NS-5AC – Ubiquiti airMAX NanoStation AC 5Ghz 802.11ac

NS-5AC-Ubiquiti-airMAX-NanoStation-AC-5Ghz-802.11ac-2-scaled

Ubiquiti NS-5AC Kenya -Ubiquiti airMAX NanoStation 5AC 5Ghz 802.11ac

KSh16,999.00

5 GHz, 15+ km link range
450+ Mbps throughput
Secondary LAN with PoE out support
Dedicated spectral analysis radio
Throughput: Up to 450+ Mbps Real TCP/IP Throughput

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Ubiquiti NS-5AC airMAX NanoStation: Your Go-To 5GHz Radio in Kenya

Wireless internet is everywhere in Kenya these days. We’re talking about 90% of people online, and a big increase-around 65%!- in smaller internet companies setting up shop in cities and towns (according to the Kenya ICT Board). That means we need good, reliable wireless radios that can handle different setups.

Enter the Ubiquiti NS-5AC airMAX NanoStation AC. You can find it at Phonex Technologies for around KES 15,000. This little gadget is a workhorse. It operates on the 5GHz band and uses the 802.11ac standard, which means it’s pretty speedy. With a 16 dBi antenna, this thing can deliver speeds of 450+ Mbps and reach distances of more than 15 km. It even has a special radio just for checking signals and keeping things running smoothly.

Think of the NS-5AC as the star player in Ubiquiti’s airMAX team. It’s compact but powerful. It can act as a receiver for point-to-multipoint (PTMP) setups, a bridge for point-to-point (PTP) connections, or even a simple access point for managing your network, especially in places like offices in Westlands, resorts in Mombasa, or school campuses in Kisumu. And it’s becoming super popular! Searches for things like “Ubiquiti NS-5AC Kenya” and “5GHz NanoStation AC price Nairobi” have jumped way up this year (according to Google Trends).

So, what makes this radio so special? This guide will show you how it can be used in multiple ways, how it fits into airMAX networks, and why it’s a great choice for Kenyan internet providers, businesses, and any situation where you need a mix of wired and wireless connections.

(Image: A Ubiquiti NS-5AC on a Nairobi rooftop)

Caption: The NS-5AC on a building in Nairobi, pointed towards a LAP-GPS tower about 10 km away. It’s sending a 30 Mbps signal to an office. The built-in WiFi radio lets you manage it with UISP and check the spectrum.

What the NS-5AC Can Do

The NS-5AC is a compact radio that uses the 5GHz frequency. It has an antenna that’s shaped a bit like a sector, and a separate radio just for management. This makes it easy to set up both PTMP and PTP links. Here’s a quick look at what it offers (based on info from Ubiquiti):

Radio Type: airMAX AC (802.11ac), can handle 450+ Mbps TCP/IP, uses airMAX TDMA, and works with UISP.
Antenna: 16 dBi, dual-pol, 5.15-5.85 GHz, 2×2 MIMO, 45° beamwidth (horizontal and vertical), >20 dB front-to-back ratio.
Management Radio: Has its own 2.4GHz WiFi, so you can use the UISP app, see the spectrum in real-time with airView, and change settings remotely.
Tx Power: 25 dBm, 80 MHz channels, airMagic channel planner, and LED lights to show the signal strength.
Networking: Two Gigabit Ethernet ports with PoE In (24V Passive PoE), uses airMAX AC protocol, and can be set up for PTP or PTMP.
Power: 24V, 0.5A PoE (power adapter included), uses up to 9W, and can be powered by solar.
Size: Small (263 x 84 x 42 mm), weighs 0.53 kg, IPX5 weatherproof, and can handle temperatures from -40°C to 70°C.
Other Features: Protects against ESD/EMP, works with the UISP mobile app, has a quick-mount bracket, and supports PoE pass-through.

How Ubiquiti NS-5AC Stacks Up

The NS-5AC is unique because it’s the only AC NanoStation with a dedicated management radio. This thing blows the older NSM5 (which only did 150 Mbps and WiFi 4) out of the water, with three times the speed and the ability to see the spectrum in real-time. It can connect to LAP-GPS PTMP setups up to 15+ km away or create PTP links. It’s better than the NanoStation Loco 5AC (13 dBi) because it has a stronger signal and more ports. Compared to the LBE-5AC-Gen2 (23 dBi), it has a wider 45° beam and two Ethernet ports.

Good Points: Strong 16 dBi signal, 450+ Mbps speed, 15+ km range, dedicated WiFi radio, two GbE ports.
Things to Consider: The wider beam means it might not be the best choice for very long distances (use the PBE-5AC-Gen2 for 25+ km). Also, it only works with 24V PoE.
(Image: An infographic of the NS-5AC)
Caption: The NS-5AC: 16 dBi, 45° beam, dedicated 2.4GHz WiFi, 2x GbE, and 450+ Mbps. Showing a hybrid PTMP/PTP setup with UISP app control over a 15 km link.
What Can You Do With It in Kenya?
The NS-5AC’s good signal strength, wide beam, and separate WiFi radio make it easy to set up and avoid interference. This is perfect for Kenya’s mix of city and rural areas. Here are some common uses:
City/Town PTMP Client: Connect offices and apartments to a LAP-GPS in places like Westlands, Rongai, or Nakuru, getting speeds of 30-50 Mbps over a distance of up to 10 km. For example, one internet company in Nairobi uses the NS-5AC to quickly get new customers online using the UISP app.
PTP Office-to-Office Bridge: Connect buildings that are 5-15 km apart (like from Upper Hill to Westlands) with speeds of 300+ Mbps using two NS-5AC units.
Management & Hotspot AP: Resorts in Mombasa use the dedicated WiFi radio to give guests internet access and keep an eye on the spectrum.
Temporary Networks: Use the NS-5AC at trade shows in Kisumu for high-density WiFi with PoE pass-through.
Good Points: Strong 16 dBi signal, 450+ Mbps, 15+ km range, separate WiFi for management, two GbE ports, and UISP-ready.

Things to Consider: The wider beam can pick up unwanted signals in crowded areas (use the LBE-5AC-Gen2 for a more focused signal), and you need a clear line of sight for the 5 GHz frequency to work well. Some options like the MikroTik wAP ac (around KES 14,000) don’t have airMAX TDMA or a dedicated spectrum radio.

(Image: NS-5AC in a Kenyan setup)

Caption: An office in Nairobi with the NS-5AC on the wall, getting 40 Mbps from a LAP-GPS 10 km away. A PTP link shows 300 Mbps between two buildings, and the UISP app is scanning the spectrum.

How Ubiquiti airMAX NanoStation 5AC Compares

Let’s see how the NS-5AC measures up against older models and a more compact option:

Feature	NS-5AC	NSM5	NanoStation Loco 5AC
WiFi Standard	airMAX AC	airMAX M (WiFi 4)	airMAX AC
Throughput	450+ Mbps	150 Mbps	450+ Mbps
Gain	16 dBi	16 dBi	13 dBi
Ports	2x GbE	2x 100 Mbps	1x GbE
Management Radio	Dedicated 2.4GHz WiFi	No	No
Price (KES)	15,000	11,000	9,000
Best For	Versatile AC radio	Legacy	Low-cost compact

Which One Should You Pick?

Choose the NS-5AC for a versatile option that will handle PTMP/PTP setups with easy management and two GbE ports. The NSM5 is an older model, while the Loco 5AC is a budget-friendly pick. Some alternatives, like the TP-Link CPE210 (around KES 7,000), don’t have TDMA or UISP.

(Image: NS-5AC vs NSM5)

Caption: The NS-5AC vs. the NSM5 on Kenyan rooftops, showing throughput comparisons (450+ Mbps vs. 150 Mbps) and the dedicated WiFi radio.

How to Install, set up and Configure airMAX NanoStation 5AC

The NS-5AC is easy to install thanks to its small size and the UISP app:

1. Get Ready: Use shielded Cat6 cables, the included 24V PoE injector, and the UISP app to help with alignment.

2. Mount It: Attach it to a wall or pole using the quick-mount bracket. Use the LED lights to aim it.

3. Power It Up: Plug in the 24V PoE. It only uses 9W, so it’s good for solar setups (around KES 6,000).

4. Set It Up: Use UISP to adopt it, set it to airMAX AC, 80 MHz, PtMP/PTP, and turn on the dedicated WiFi.

5. Local Tips: In Mombasa, use anti-corrosion spray (around KES 500). Use airView to avoid interference on the 5 GHz band.

Phonex offers installation in Nairobi/Mombasa for KES 4,000, or KES 10,000 for rooftop setups. Alignment service is also available for KES 2,000.

(Image: Installing the NS-5AC in Kenya)

Caption: Mounting the NS-5AC on a Kenyan office wall, with steps for PoE, LED alignment, UISP app, and dedicated WiFi.

Why Buy From Phonex Technologies?

When you buy the NS-5AC in Kenya, you get:

Price: KES 15,000 (cheaper than others).
Delivery: Free in Nairobi, and within 48 hours to Mombasa and Kisumu.
Warranty: 1 year, can be extended for KES 3,000.
Support: Available 24/7 at +254 700 000 000.
Bundles: NS-5AC + LAP-GPS for KES 28,000.

You can see demos and get help with planning your network at the Phonex showroom in Nairobi.

(Image: NS-5AC at Phonex Technologies)

Caption: A promotional image of the NS-5AC + LAP-GPS at the Phonex store in Nairobi, with a Free Delivery banner.

The Bottom Line

The Ubiquiti NS-5AC airMAX NanoStation AC is the most adaptable AC radio in Ubiquiti’s airMAX lineup. It gives you long-range connections (15+ km), high speeds (450+ Mbps), and real-time management across Kenya. Shop now at Phonex Technologies for KES 15,000 with free delivery in Nairobi! Call +254 700 000 000.

Ubiquiti NS-5AC Kenya FAQs

How much does the NS-5AC cost in Kenya? KES 15,000.
Is it good for PTMP and PTP? Yes, it offers 450+ Mbps and has a dedicated WiFi radio.
Does it support airMAX AC? Yes, and it’s UISP-ready.
Do you offer installation in Nairobi? Yes, for KES 4,000.
What are some alternatives? The Loco 5AC is more compact, and MikroTik is a good choice if you don’t need airMAX.