Ubiquiti LiteBeam M5 23dBi (LBE-M5-23)  High-Performance 5GHz Wireless CPE

The Ubiquiti LiteBeam M5 23dBi (LBE-M5-23) is a high-gain, cost-effective 5GHz Customer Premise Equipment (CPE) designed for long-range Point-to-Multipoint (PtMP) connectivity. With its innovative form factor and focused 23dBi antenna, it delivers exceptional signal strength and stability, making it a top choice for WISPs and remote users needing reliable broadband access.

Key Features at a Glance

• Integrated 23 dBi Antenna: High-gain, focused dish for superior long-range performance and noise immunity.

• airMAX ac Technology: Leverages the efficient TDMA protocol for low latency and high capacity in PtMP networks.

• Compact & Lightweight Design: Unique, compact form factor is easy to deploy and highly wind-resistant.

• Excellent Range: Capable of establishing stable client links over 10+ kilometers.

• Fast Installation: Integrated mounting bracket with easy azimuth and elevation adjustment.

• Gigabit Ethernet: Features a Gigabit port for high-speed throughput, supporting well over 100+ Mbps.

Full Technical Specifications

Detailed Product Overview

Superior Long-Range Client Connectivity

The LiteBeam M5 is engineered specifically as a high-performance Customer Premise Equipment (CPE). Its integrated 23 dBi antenna focuses the radio signal into a tight 30° beamwidth. This provides two major advantages for long-distance links:

• Maximum Signal Strength: Concentrates RF energy towards the access point, ensuring a strong, stable connection even at the edge of the cell.

• High Noise Immunity: The focused beam effectively rejects off-axis interference from other Wi-Fi networks, resulting in a cleaner and more reliable signal.

airMAX ac for Efficient Networks

Powered by Ubiquiti’s airMAX ac platform, the LiteBeam M5 uses Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA). When used with a compatible airMAX ac access point (like a Rocket Prism or LiteAP), this technology schedules transmissions to eliminate data collisions. This translates to:

• Consistent Performance: Smoother latency for real-time applications like VoIP and online gaming, even during peak network usage.

• Increased Capacity: Allows the sector access point to handle more clients efficiently.

Rugged and Wind-Resistant Design

The LiteBeam’s compact, aerodynamic “can” design is not just for looks. It presents a very small profile to the wind, making it exceptionally stable in harsh weather conditions. The integrated mounting bracket allows for quick attachment to a pole and provides easy, tool-free adjustment for both azimuth (side-to-side) and elevation (up-and-down) to perfectly align the unit.

Target Audience & Ideal Use Cases

This device is perfectly suited for:

• Wireless Internet Service Providers (WISPs): As a premium, high-gain CPE for subscriber installations where maximum signal strength is required.

• Rural and Remote Users: For connecting to a WISP tower that is many kilometers away.

• Long-Range Point-to-Point Links: As one end of a PtP bridge using two LiteBeams for distances of 10km+.

• Surveillance and Backhaul: Providing a reliable wireless link for IP cameras or network extension to a remote building.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between the LiteBeam M5 and a NanoStation?
A1: The primary difference is the antenna gain and form factor. The LiteBeam M5 has a higher 23 dBi gain with a narrower 30° beamwidth, making it superior for longer distances. The NanoStation (typically 13 dBi) has a wider beamwidth and is better for shorter ranges or where alignment is more challenging.

Q2: Can the LiteBeam M5 be used as an Access Point (AP)?
A2: While technically possible in the software, it is not the ideal use case. The LiteBeam is optimized as a CPE (Station) with its highly directional antenna. For an Access Point that serves many clients, a sector antenna with a wider beamwidth (like a LiteAP or Rocket Prism) is a much better choice.

Q3: What is the real-world speed I can expect?
A3: You can reliably achieve 150+ Mbps in real-world conditions over a good quality link. The Gigabit Ethernet port ensures the wireless radio is the bottleneck, not the wired connection.

Q4: Is the Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter included?
A4: Yes. The LiteBeam M5 comes with a 24V, 0.5A Gigabit Passive PoE Adapter in the box, providing both power and data connectivity.

Q5: How does it compare to the newer LiteBeam 5AC (LBE-5AC-Gen2)?
A5: The LiteBeam 5AC Gen2 is a newer version with a slightly different form factor and updated internals that can achieve higher throughput speeds (450+ Mbps). However, the original LiteBeam M5 remains a highly reliable and cost-effective solution for links where the maximum speed requirement is under 150 Mbps.