R5AC-LITE is a compact 5 GHz basestation radio from Ubiquiti, built for point-to-multipoint (PtMP) or point-to-point (PtP) wireless links that need solid performance in a lighter, more budget-friendly package. As the entry point into Ubiquiti’s Rocket AC lineup, this radio brings airMAX ac technology to smaller deployments and cost-conscious WISP projects.

The R5AC-LITE operates across the 5150–5875 MHz frequency range worldwide, with US/CA coverage spanning U-NII-1 through U-NII-3 bands. Like other radios in the Rocket AC series, it’s designed as a radio-only unit, requiring a compatible external antenna to complete a working link — giving network designers flexibility to pair it with whatever antenna gain suits their specific site and range requirements.

The R5AC-LITE supports airMAX AC Mode, Ubiquiti’s proprietary TDMA-based protocol built to eliminate hidden node collisions and improve scalability in point-to-multipoint deployments. Additional Ubiquiti-specific features include Discovery Protocol for locating devices on the network, Frequency Band Offset for fine-tuning spectrum usage, Traffic Shaping with Burst Support for managing bandwidth allocation, and support for 30/50/60 MHz channel widths.

Distance adjustment on the R5AC-LITE includes both Ackless Mode and Dynamic Ack, letting the radio tune acknowledgment timing to match link distance and maximize throughput efficiency. QoS is handled through WMM packet classification with High, Medium, and Low priority tiers, giving administrators control over how different traffic types are prioritized across the link.

A comprehensive services suite is included despite the device’s compact size and lower price point: bridging, DHCP, ping watchdog, routing, SNMP, SSH, and webserver access are all supported, alongside full statistical reporting covering data rates, Ethernet link rate, packet errors, up time, and wireless distance — giving network administrators genuine visibility into link performance.

Connectivity includes 1 GbE RJ45 port, powered via passive PoE 2-pair using the included 24V, 0.5A gigabit PoE adapter, with a supported voltage range of 20–27V DC and maximum power consumption of just 8.5W — notably lower draw than the higher-end Rocket Prism model. The R5AC-LITE supports both Access Point and Station operating modes, and includes 2 waterproof RP-SMA RF connections for external antenna attachment.

Built with a UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure rather than die-cast aluminum, the R5AC-LITE weighs just 250g, making it noticeably lighter and easier to mount than the Rocket Prism 5AC. It operates across an extreme -40°C to 80°C temperature range and is NDAA compliant, carrying CE, FCC, and IC certification.

For WISPs and integrators building cost-conscious PtMP or PtP links where GPS synchronization isn’t required, the R5AC-LITE offers a genuinely capable, lightweight basestation radio ready to pair with the antenna a specific deployment calls for.