Your Buildings, One Connection: The NanoStation Loco M5
Do you want to extend your Network to a second building, connect an Outdoor IP Camera, or bring the Internet to the furthest corner of your property? The Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco M5 is the answer. This device is the core of professional WiFi Bridge Sets. Forget unreliable WiFi Repeaters. With two of these devices, you build a rock-solid, directional wireless connection that extends your Network as if you had laid a cable – but without the effort and cost.
airMAX Technology: End Unstable Outdoor WiFi
Traditional WiFi protocols often fail miserably outdoors. Ubiquiti solves this problem with intelligent airMAX technology. This TDMA protocol (Time Division Multiple Access) cleverly divides transmission time between devices. The result: collisions are avoided, latency drops drastically, and data throughput remains stable even with many connected devices. For a connection between two Ubiquiti devices, airMAX is the key to maximum performance and stability.
Compact, Robust & Simple: Installation via PoE
The NanoStation Loco M5 was developed for harsh outdoor use. The UV-stabilized plastic housing withstands wind and weather from -30°C to 75°C. Thanks to its extremely compact form factor and low weight, mounting with the included pole kit is child's play. The best part: Power is supplied directly via the Network cable. The included 24V Passive PoE adapter (belongs to the category of PoE Injectors / Power Supplies) ensures a clean installation without a separate power line at the mounting location.
For Pro-Users & Projects: Maximum Control with airOS
Under the hood of the Loco M5 works Ubiquiti's powerful airOS. Via the intuitive web interface, you have full control. Configure the device as an WiFi Access Point or Station, operate it as a Bridge or WiFi Router, and use professional tools like the spectrum analysis 'airView' to find the best and least interfered wireless channel. This flexibility makes the Loco M5 one of the most popular 5 GHz Components for installers and demanding home users.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Extremely good price-performance ratio for stable long-range connections.
- Pro: Proprietary airMAX protocol ensures high stability and low latency.
- Pro: Very compact, lightweight, and weatherproof design for easy outdoor mounting.
- Pro: Powerful airOS operating system with extensive configuration and analysis tools.
- Note: Based on the older 802.11n standard, which limits throughput to approx. 150 Mbps.
- Note: Requires a clear line-of-sight between stations for optimal performance.
Specifications & Properties
| Manufacturer: | Ubiquiti |
| Model: | NanoStation Loco M5 |
| EAN: | 0810354022340 |
| Device Classification: | CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) / Wireless Bridge |
| Processor: | Atheros MIPS 24KC |
| Clock Speed: | 400 MHz |
| RAM: | 32 MB SDRAM or 64 MB DDR2 (revision dependent) |
| Flash Memory: | 8 MB |
| Frequency Band: | 5 GHz |
| Frequency Range: | 5170 - 5875 MHz (country-specific adjustable) |
| WiFi Standards: | IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11n |
| Proprietary Protocol: | Ubiquiti airMAX (TDMA) |
| Maximum Transmit Power (TX Power): | 23 dBm |
| Receive Sensitivity (RX Sensitivity): | -96 dBm @ MCS0 |
| MIMO Configuration: | 2x2 (Dual-Chain) |
| Maximum Data Rate (theoretical): | 150+ Mbps |
| Antenna Type: | Integrated Panel Antenna |
| Antenna Gain: | 13 dBi |
| Beamwidth (H/V/E): | 45° / 45° / 45° |
| Polarization: | Dual-Linear |
| Cross-pol Isolation: | 20 dB (Minimum) |
| Max. VSWR: | 1.4:1 |
| Network Port: | 1 x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Port (RJ45) |
| Operating System: | Ubiquiti airOS |
| Wireless Operating Modes: | Station, Access Point, AP-Repeater, WDS |
| Network Operating Modes: | Bridge, Router, SOHO Router |
| Encryption: | WEP, WPA, WPA2-AES |
| Power Supply Method: | 24V Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet) |
| PoE Scheme: | Pairs 4, 5+; 7, 8 Return |
| Maximum Power Consumption: | 5.5 Watt |
| Dimensions: | 161 x 31 x 80 mm |
| Weight: | 0.18 kg |
| Housing Material: | Outdoor UV-stabilized Plastic |
| Operating Temperature: | -30°C to 75°C |
| Humidity (Operating): | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Certifications: | FCC, IC, CE, RoHS |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco M5 |
| 1 x 24V, 0.5A PoE Adapter |
| 1 x Pole Mounting Kit |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the NanoStation Loco M5 as a regular WiFi Repeater for my home?
No, not in the traditional sense. The Loco M5 is designed for directional long-range connections, not for broad coverage of a living space. Its strength lies in transmitting the Network to another building, where a regular WiFi Access Point is then connected.
What is the difference between the NanoStation M5 and the Loco M5?
The 'Loco' M5 is the smaller, more cost-effective version. The main difference lies in the Antenna and transmit power. The larger NanoStation M5 has a higher Antenna gain (16 dBi) and often a second Ethernet Port, which qualifies it for even greater distances. For connections up to a few kilometers, the Loco M5 is usually sufficient.
What does airMAX mean and do I need to activate it?
airMAX is Ubiquiti Networks' proprietary TDMA protocol, optimized for outdoor point-to-multipoint connections. For a connection between two Ubiquiti devices, airMAX should always be activated to achieve the best performance. If a standard WiFi device like a laptop is to connect, airMAX must be deactivated.
Do I need two devices to establish a connection?
Yes. To set up a wireless bridge (Point-to-Point), you always need at least two devices. One is configured as an Access Point (transmitter) and the other as a Station (receiver).
How is the NanoStation Loco M5 powered?
Power is supplied exclusively via the included 24V Passive Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) Power Supply. A single Ethernet Cable transmits both data and power, significantly simplifying outdoor installation.
Why is my connection speed low despite a good signal?
This can have several causes. A common source of error is a transmit power set too high, which overpowers the receiver. The signal level should ideally be between -50 and -65 dBm. The channel width and the precise alignment of the Antennas are also crucial for maximum throughput.
Street name: Third Avenue 685
Postal code, City: 10017 , New York
Country: Vereinigte Staaten
State: New York
Homepage: https://www.ui.com
