Technicational

Last week I spotted an unusual device on my desk that was called a Ubiquiti NanoStation^®M: M5. After hours of reading and help from my awesome networking and other computer related terms a human being should not know, lecturer Mr Michael Headlam. I understood the full capability of this foreign object. Welcome to the most technical review ever done by a human being! Well, ever done by me.

What the hell is this thing?

It's... Hold on, let me Google this again. This foreign object is called a NanoStation^®M: M5. The function of this gizmo is a bit more complex to explain with two to three words. One thing for sure is that it is a directional Wi-Fi device with a lot of versatility and range. It has 4 major modes it can operate in and they are as follows.

Those are the four major functions this device can do, but the interface and efficiency at which it does this is at a level that I have never seen.

Signal Strength and Other Specs

 

The unit of antenna gain is measured in dBi. The gain of the antenna is what determines the distance of its coverage. So most Wi-Fi routers that are used in the homes range from 2dBi to 4dBi at a frequency of 2.4GHz, and if you have deeper pockets you can buy one that goes up to 8dBi with dual frequency of 2.4GHz and 5GHz. The NanoStation^®M: M5 is not meant for household use and comes with a mind blowing 16dBi and transmits at 5GHz. This 16dBi means that this can transmit/receive a signal to or from 15Km away. Of course, this is possible only in a clear line of sight without any obstructions in the way, but that is still a monumental distance. Also, the 5GHz frequency automatically eliminates more than half the number of persons in Jamaica that can see or access the signal on the devices. This is due to the fact that most Wi-Fi device can only see frequencies up 2.4GHz. Only really high end future proof devices at the moment can see a 5GHz wi-fi signal like….

The list is a bit longer than what is above, but you get the idea of what you need to even try and access such a high frequency signal. This helps in the security department and cuts down the amount of possible intruders to your Wi-Fi signal. Also, you should know that this device comes with many more security features and encryption modes.

So who is this for?

This type of device is certainly geared towards businesses that has multiple locations and needs a secure way of transmitting and receiving data quickly from point A to point B. This can also be used to connect two networks that are kilometers apart without compromising the security.

Final Thoughts

I know one or two schools and businesses that would greatly benefit from owning an Ubiquiti NanoStation^®M: M5. I didn’t get the full 15Km out of this device due to well developed area I was in, but I did get more than what any other router or directional antenna could provide. The products mentioned in this article were provided courtesy of Royale Computers and Accessories telephone#: 906-1067, 906-1068, and 754-5048.