Ubiquiti offers two all in one, dedicated access point models for the airMAX line of products, with the LiteAP and LiteAP GPS. The taller and thinner model, the standard LiteAP is the older of the two and has a beam width of 120° and is powered by standard 24v passive PoE, like all the other airMAX devices. The LiteAP GPS is much newer ands also features a GPS antenna integrated into the enclosure as well as a less wide 90° beam width and is also powered by 24v PoE.
The GPS allows multiple APs on the same mast or pole to be synchronised with each other which allows for co-location and each device can transmit and receive data without interfering with each other. GPS sync also allows for frequency reuse.
The main question is why would you go with a LiteAP over something like a NanoStation. The beam width or ‘spread’ is designed for multiple stations to be connected at once on a LiteAP, with a a NanoStation it is primarily a PtP device or a PtMP station over anything else. Not to mention the price difference between it and the LiteAP GPS. These devices however, would not be ideal as a station or to be used in a PtP deployment.
The LiteAP is $89 in the US, €97.20 in the EU and £80.59 in the UK. The LiteAP GPS $99 in the US, €94.80 in the EU and £78.60 in the UK.
LiteAP AC | LiteAP GPS | |
Frequencies supported | 5GHz for main radio interface | 5GHz for main radio interface 2.4GHz for WiFi managment interface |
Channel width options | 10/20/30/40/50/60/80MHz PtP | 10/20/30/40/50/60/80MHz PtP 20/40MHz PtMP |
Power Type | 24v passive PoE | 24v passive PoE |
Network interfaces | 1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet | 1x 10/100/1000 Ethernet |
Special features | - | WiFi interface for UISP app setup GPS radio for sync |
Gain | 16dBi | 17dBi |
Coverage width | 120° | 90° |
Operating Temperature | -40 to 70° C | -40 to 70° C |
Mounting options | Ball-joint mount, can be mounted to pole or wall | Ball-joint mount, can be mounted to pole or wall |
Price | $89 in the US, €97.20 in the EU and £80.59 in the UK | $99 in the US, €94.80 in the EU and £78.60 in the UK |
Recommendation
For small range PtMP deployments, the LiteAP GPS is very cost effective and cheaper than the NanoStation AC which is usually a go to when doing small PtMP set ups. To that end, as an AP we would recommend the LiteAP GPS, thanks to its GPS antenna, smaller form factor and good price.
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