubiquiti models?

The key differences between the Ubiquiti RP-5AC-GEN2 (Rocket Prism 5AC Gen 2) and earlier Ubiquiti models, such as the Rocket AC Lite and the original Rocket AC, can be summarized as follows:

Wi-Fi Management Radio:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 includes a dedicated 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi management radio, allowing administrators to manage and troubleshoot the device wirelessly without interrupting the primary 5 GHz link. Earlier models like the Rocket AC Lite lack this feature and require Ethernet connection for management.

AirPrism RF Filtering Technology:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 incorporates Ubiquiti’s AirPrism active RF filtering technology, which improves performance by isolating signals within the operating channel and significantly reducing interference. This makes the RP-5AC-GEN2 highly suitable for dense, high-interference environments. Earlier Rocket models generally do not have AirPrism technology.

Higher Power Output:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 has a higher transmit power output of up to 27 dBm (500 mW), offering a stronger signal and longer range compared to some earlier models like the Rocket AC Lite.

Rugged Build and Environmental Resistance:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 features a rugged, IP65-rated enclosure, ensuring it withstands harsh weather conditions such as rain, wind, and extreme temperatures. Earlier models may have less robust enclosures.

Enhanced Scalability and Client Density Support:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 is designed to handle higher client densities, making it ideal for Point-to-MultiPoint (PtMP) applications such as public Wi-Fi and WISPs operating in crowded RF environments.

GPS Synchronization:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 supports GPS synchronization, which is useful for co-located access points to reduce interference and optimize spectrum use. This feature is generally missing in earlier or simpler models like the Rocket AC Lite.

Improved Surge Protection and Hardware Upgrades:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 has improved Ethernet surge protection and other hardware enhancements for better reliability and durability compared to earlier versions.

Price and Use Case Differences:

The RP-5AC-GEN2 is positioned as a more advanced, professional-grade radio for demanding networks, whereas earlier models like the Rocket AC Lite provide a more cost-effective option for simpler or smaller-scale deployments.

How does airPrism technology improve wireless performance in the RP-5AC-GEN2?

The airPrism technology in the Ubiquiti RP-5AC-GEN2 significantly improves wireless performance by actively filtering out radio frequency (RF) interference, which is crucial in high-density and congested wireless environments.

Key ways airPrism technology enhances performance are:

Signal Isolation Within Operating Channel: airPrism isolates the desired signals precisely within the operating channel. This leads to a much cleaner signal reception by rejecting interference from adjacent and overlapping channels.

High Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR): By isolating the signal and removing interference, airPrism creates a higher SNR, which is essential for achieving high data rates and stable connections, especially in noisy environments.

High-Selectivity Receiver (HSR): The technology uses specialized circuitry, known as the High-Selectivity Receiver, integrated into Ubiquiti's custom silicon, to provide advanced filtering capabilities that remove up to an additional 30+ dB of interference from adjacent channels.

Improved Capacity and Throughput: Through this enhanced selectivity and interference rejection, airPrism boosts the overall spectral efficiency, thereby increasing capacity and throughput for Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) and Point-to-Point (PtP) links.

Optimized for Co-Located Deployments: The technology allows multiple access points to be co-located closely without their signals interfering with each other, making it excellent for dense deployments like urban areas or multi-AP setups.

In summary, the RP-5AC-GEN2 improves upon earlier Rocket models by offering enhanced interference filtering, wireless management capability, higher power output, rugged design, and features tailored for high-density, professional wireless networks. Earlier models remain viable for simpler setups or tighter budgets but lack these advanced capabilities.