Your Invisible Ethernet Cable: PowerBeam M5-300
Imagine you could connect two distant networks as easily as laying a long Ethernet Cable. That's exactly what the Ubiquiti PowerBeam M5-300 does. As a high-performance WiFi Bridge (CPE), it's the perfect solution for establishing a stable Internet connection between two buildings, providing Network access to an outdoor area, or building a reliable point-to-point link to a remote location. It operates as a transparent Layer 2 bridge, integrating seamlessly into your existing Network infrastructure, a prime example of Ubiquiti innovation.
Maximum Interference Immunity Thanks to Focused Energy
Today, the 5 GHz band is often crowded. The PowerBeam M5-300 solves this problem with its highly directional Antenna design. With an Antenna gain of 22 dBi and an extremely narrow beamwidth, it precisely focuses transmit and receive energy on its counterpart. Interference signals from the side are effectively blocked, leading to a significantly more stable and reliable point-to-point connection. InnerFeed® technology, where the radio unit sits directly in the feedhorn, also prevents signal losses that occur with conventional systems using external Antenna Cables, making it an excellent choice among 5 GHz Antennas.
airMAX TDMA: The Turbo for Your Wireless Bridge
While standard WiFi relies on a collision avoidance mechanism (CSMA/CA) that quickly loses efficiency with multiple participants, the PowerBeam uses the superior airMAX TDMA protocol. An intelligent controller assigns fixed time slots for transmitting and receiving to each device. This eliminates the 'Hidden Node' problem, maximizes the efficiency of transmit time ('Airtime'), and ensures consistently low latencies and high data throughput – crucial for professional applications and a key feature of airMAX ac Components.
Built for Outdoor Use: Robustness in Every Detail
The PowerBeam M5-300 is not only powerful but also extremely durable. The UV-stabilized plastic housing withstands years of sun exposure. It has undergone rigorous testing, including salt fog, vibration, temperature shock, and rain tests according to industry standards. With a wind resistance of up to 200 km/h and an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C, you can rely on this WiFi point-to-point link to function in any weather, demonstrating the quality of Ubiquiti Accessories and robust Mounting Systems.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Excellent interference immunity due to a highly focused signal, ideal for radio-congested environments, showcasing superior WiFi Antennas.
- Pro: Lossless all-in-one design (InnerFeed®) maximizes system efficiency without cable losses.
- Pro: High performance and low latency thanks to the intelligent airMAX TDMA protocol.
- Pro: Fast and easy installation due to a well-thought-out mechanical design and integrated tilt bracket, simplifying the use of Mounting Systems.
- Note: The 10/100 Mbps Ethernet Port limits the actual data throughput to under 100 Mbps.
- Note: For very short distances, the high antenna gain may require precise reduction of transmit power.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | Ubiquiti |
| Model: | PowerBeam M5-300 |
| Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): | PBE-M5-300 |
| EAN / GTIN: | 0810354022616 |
| Product Classification: | WiFi Bridge / Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) |
| Processor: | Atheros MIPS 74Kc |
| Clock Speed: | 560 MHz |
| RAM: | 64 MB DDR2 |
| Flash Memory: | 8 MB |
| Max. Data Throughput (TCP/IP): | 150+ Mbps |
| Range: | Up to 20+ km |
| Antenna Gain: | 22 dBi |
| Frequency Range: | 5150 - 5875 MHz (part of 5 GHz Components) |
| Polarization: | Dual Linear |
| Technology: | InnerFeed® (Radio integrated into feedhorn) |
| Supported Channel Widths: | 5/8/10/20/30/40 MHz |
| Max. VSWR: | 1.5:1 |
| Reflector Diameter: | 300 mm |
| Dimensions: | 325 x 325 x 256 mm |
| Weight (incl. Mount): | 1.203 kg |
| Housing Material: | UV-stabilized Plastic |
| Mounting: | Pole-Mount Kit (included), part of comprehensive Mounting Systems |
| Mechanical Tilt: | ± 20° (Uphill/Downhill) |
| Wind Load: | 200.2 N @ 200 km/h |
| Wind Resistance: | Up to 200 km/h |
| Network Interface: | (1) 10/100 Ethernet Port |
| Power Supply: | Passive PoE (Power over Ethernet), often requiring PoE Injectors / Power Supplies |
| Supported Voltage Range: | 20-27V DC |
| Max. Power Consumption: | 6W |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to 70°C |
| Operating Humidity: | 5 to 95% (non-condensing) |
| ESD/EMP Protection: | ± 24 kV (Air/Contact), complemented by Lightning Protection |
| Software: | airOS |
| Protocol: | Ubiquiti airMAX TDMA |
| LED Indicators: | Power, LAN, 4x WiFi Signal Strength |
| Certifications: | CE, FCC, IC |
| RoHS Compliance: | Yes |
Scope of Delivery
| 1 x Ubiquiti PowerBeam M5-300 |
| 1 x Pole-Mount Kit |
| 1 x 24V, 0.5A PoE Adapter (a type of PoE Injectors / Power Supplies) |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the PowerBeam M5-300 as a regular WiFi Access Point for my phone and laptop?
No, that is not possible. The PowerBeam M5-300 uses Ubiquiti's proprietary airMAX protocol, which is optimized for point-to-point or point-to-multipoint connections between airMAX ac Components. It is not compatible with the standard 802.11 WiFi protocol used by end devices such as smartphones and laptops.
How is the PowerBeam M5-300 powered?
Power is supplied exclusively via Power over Ethernet (PoE). A suitable 24V, 0.5A PoE Injector / Power Supply is included in the delivery. The Ethernet Cable, which serves for data transmission, simultaneously powers the device.
What do I need to set up a WiFi Bridge over a distance?
You need at least two Ubiquiti Networks PowerBeam M5-300 devices. One is configured as an 'Access Point' and the other as a 'Station'. These then form a transparent point-to-point connection, which essentially functions like a long, invisible Ethernet Cable between two buildings.
Is the PowerBeam M5-300 weatherproof for year-round outdoor use?
Yes, absolutely. The Enclosure is made of UV-stabilized plastic and is designed for an operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C. It has also been tested according to industry standards against salt spray, vibrations, temperature shocks, and wind-driven rain, confirming its robustness for outdoor use.
How do I set up the PowerBeam M5-300?
Configuration is done via the web-based 'airOS' user interface. You connect a computer via an Ethernet Cable to the LAN port of the PoE Injector, assign your computer a static IP address in the 192.168.1.x subnet, and then access the device's default IP (192.168.1.20) in your browser.
Can I directly connect an Ethernet Switch to the receiving PowerBeam to connect multiple devices?
Yes. The PowerBeam acts as a bridge. You can connect the LAN port of the PoE Injector on the receiving side directly to a Network Switch. All devices connected to this Ethernet Switch (computers, IP Cameras, other WiFi Access Points) will then be connected to the Network at the transmitting location.
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