5 GHz Components

Ubiquiti airMAX M 5 GHz Components: Stable directional radio for medium to long distances

The airMAX M 5 GHz product line from Ubiquiti Networks represents the proven technology for professional wireless Point-to-Point (PtP) and Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) connections. In contrast to the often overloaded 2.4 GHz band, the 5 GHz frequency spectrum offers significantly more non-overlapping channels. This makes airMAX M5 the first choice for networkers who require stability, low susceptibility to interference (noise immunity) and a reliable real data throughput of up to 150+ Mbit/s over distances of over 15 kilometers.

The M5 devices use the advanced airMAX TDMA protocol to optimize bandwidth allocation, eliminating problems such as hidden node collisions that occur with standard WLAN. This ensures superior performance and scalability, especially with many clients connected to a base station.

Application areas and the necessity of line of sight

The 5 GHz band is ideal for professional directional radio, but has a lower ability to penetrate obstacles such as walls or trees. Therefore, the golden rule applies to all 5 GHz airMAX M components: A free line of sight (Line of Sight - LOS) between sender and receiver is mandatory to achieve maximum performance and stability.

• Networking of buildings: Creation of a stable, cable-like connection between two company locations (PtP).
• WISP (Wireless ISP) client connection: Construction of a scalable PtMP network in which the M5 devices serve as reliable customer terminal devices (CPE).
• Surveillance systems: Connection of remote IP cameras with high bandwidth requirements.
  
  

Model comparison: The 5 GHz M series in detail

Ubiquiti offers different designs of the 5 GHz M series, each of which is optimized for specific ranges and environmental conditions:

The role of parabolic devices (PowerBeam and NanoBeam)

Models such as the PowerBeam M5-400 and the NanoBeam M5-16 use a parabolic mirror design (dish or reflector). This design results in an extreme focusing of the radio signal in a narrow beam. This increases the effective transmission power and, even more importantly, drastically improves the ignoring of interference signals (noise) from the sides. The PowerBeam M5-400 with its 400 mm reflector and 25 dBi gain is the ideal choice for ultra-long distances or extremely noisy environments.

NanoStation and Loco: The classics

The NanoStation M5 (NSM5) and the LocoM5 are the classics in a compact, weatherproof panel design. The NSM5 offers a higher range with 16 dBi and features a second Ethernet port with PoE passthrough to directly supply an IP camera, for example. The LocoM5, on the other hand, is the cheapest and most compact solution, ideal as a direct client access point (CPE) in a PtMP network.

All mentioned airMAX M 5 GHz devices are supplied with power via 24V Passive PoE and administered via the proven airOS, which enables simple and reliable integration into your existing network.