Ubiquiti loco M5 in Kenya

The Ubiquiti loco M5, officially named the airMAX NanoStation M5 loco (LocoM5), is a compact outdoor 5 GHz wireless CPE and bridge designed for fixed wireless broadband, point-to-point (PtP), point-to-multipoint (PtMP), WISP subscriber and remote-network connections. Ubiquiti currently describes the exact model as a low-cost and efficient broadband 5 GHz CPE.

The LocoM5 belongs to Ubiquiti's established airMAX M family. It combines a 13 dBi dual-polarized directional antenna, one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port, passive PoE and a lightweight outdoor enclosure weighing only 180 g. Its compact form factor makes it useful where a full-size NanoStation, LiteBeam or PowerBeam would be unnecessary.

For networks in Kenya, the loco M5 can be considered for WISP customer connections, building-to-building links, CCTV backhaul, farms, schools, estates, warehouses, hotels and remote offices. It is important, however, to understand its Fast Ethernet limitation and older airMAX M platform when comparing it with newer Gigabit airMAX AC products

Why Buy Ubiquiti loco M5 from Orbitlink Solutions?

Selecting the correct outdoor wireless radio requires considering the actual link rather than simply choosing the highest antenna gain. Distance, line of sight, interference, required bandwidth, mounting height and the equipment at the opposite site all matter.

For existing airMAX M deployments or links where Fast Ethernet capacity is sufficient, the LocoM5 remains a compact 5 GHz CPE. For new higher-speed installations, Orbitlink Solutions can also help compare it with Loco5AC, NanoStation 5AC, LiteBeam 5AC, NanoBeam and other Ubiquiti options.

Orbitlink Solutions can also supply supporting networking equipment including routers, switches, outdoor Ethernet cable, passive-PoE equipment, surge protection and Wi-Fi access points.

Watch the Ubiquiti loco M5 Video

The Ubiquiti loco M5 is best understood as a compact 5 GHz fixed-wireless CPE rather than a normal outdoor Wi-Fi router. Its 13 dBi directional antenna is intended to establish a wireless infrastructure connection toward another fixed radio. At the remote site, Ethernet can then connect to a switch, router or conventional access point.

Its compact design is one of its strongest advantages. At only 180 g and 161 mm tall, it can provide an unobtrusive outdoor CPE solution where the larger physical footprint and higher gain of LiteBeam or PowerBeam equipment are unnecessary. The trade-off is that the antenna is less focused than those higher-gain directional products.

The 100 Mbps Ethernet interface is the key capacity limitation. For moderate WISP packages, CCTV connections and simple building links, that may be entirely acceptable. For a new bridge expected to transport 200 Mbps, 500 Mbps or more, moving to a Gigabit-equipped airMAX AC product such as Loco5AC, NanoStation 5AC or LiteBeam 5AC is more appropriate.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ubiquiti loco M5

What is the Ubiquiti loco M5?

The LocoM5 is a compact outdoor 5 GHz airMAX NanoStation CPE with an integrated 13 dBi directional antenna.

What frequency does loco M5 use?

It operates in the 5 GHz band. Ubiquiti's official NanoStation M datasheet lists worldwide operation from approximately 5170–5875 MHz, subject to regulatory configuration.

What is the antenna gain?

The LocoM5 has a 13 dBi integrated dual-linear antenna.

What is the antenna beamwidth?

Ubiquiti specifies approximately 45° horizontal, 45° vertical and 45° elevation.

Does loco M5 have Gigabit Ethernet?

No. It has one 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port.

What PoE does loco M5 use?

It uses 2-pair passive PoE, with pins 4/5 positive and 7/8 return.

Is the PoE adapter included?

Yes. Ubiquiti's current specification lists a 24V, 0.5A PoE adapter as included.

What voltage does loco M5 use?

Ubiquiti currently specifies a supported input range of 22–27V DC.

How much power does loco M5 consume?

Maximum power consumption is 5.5W.

Is loco M5 an outdoor device?

Yes. It has an outdoor UV-stabilized polycarbonate enclosure and is specified for -30°C to 75°C operation.

Can two loco M5 units make a point-to-point link?

Yes. Properly configured compatible units can form part of a fixed 5 GHz wireless bridge.

Can loco M5 be used for WISP internet?

Yes. Ubiquiti describes it as a low-cost broadband 5 GHz CPE, making WISP subscriber installations one of its natural applications.

Can loco M5 be used for point-to-multipoint?

Yes. It can serve as a station/CPE in an appropriately compatible airMAX M PtMP deployment.

Is loco M5 a normal Wi-Fi router?

No. It is primarily an outdoor fixed-wireless CPE. A separate router or Wi-Fi access point is normally used for local client connectivity.

Can loco M5 be used for CCTV?

Yes, provided the required aggregate camera traffic fits within the link and its 100 Mbps Ethernet interface.

Can loco M5 work with Starlink?

Yes. It can extend a LAN downstream of Starlink, but its Fast Ethernet port may restrict the speed delivered to the remote site.

Can loco M5 work with fibre?

Yes. However, fibre service significantly faster than 100 Mbps cannot be transported at full speed through its 10/100 Ethernet interface.

Can loco M5 connect to MikroTik?

Yes. MikroTik routers and switches can be used on the Ethernet side.

Can TP-Link equipment be used behind loco M5?

Yes. Standard Ethernet routers, switches and access points can be used downstream.

What is the difference between loco M2 and loco M5?

The primary difference is frequency: loco M2 operates at 2.4 GHz, while loco M5 operates at 5 GHz. The LocoM5 also has a higher-gain 13 dBi antenna.

What is the difference between loco M5 and NanoStation M5?

The LocoM5 is smaller, lighter and has one Ethernet port. The full NanoStation M5 has two Fast Ethernet ports, a larger antenna system and higher antenna gain.

What is the difference between loco M5 and Loco5AC?

The LocoM5 uses the older airMAX M platform with Fast Ethernet, while Loco5AC uses airMAX AC and Gigabit Ethernet and includes a separate management radio.

What is the difference between loco M5 and LBE-M5-23?

Both are 5 GHz airMAX M products, but the LocoM5 has a 13 dBi compact panel antenna, whereas the LiteBeam LBE-M5-23 uses a much more directional 23 dBi antenna.

Is the Ubiquiti loco M5 still listed?

Yes. Ubiquiti's current UISP technical catalogue continues to list the airMAX NanoStation M5 loco (LocoM5).

What is the Ubiquiti loco M5 price in Kenya?

Contact Orbitlink Solutions for current price and stock availability.

Buy Ubiquiti loco M5 in Kenya

The Ubiquiti airMAX NanoStation M5 loco remains a useful compact solution for 5 GHz fixed wireless networking. Its combination of a 13 dBi dual-linear antenna, 10/100 Ethernet, 24V passive PoE, 5.5W maximum consumption and lightweight 180 g enclosure makes it particularly relevant to modest-bandwidth outdoor links and existing airMAX M networks.

For WISP subscribers, CCTV systems, farms, schools, compounds, warehouses and remote buildings where Fast Ethernet capacity is sufficient, the LocoM5 can provide a practical fixed-wireless connection. For new higher-throughput links, Gigabit-equipped airMAX AC products should also be considered.

Contact Orbitlink Solutions

Orbitlink Solutions
Lyric House, 7th Floor, Room S9, Kimathi Street, Nairobi
Call / Text / WhatsApp: +254 743 720 551
Email: info@orbitlinksolutions.co.ke
Alternative Email: orbitlinksolutions@gmail.com
Opening Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
Availability: Nairobi pickup and nationwide delivery

Contact Orbitlink Solutions for the current Ubiquiti loco M5 price in Kenya, stock availability and assistance selecting compatible airMAX radios, passive-PoE equipment, outdoor Ethernet cabling, routers, switches and other wireless networking equipment.