Configuring Point-to-Point (PtP) Links with Ubiquiti NS-5AC-L

Scenario Overview

The setup involves two distant points. One point has an internet connection via a modem/router and one or more PCs. The remote point has several PCs and a switch but no internet access, operating solely on a Local Area Network (LAN). To bridge these locations, two Ubiquiti NS-5AC-L devices will be used: one configured as an Access Point PtP and the other as a Station PtP.

Diagram Description: The diagram illustrates an internet connection via a Modem-Router ADSL (192.168.1.1). This connects to a SWITCH. From the switch, a PtP Access Point (Ubiquiti NS-5AC-L, 192.168.1.21) is shown, with a wireless link to a PtP Station (Ubiquiti NS-5AC-L, 192.168.1.22). The Station connects to a PC (192.168.1.101). The Access Point also connects to a PC (192.168.1.100).

Step 1 – Configuring the Access Point PtP

This step involves configuring the device that will act as the access point.

1. Integrate the Ubiquiti NS-5AC-L device into your LAN. Connect it to your computer. Ensure your computer's network card has a static IP address within the AP's IP range.
2. Access the AP via its default IP address: 192.168.1.20.
3. Navigate to "Configuration" → "Network".
4. Set the following parameters for the AP:
   • Network Role: Bridge
   • Management IP Address: Static
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.21 (assuming your gateway is 192.168.1.x)
   • Netmask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.x (where x is your gateway IP)
   • Primary DNS IP: 8.8.8.8

Screenshot Description: The screenshot shows the Ubiquiti airOS interface for the NanoStation 5AC Loco. Under the 'Network' tab, 'Network Role' is set to 'Bridge'. 'Management IP Address' is set to 'Static' with IP Address '192.168.1.21', Netmask '255.255.255.0', and Gateway IP '192.168.1.169'. Primary DNS IP is '8.8.8.8'.

After configuring these parameters, save the changes using the "Save Changes" button. The device will apply the configuration, and you can then access it using the new IP address (192.168.1.21).

Step 2 – Wireless Configuration

Configure the wireless settings for the device that will serve as the client (Station PtP).

1. Navigate to "Settings" → "Wireless".
2. Set the following main parameters for the link:
   • Wireless Mode: Access Point PtP
   • SSID: Enter the desired Wi-Fi network name.
   • Country: Select the country relevant to your region.
   • Channel Width: Choose between 20/40/80 MHz based on bandwidth needs and interference levels. For this example, 40 MHz is used.
3. Configure the security settings for your link:
   • Security: WPA2-AES
   • WPA Mode: PSK
   • WPA PreShared Key: Set your network password.

Screenshot Description: The screenshot shows the Ubiquiti airOS interface for the NanoStation 5AC Loco. Under 'Wireless' → 'Basic Wireless Settings', 'Wireless Mode' is set to 'Access Point PtP', SSID is 'wifisafe', Country is 'Spain', and Channel Width is '40 MHz'. Under 'Wireless Security', Security is 'WPA2-AES', WPA Authentication is 'PSK', and WPA PreShared Key is masked.

Additional parameters like link distance and TX data rate can also be configured. Save the changes with the "Save Changes" button. The Access Point is now ready to be connected to your LAN.

Step 3 – Configuring the Station Client PtP

This section details the configuration of the client device, which will be connected at the other end of the network.

1. Connect the client antenna directly to your PC.
2. Access the antenna's default IP address: 192.168.1.20.
3. Navigate to "Settings" → "Network" and configure the following values:
   • Network Role: Bridge
   • Management IP Address: Static
   • IP Address: 192.168.1.22
   • Netmask: 255.255.255.0
   • Gateway: 192.168.1.x (the same gateway as configured on the Access Point)
   • Primary DNS IP: 8.8.8.8

Screenshot Description: The screenshot shows the Ubiquiti airOS interface for the NanoStation 5AC Loco. Under the 'Network' tab, 'Network Role' is set to 'Bridge'. 'Management IP Address' is set to 'Static' with IP Address '192.168.1.22', Netmask '255.255.255.0', and Gateway IP '192.168.1.169'. Primary DNS IP is '8.8.8.8'.

Apply the changes using the "Save Changes" button. Once the antenna applies the settings, you can access it via the new IP address (192.168.1.22).

Step 4 – Connecting the Station to the Access Point

Configure the client antenna's wireless mode and connect it to the main antenna.

1. Navigate to "Settings" → "Wireless".
2. Set the Wireless Mode: Station PtP.
3. Click the "Select..." button next to SSID and choose your main antenna from the list.

Screenshot Description: The screenshot shows the 'Site Survey' interface, listing available wireless networks. The 'wifisafe' SSID is visible with signal strength and encryption details. The user selects the 'wifisafe' SSID and clicks "Lock To AP".

Selecting "Lock To AP" ensures the station antenna only connects to the specified Access Point MAC address. If the AP is changed, the client antenna will need reconfiguration.

1. Configure the security settings identically to the Access Point:
   • Security: WPA2-AES
   • WPA Authentication: PSK
   • WPA PreShared Key: The same password used on the Access Point.

Screenshot Description: The second screenshot shows the 'Wireless Security' settings for the client antenna, mirroring the AP's settings: WPA2-AES, PSK, and the pre-shared key.

Click "Save Changes" and wait for the parameters to be applied. After successful connection, accessing the "dashboard" will show details of the link, such as speed, channel, and distance.

Dashboard Screenshot Description: The dashboard displays connection details. The 'LOCAL' device (Access Point) shows throughput of 624.00 Mbps and TX Power of 7 dBm. The 'REMOTE' device (Station) shows throughput of 631.80 Mbps and TX Power of 7 dBm. Signal strength is shown as -21 dBm for the local device and -19 dBm for the remote device. Noise floor is -87 dBm for both. Local and Remote RX Data Rates are shown as 8X (256QAM MIMO).

Further Information

For more information and additional articles/manuals, visit the WifiSafe Blog at https://www.wifisafe.com/blog/categoria/soporte/.

Contact: soporte@wifisafe.com

(June 2018)