Connecting the Unconnected: How Flytec Helped Bridge the Gap with the Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco 5 AC

Hi there, I’m Juan David, Flytec’s Tech Lead Support and a UniFi Certified Trainer. Today, I’m excited to share a story about how the Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco 5 AC (Loco5AC) brought a reliable, long-range network solution to a rural business struggling with connectivity. If you’ve ever wondered whether you can achieve high-speed internet across a large outdoor area without breaking the bank, keep reading—this one’s for you.

The Challenge: Reliable Connectivity in a Rural Area

A small agricultural business in North Dakota reached out to us with a unique problem. They had two separate buildings on their property—an office and a storage facility—separated by nearly 2 kilometers (1.2 Miles) of open land. Their goal was to extend their network from the main office to the storage facility without relying on costly trenching for fiber optic cables.

Key requirements:

• Cost-effective solution: Budget constraints made fiber installation a no-go.
• Reliable performance: The network needed to handle moderate data transfer, including inventory management software and security camera feeds.
• Ease of setup: The business wanted a solution that could be implemented quickly without complex installation requirements.

The Solution: Ubiquiti Loco5AC

After analyzing their needs, I recommended the Loco5AC, a low budget high-performance point-to-point solution capable of delivering:

• Up to 10 kilometers of range with a built-in 13dBi antenna.
• 450+ Mbps of throughput, perfect for their applications.
• Easy setup via Ubiquiti’s intuitive airOS platform.
• Durable outdoor design, capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.

How We Implemented the Solution

Our team carefully planned and designed a system tailored to the client’s needs, ensuring efficient implementation by their installation team. Here’s how we approached the project:

1. Hardware Selection and Placement Planning:

• We recommended the placement of one Loco5AC near the main office and another at the storage facility, optimizing their locations for the best line-of-sight connectivity.
• The system was designed to leverage Passive PoE, minimizing cabling requirements and simplifying installation.

2. Configuration Blueprint:

• Using the AirOS management interface, we specified the configuration details, including setting one device as the Access Point (AP) and the other as the Station (ST).

3. Our design included a 60 MHz channel width to maximize performance and link stability over the 2-kilometer distance. While 80 MHz provides higher throughput, the slightly narrower 60 MHz channel ensures better signal integrity and reliability over longer distances, especially for point-to-point links in rural environments.

4. Performance Goals and Validation Guidelines:

We provided alignment recommendations to ensure a strong, stable connection with minimal latency.

The system was designed to deliver 350+ Mbps throughput, surpassing the client’s data requirements and ensuring reliable performance.

The Results: Seamless Connectivity

The business was thrilled with the outcome. They now enjoy a reliable network connection between their office and storage facility, enabling real-time inventory tracking and remote monitoring of security cameras. The Loco5AC delivered an efficient solution on a low budget.

Ready to Extend Your Network? Let Flytec Help!

At Flytec, we’re experts in delivering innovative, budget-friendly networking solutions tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re connecting buildings or upgrading your current setup, the Loco5AC is a versatile tool that gets the job done.

Got questions or want to get started? Contact us today, and let’s connect your world!