Ubiquiti PBE-M5-400 5-PACK,5GHZ POWERBEAM, AIRMAX,400MM

Ubiquiti PBE-M5-400 5GHz Wireless Bridge

Overview

The Ubiquiti PBE-M5-400 (often searched as PBE M5 400) is a 5GHz airMAX PowerBeam designed for point-to-point and point-to-multipoint wireless bridging applications requiring long-range links with reliable throughput. The 400mm antenna dish provides 25 dBi of gain, enabling 150+ Mbps performance across extended distances. This bridge operates on passive PoE 2-pair power delivery, simplifying field installation and reducing cabling complexity. Built with UV-stabilized plastic enclosure and comprehensive environmental certifications, the PBE-M5-400 is engineered for demanding outdoor deployments in telecom, security integration, and enterprise network expansion scenarios.

Key Features

• 25 dBi Antenna Gain: 400mm dish antenna delivers focused directional coverage for long-distance bridge links with minimal environmental interference
• 150+ Mbps Throughput: Reliable bandwidth capacity suitable for video surveillance, remote site connectivity, and enterprise network backhaul
• Passive PoE 2-Pair Power: Operates on 24V, 0.5A passive PoE (pairs 4, 5+ and 7, 8 return) with included gigabit PoE adapter; maximum power consumption 8W
• Single Gigabit RJ45 Port: One GbE interface for direct network termination; supports standard Ethernet protocols and managed network integration
• 26 dBm TX Power: Maximum transmit power within regulatory limits for optimal link performance and range extension
• Compact 420 x 420 x 275mm Form Factor: Lightweight at 1.8 kg with included pole mount kit for rapid rooftop and tower deployment
• Passive PoE Voltage Range 20–27V DC: Flexible power supply compatibility ensures operation across variable field PSU configurations
• LED Status Indicators: Power, LAN, and four software-adjustable WLAN signal strength LEDs for real-time link diagnostics
• Environmental Compliance: Rated for -40 to +70°C ambient operation; survives 200 km/h (125 mph) wind loading at 342.5 N; UV and salt fog tested per IEC standards and MIL-STD-810G equivalents
• ESD/EMP Protection: ±24 kV air and contact protection ensures stability in high-RF and storm-prone environments
• RoHS Compliant: Environmentally responsible construction with lead-free materials

Integration & Compatibility

The PBE-M5-400 integrates seamlessly into existing Ubiquiti airMAX networks and third-party standards-based 5GHz bridges. Passive PoE 2-pair operation means a single adapter powers the radio and antenna assembly from standard network infrastructure PoE or dedicated outdoor PSU supplies. The single GbE port terminates directly to core switches or VLAN-enabled access points, enabling managed layer-2 and layer-3 deployments. The unit's adjustable RSSI LEDs provide field-level link quality feedback without requiring terminal access, accelerating troubleshooting during commissioning.

Package Contents

Each unit includes the PBE-M5-400 radio/antenna assembly, 24V 0.5A gigabit passive PoE adapter, and pole mount kit for immediate field deployment.

Ted Perry

I've specified the PBE-M5-400 across several campus-to-remote-site backhaul projects, and it delivers predictable performance where directional 5GHz bridges are appropriate. The 25 dBi antenna gain is substantial—it's a meaningful advantage over smaller form factors when line-of-sight distance exceeds 2–3km. The passive PoE model keeps infrastructure costs down; you're not running separate power runs, which matters in retrofit scenarios.

Technical Highlights:

• Wind Survivability: 200 km/h survival rating with 342.5 N load means this antenna survives coastal and high-elevation deployments where smaller bridges fail; the UV-stabilized plastic and salt fog testing (IEC 68-2-11) confirm longevity in corrosive marine environments
• Thermal Range: -40 to +70°C operation covers tundra, desert, and tropical installations without derating; important for unmanned or difficult-to-service towers
• Power Efficiency: 8W max draw is genuinely low—you can daisy-chain multiple units on mid-range PoE supplies or battery backup systems without overload risk

Deployment Considerations:

• Aim-and-align is critical: 25 dBi gain means narrow vertical and horizontal beamwidth—1–2 degree misalignment degrades SNR noticeably. Budget time for RF survey and laser alignment tools on first install
• Passive PoE means no active negotiation; verify your upstream PoE supply delivers stable 24V under the expected current draw across distance. Poor supply regulation will show as intermittent link flapping
• Single GbE port is a hard limit—this is a bridge endpoint, not a switch. Plan your network topology accordingly; don't expect to daisy-chain sites through a single PBE-M5-400 without switching infrastructure downstream

The PBE-M5-400 is a reliable workhorse for fixed point-to-point links where you control both ends and can ensure proper alignment. Pair it with good outdoor-rated cabling, proper surge protection, and grounding, and you'll see multi-year uptime. Recommended for integrators and operators with RF discipline and documented site surveys.