PowerBeam M5-400: Your Stable Radio Link Over 25 km
The Ubiquiti PowerBeam M5-400 is not an ordinary Antenna, but a highly specialized WiFi Bridge for professional use. Its main task is to establish extremely stable and long-range point-to-point (PtP) or point-to-multipoint (PtMP) connections. Whether you want to extend the Network to an outbuilding, connect video surveillance at a remote location, or link two company sites – the PowerBeam gets the job done. Its secret lies in the dish reflector design, which focuses the transmission power into a very narrow beam. This not only ensures enormous range but also provides excellent noise immunity in environments with many interfering signals.
Intelligent airMAX Technology for Maximum Efficiency
Where conventional WiFi reaches its limits, the PowerBeam plays to its strengths. Instead of the standard WiFi protocol, it uses the airMAX TDMA protocol developed by Ubiquiti. Think of it as an intelligent air traffic controller for your data: instead of all devices transmitting chaotically, the controller assigns fixed time slots to each client for sending and receiving. This prevents data collisions, drastically reduces latency, and ensures a consistently high transfer rate, even when many devices are active in the Network. The result is a noticeably more stable and powerful connection.
Thoughtful Design for Performance and Durability
Ubiquiti has thought of every detail with the PowerBeam M5-400. The innovative InnerFeed® technology integrates the radio module directly into the feedhorn of the Antenna. This completely eliminates susceptible and performance-degrading Antenna cables, maximizing real-world performance. The Enclosure made of UV-stabilized plastic and the powder-coated steel brackets are designed for years of use under the harshest weather conditions. Installation is also a breeze: with just one wrench and an integrated tilt angle of ±20°, the antenna is quickly attached to the mast and precisely aligned.
Strengths & Notes at a Glance
- Pro: Extremely high range of over 25 km and excellent interference immunity due to a focused signal.
- Pro: Outstanding price-performance ratio thanks to efficient InnerFeed® technology without cable losses.
- Pro: Significantly reduced latency and higher Network scalability through the intelligent airMAX TDMA protocol.
- Pro: Quick and easy installation due to thoughtful mechanical design and PoE supply.
- Note: An absolutely clear line-of-sight between the devices is mandatory for a stable connection.
- Note: As an M-series product, there are newer models from Ubiquiti in the airMAX ac Components series that offer higher data throughputs.
Specifications & Features
| Manufacturer: | Ubiquiti |
| Model: | PowerBeam M5-400 |
| Manufacturer Number (HAN/MPN): | PBE-M5-400 |
| EAN: | 0810354022623 |
| Product Type: | WiFi Bridge / CPE |
| Processor: | Atheros MIPS 74Kc |
| Clock Speed: | 560 MHz |
| RAM: | 64 MB DDR2 |
| Flash Memory: | 8 MB |
| Maximum Data Throughput: | 150+ Mbps (real TCP/IP throughput) |
| Maximum Range: | 25+ km |
| Frequency Band: | 5 GHz |
| Operating Frequency (Worldwide): | 5150 - 5875 MHz |
| Antenna Gain: | 25 dBi |
| Technology: | Ubiquiti airMAX (TDMA Protocol) |
| Polarization: | Dual Linear |
| Maximum Transmit Power (TX Power): | 26 dBm |
| Supported Channel Widths: | 5/8/10/20/30/40 MHz |
| Antenna Design: | InnerFeed® Technology |
| Dimensions: | 420 x 420 x 275 mm |
| Weight: | 1.753 kg |
| Enclosure Material: | Outdoor UV-stabilized plastic |
| Mounting: | Pole-Mount Kit (included) |
| Wind Loading: | 342 N @ 201 km/h |
| Wind Survivability: | 201 km/h |
| Network Interface: | (1) 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet Port |
| Power Supply: | Passive PoE (24V, 0.5A Gigabit PoE Adapter included) |
| Maximum Power Consumption: | 8W |
| Supported Voltage Range: | 20-27V DC |
| Operating Temperature: | -40°C to 70°C |
| Operating Humidity: | 5 to 95% non-condensing |
| ESD/EMP Protection: | Air: ±24 kV, Contact: ±24 kV |
| Operating System: | airOS® |
| Management: | Web Interface, UNMS, airControl® |
| Analysis Tools: | airView® Spectrum Analyzer |
| LED Indicators: | Power, LAN, 4x WiFi Signal Strength |
| Certifications: | CE, FCC, IC |
Package Contents
| 1 x Ubiquiti PowerBeam M5-400 (PBE-M5-400) |
| 1 x Pole-Mount Kit |
| 1 x Gigabit PoE Adapter (24V, 0.5A) |
| 1 x Power Cord |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use the PowerBeam M5-400 as a regular WiFi Access Point for my home?
No, the PowerBeam M5-400 is not suitable for this purpose. It is a highly directional radio antenna that tightly focuses a signal to bridge a long distance. It does not create a wide WiFi field to cover an area for devices like smartphones or laptops.
What is the difference between the PowerBeam M5-400 and the PBE-M5-400-ISO?
The ISO model (PBE-M5-400-ISO) features an additional metal shielding design ('Isolator Ring') that further improves RF isolation. This more effectively reduces interference from adjacent devices on the same mast and is particularly advantageous in very 'noisy' RF environments.
Do I need two PowerBeam M5-400s for a connection?
Yes, for a classic Point-to-Point (PtP) WiFi Bridge, you need two devices. One device is configured as an Access Point and the other as a Station. Both must be precisely aligned with each other to establish the connection.
What real-world speed can I expect with the PBE-M5-400?
Ubiquiti states a real TCP/IP throughput of over 150 Mbps. The actual speed achieved depends heavily on the distance, signal quality, selected channel width, and any interference in the environment. User reports indicate stable rates of 80-90 Mbps are achieved over several kilometers under optimal conditions.
How is the PowerBeam M5-400 powered?
Power is supplied exclusively via the included 24V, 0.5A Gigabit Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) injector. This means that power and data are carried to the device over a single Ethernet Cable, which significantly simplifies outdoor installation.
Is the configuration complicated for a novice?
The basic configuration of a point-to-point connection is relatively intuitive thanks to the airOS web interface. You log in via a web browser, configure one device as an Access Point and the other as a Station with the same WiFi settings. The biggest challenge is the precise mechanical alignment of the Antennas for an optimal signal.
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