Your Stable Radio Link: Connecting a Network Over Kilometers
Do you need to establish a Network connection between two buildings, but laying cables is not an option? This is exactly where the Ubiquiti NanoBeam M5-16 comes into play. As a highly specialized WiFi Bridge, it is designed to establish stable and fast Point-to-Point connections over distances of more than 10 kilometers. Forget unstable repeater solutions – with a set of two NanoBeams, you create a dedicated, invisible data highway. Thanks to its flexibility, it can also be used as a client in a larger Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) Network, making it a versatile choice for demanding network topologies and various 5 GHz Components.
Maximum Interference Immunity Thanks to airMAX and Focused Beam
In urban areas, the 5 GHz band is often congested. The NanoBeam M5-16 masters this challenge with flying colors. Its secret lies in the combination of a highly directional Antenna with a narrow beamwidth and Ubiquiti's intelligent airMAX protocol. While a normal Antenna scatters signals broadly, the NanoBeam precisely focuses the energy on the opposite station. The airMAX (TDMA) protocol, in turn, assigns fixed transmission time slots to each connected device. This prevents data collisions, reduces latency, and ensures maximum efficiency of the radio link – a decisive advantage over the standard WiFi protocol.
Built for Outdoor Use: Compact, Robust, and Weatherproof
The NanoBeam M5-16 is designed for continuous operation under the harshest conditions. The Enclosure is made of UV-stabilized plastic that will not become brittle even after years in the sun. With wind resistance of up to 200 km/h and a certified operating temperature range of -40°C to +70°C, it withstands any weather. Industry-standard tests against salt fog, vibration, temperature shocks, and heavy rain confirm its extreme robustness. The compact all-in-one design and the included kit for pole mounting make installation on a facade or mast child's play. Various Mounting Systems are available for installation.
Easy Installation with Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Forget complicated outdoor Cabling. The NanoBeam M5-16 is powered via Passive Power over Ethernet (PoE). This means that a single network cable is sufficient for both data transmission and Power Supply. The necessary 24V PoE adapter is already included in the scope of delivery. You simply connect the adapter to your switch or router, run an Ethernet Cable to the NanoBeam, and it's ready for operation. The intuitive airOS Web interface gives you full control and useful analysis tools such as the airView Spectrum Analyzer for optimizing your connection.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Excellent interference immunity due to highly directional Antenna and narrow beamwidth, ideal for congested radio environments.
- Pro: Very high cost-efficiency with stable performance and long range at an attractive price.
- Pro: Compact all-in-one design (InnerFeed technology) simplifies installation and prevents power losses.
- Pro: Extremely robust and weatherproof Enclosure for reliable long-term outdoor operation.
- Note: The 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port limits the maximum data throughput to under 100 Mbps, although the radio link could achieve more.
- Note: Configuration requires basic network knowledge; the airMAX protocol is not compatible with standard WiFi devices.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | Ubiquiti |
| Model: | NanoBeam M5-16 (NBE-M5-16) |
| EAN: | 0810354022449 |
| Device Type: | WiFi Bridge / CPE |
| Application: | Point-to-Point (PtP), Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) |
| Operating Modes: | Access Point, Client, WDS |
| Frequency Band: | 5 GHz |
| Operating Frequency (Worldwide): | 5150 - 5875 MHz |
| Antenna Gain: | 16 dBi |
| Polarization: | Dual-Linear |
| Max. VSWR: | 1.5:1 |
| Maximum Transmit Power (TX Power): | 26 dBm |
| Processor: | Atheros MIPS 74Kc |
| Clock Speed: | 560 MHz |
| RAM: | 64 MB DDR2 |
| Flash Memory: | 8 MB |
| Network Interface: | 1x 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Port (RJ-45) |
| WiFi Standards: | 802.11a, 802.11n |
| Proprietary Protocol: | Ubiquiti airMAX (TDMA) |
| Maximum Throughput: | up to 150+ Mbps |
| Channel Widths: | 5/8/10/20/30/40 MHz |
| Encryption: | WPA, WPA2 (WPA2-AES recommended) |
| Dimensions: | 140 x 140 x 54 mm |
| Weight: | 0.320 kg |
| Enclosure Material: | Outdoor UV-stabilized Plastic |
| Mounting: | Pole Mounting Kit (included) |
| Wind Loading: | 21.4 N @ 200 km/h |
| Wind Survivability: | up to 200 km/h |
| ESD/EMP Protection: | ± 24 kV (Air/Contact) |
| Power Supply: | Passive PoE (Pairs 4, 5+; 7, 8 Return) |
| Supported Voltage Range: | 20–27V DC |
| Max. Power Consumption: | 6 Watt |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to 70°C |
| Operating Humidity: | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| Operating System: | Ubiquiti airOS |
| Management: | Web Interface, UNMS/UISP, airControl |
| Analysis Tools: | airView Spectrum Analyzer |
| LEDs: | 1x Power, 1x LAN, 4x WiFi Signal Strength |
| Certifications: | FCC, IC, CE, RoHS |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x Ubiquiti NanoBeam M5-16 (NBE-M5-16) |
| 1 x Pole Mounting Kit |
| 1 x 24V, 0.5A Passive PoE Adapter |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the NanoBeam M5-16 as a regular WiFi Access Point for my mobile phone?
No, the NanoBeam M5-16 is primarily designed as a point-to-point wireless bridge to connect two wired networks over a distance. It is not optimized for direct connection with end devices such as smartphones or laptops, unlike typical WiFi Access Points.
Do I need two NanoBeam M5-16 for a connection?
For an optimal and stable point-to-point connection, it is strongly recommended to use an identical device (i.e., two NanoBeam M5-16) at both ends of the link. In some scenarios, it can also connect as a client to an existing WiFi Access Point, but this is not its primary application.
What is the difference between the NanoBeam M5-16 and the NanoBeam 5AC-16?
The main difference lies in the WiFi standard used. The M5-16 utilizes the older 802.11n standard with airMAX protocol, while the 5AC-16 uses the newer and faster 802.11ac standard with the airMAX ac Components protocol, which enables higher throughput rates.
How is the NanoBeam M5-16 powered?
Power is supplied exclusively via the included 24V Passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector / Power Supply. A single Ethernet Cable provides both data and power to the device, significantly simplifying outdoor installation.
What is the maximum range of the NanoBeam M5-16?
The effective range heavily depends on environmental conditions, especially a clear line of sight. Under ideal conditions, distances of over 10 km can be bridged with the NBE-M5-16.
What does "airMAX TDMA" mean?
airMAX is a proprietary protocol from Ubiquiti Networks, based on TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access). Unlike the standard WiFi protocol (CSMA/CA), an intelligent controller assigns fixed time slots to each client for sending and receiving. This prevents collisions and maximizes the efficiency of the wireless connection, leading to lower latency and higher throughput.
Street name: Third Avenue 685
Postal code, City: 10017 , New York
Country: Vereinigte Staaten
State: New York
Homepage: https://www.ui.com
