Appendix E: Declaration of Conformity ............................46
Appendix F: Contact Information ..................................47
Ubiquiti Networks Support ......................................................47
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
ii
Chapter 1: OverviewairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Chapter 1: Overview
Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the airFiber AF24. Our product
is purpose-built to create a high-performance backhaul.
airFiber AF24 provides revolutionary features, including:
• RF interface with 24 GHz, 100 MHz wide channels
and up to 1.4 Gbps, aggregate throughput (in
full-duplex mode)
• Split-antenna architecture
Package Contents
airFiber AF24Pole Mount
Bracket
Pole Clamps
(Qty. 2)
Cable Ties
(Qty. 3)
Hardware Overview
Side
Lock Bolts
Alignment Bracket
Elevation
Adjustment
Azimuth
Adjustment
Lock Bolts
M10x150
Carriage Bolts
(Qty. 4)
PoE Adapter
(50V, 1.2A GigE)
M10 Flat
Washers
(Qty. 4)
M10 Split
Lock Washers
(Qty. 4)
Power CordairFiber AF24
M10 Hex
Nuts
(Qty. 4)
24 GHz Point to Point
1.4+ Gbps Radio
Model: AF24
Quick Start Guide
M8x16 Serrated
Flange Screws
(Qty. 4)
airFiber Configuration Interface
SystemRequirements
• Microsoft Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7,
Windows 8, Linux, or Mac OS X
• Java Runtime Environment 1.6 (or above)
• Web Browser: Mozilla Firefox, Apple Safari, Google
Chrome, or Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 (or above)
Ground
Bonding Point
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1
Chapter 1: OverviewairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Back
Lock Bolts
Elevation
AdjustmentAzimuth
Lock Bolts
Port Cover
Lock Bolts
Adjustment
Lock Bolts
Interfaces
ResetDataAuxConfigLED Display
LEDs
Data
Aux
LED Display
Config
Speed
Link/Act
LEDStateStatus
Link/Act
Modulation
RX Power
Master/
Link/Act
Speed
GPS
(-dBm)
Slave
RF Link
Status
Speed
GPS
ModulationLink/Act
Master/SlaveRF Link Status
Off10/100 Mbps
On1000 Mbps
OffNo Ethernet Link
OnEthernet Link Established
Random Flashing Ethernet Activity
OffNo GPS Synchronization
OnOperational (Strong Signal)
Normal Flash*Operational (Weak Signal)
Off¼x or 1x (QPSK SISO)
Short Flash*2x (QPSK MIMO)
Normal Flash*4x (16QAM MIMO)
Long Flash*6x (64QAM MIMO)
NumberDecodable RX Signal
Flashing Number Undecodable RX Signal
OffSlave Mode
OnMaster Mode
OffRF Off
Short Flash*Syncing
Normal Flash*Beaconing
Long Flash*Registering
OnOperational
Off10 Mbps
On100 Mbps
OffNo Ethernet Link
OnEthernet Link Established
Random Flashing Ethernet Activity
SpeedRX Power
Overload Condition
InterfaceDescription
Reset
Data10/100/1000 Mbps port handles all user traffic.
Aux
LED Display
Config
To reset to factory defaults, press and hold the Reset
button for more than five seconds while the unit is
already powered on.
Port for audio tone aiming. See “Using the Audio Tone” on page 14 for more details.
Digital display used for power, status, and mode
information.
10/100 Mbps, secured port for configuration. By
default, this is the only port that can monitor,
configure, and/or update firmware.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
* Short Flash (1:3 on/off cycle)
Normal Flash (1:1 on/off cycle)
Long Flash (3:1 on/off cycle)
2
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Chapter 2: Installation
Link Planning
Before you install the airFiber AF24, there are a few items
to consider:
• Humidity and rain
• Point-to-Point (PtP), daisy chain, or ring configuration
• Co-Location
Humidity and Rain
Consider the impact of humidity and rain on your link.
Radio waves in the 24 GHz band encounter additional
atmospheric attenuation beyond that which is expected
in free space due to water absorption, including rain
fade. A general guideline is an additional loss of 1 to 3dB
per kilometer. The amount of additional atmospheric
attenuation will vary, depending on your specific
installation environment (the world has a variety of
rainfallzones).
Here is a hypothetical example: if your link is exposed
to a 25 mm/hr (0.98 in/hr) rate of rainfall, it may have an
additional loss of up to 4 dB/km (6.45 dB/mi).
The table below illustrates the estimated
additional attenuation at various rainfall rates
and distances. This information was derived from
FCC Office of Engineering and Technology Bulletin #70.
Estimated Additional Attenuation at Various Rain Rates andDistances
Distance1.25 mm/hr
1 km
(0.62 mi)
2 km
(1.2 mi)
3 km
(1.9 mi)
4 km
(2.5 mi)
5 km
(3.1 mi)
(0.05 in/hr)
0.2 dB0.7 dB4 dB
0.4 dB1.4 dB8 dB
0.6 dB2.1 dB12 dB
0.8 dB2.8 dB16 dB
1 dB3.5 dB20 dB
5 mm/hr
(0.20 in/hr)
25 mm/hr
(0.98 in/hr)
Configuration
There are three typical configurations:
• PtP backhaul Uses two airFiber radios, one configured
as Master and the other configured as Slave.
MasterSlave
Point-to-Point Backhaul
• Daisy chain Uses multiple airFiber radios to extend
the distance of a link, like a relay from point to point to
point. The airFiber radios in the same node must use the
same Wireless Mode (Master or Slave).
Master
SlaveSlave
Daisy Chain Configuration
• Ring Uses multiple airFiber radios to form redundant
paths. If one link goes down, the other links have an
alternate route available. For each link, configure one
airFiber radio as Master, and configure the other as Slave.
Masters
Slaves
MasterMaster
Slave
Slaves
Masters
There are a variety of software programs available to help
calculate rain attenuation. For more information about
rain attenuation and rainfall zones, here are a couple of
resources:
• The rain attenuation model described in ITU-R
Recommendation P.530, Propagation data and
prediction methods required for the design of
terrestrial line-of-sight systems, which is available at:
www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.530/en
• The rainfall zones described in ITU-R Recommendation
P.837, Characteristics of precipitation for propagation modelling, which is available at:
http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-P.837/en
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
MastersSlaves
Ring Configuration
Co-Location
In most cases, co-location interference is not a concern
because the beamwidth is narrow. You can co-locate
multiple airFiber radios if they are pointed in different
directions. Co-located airFiber radios must use the same
Wireless Mode (Master or Slave). Back-to-back airFiber
radios can use the same frequency. We recommend that
you use different frequencies for adjacent airFiber radios;
however, this is not a strict requirement.
3
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Installation Requirements
• 17 mm (⁄") wrench
• 13 mm (½") socket wrench or driver
• Clear line of sight between airFiber radios
• Clear view of the sky for proper GPS operation
• Mounting location with < 0.5° displacement due to twist
and sway under wind loading
• Mounting point:
• At least 1 m (3.28 ft) below the highest point on the
structure
• For tower installations, at least 3 m (9.84 ft) below the
top of thetower
• Ground wires – min. 8 AWG (10 mm2) and max. length:
1m(3.28ft). As a safety precaution, ground the
airFiber radios to grounded masts, poles, towers, or
lightning protection, follow your local electrical
regulatory codes.
• Outdoor, shielded Category 5e (or above) cabling
and shielded RJ-45 connectors should be used for all
wired Ethernet connections. Category 6 is required for
installations with long cable runs (up to 100 m).
We recommend that you protect your networks from
the most brutal environments and devastating ESD
attacks with industrial-grade shielded Ethernet cable
and shielded RJ-45 connectors from Ubiquiti Networks.
For more details, visit www.ubnt.com/toughcable
Connecting Power over Ethernet
1. Press down on the indicator arrows and slide the Port
Cover off.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Data port.
3. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable from the
Data port to the Ethernet port labeled POE on the PoE
Adapter.
Installation Overview
We recommend that you configure your paired airFiber
radios before mounting. Below is an overview of the
installation with specific details on the following pages:
• Connect Power over Ethernet to the Data port, and
connect an Ethernet cable between your computer and
the Config port.
• Configure the device settings in the airFiber
Configuration Interface.
• Once configuration is complete, disconnect the cables
to move the airFiber radios.
• Reconnect at the site.
• After you have mounted the airFiber radios, establish
and optimize the RF link.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
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Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
SlaveMaster
SlaveMaster
4. Connect the Power Cord to the power port on the PoE
Adapter. Connect the other end of the Power Cord to a
power source.
- Full Duplex The TX and RX Frequencies should be
different.
RX
Frequency A
TX
Full-Duplex Diagram
RX
Frequency B
TX
• TX and RX Frequencies The TX Frequency on the
Master must match the RX Frequency on the Slave, and
vice versa.
1. Connect an Ethernet cable from your computer to the
Config port on the airFiber AF24.
airFiber Configuration
The instructions in this section explain how to access
the airFiber Configuration Interface and configure the
following settings:
• Wireless Mode Configure one airFiber AF24 as the
Master and the other as the Slave.
• Duplex The airFiber AF24 supports both half-duplex
and full-duplex operation. Half-duplex operation
provides more frequency planning options at the
cost of higher latency and throughput. Full-duplex
operation provides the highest throughput and
lowest latency; however, you have fewer frequency
managementoptions.
- Half Duplex (default) The TX and RX Frequencies can
be the same or different to suit local interference.
RX
Frequency A
TX
RX
Frequency A
TX
2. Configure the Ethernet adapter on your computer
with a static IP address on the 192.168.1.x subnet (for
example, 192.168.1.100).
3. Launch your web browser. Type http://192.168.1.20 in
the address field and press enter (PC) or return (Mac).
4. The login screen will appear. Enter ubnt in the
Username and Password fields. Select your Country and
Language. You must agree to the Terms of Use to use
the product. Click Login.
Half-Duplex Diagram
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
Note: U.S. product versions are locked to the U.S.
Country Code to ensure compliance with FCC
regulations.
5
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
5. Click the Wireless tab.
6. Enter the Basic Wireless Settings:
a. For one airFiber AF24, select Master from the Wireless
Mode drop-down. For the other airFiber AF24, keep the
default, Slave.
b. Enter a name in the Link Name field. This should be the
same on both the Master and the Slave.
c. For the Duplex drop-down:
- Half Duplex The default mode. The TX and RX Frequencies can be the same or different to suit local
interference.
- Full Duplex The TX and RX Frequencies should be
different.
d. Select a TX Frequency. This must match the RX
Frequency on your other airFiber AF24.
e. Select a RX Frequency. This must match the TX
Frequency of your other airFiber AF24.
f. If needed, change the Output Power, Maximum
Modulation Rate, and/or RX Gain settings.
7. Configure the Wireless Security:
a. Select the AES Key Type, HEX or ASCII.
b. For the Key field:
- HEX Enter 16 bytes (eight, 16-bit HEX values: 0-9,
A-F, or a-f). You can omit zeroes and use colons,
similar to the IPv6 format.
Note: The airFiber Configuration Interface
supports IPv6 formats excluding dotted quad
and “::” (double-colon) notation.
- ASCII Enter a combination of alphanumeric
characters (0-9, A-Z, or a-z).
8. Click Change and then click Apply.
9. In-Band Management is enabled by default, so each
airFiber radio must have a unique IP Address. (If the
airFiber radios use the same IP Address, then you may
lose access to the airFiber radios via the Data ports.) To
change the network settings, click the Network tab.
a. For the Management IP address option:
- DHCP Keep the default, DHCP, to use DHCP
reservation on your router to assign a unique IP Address.
- Static Change the IP Address, Netmask, and other
settings to make them compatible with your
network.
b. Click Change and then click Apply.
Repeat the instructions in the airFiber Configuration
section on your other airFiber radio. After you have
configured the airFiber radios, disconnect them and move
them to your installation site.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
6
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
6 mm
Hardware Installation
To install the airFiber AF24:
1. Insert the four M10x150 Carriage Bolts into the Pole Mount Bracket.
2. Attach the Pole Mount Bracket to a pole.
Note: The mounting assembly can
accommodate a Ø 51 - 102 mm (2.0" - 4.0") pole.
a. Orient the Pole Mount Bracket around the pole so it is
aimed in the direction of the other airFiber AF24.
b. Insert the M10x150 Carriage Bolts into the Pole Clamps.
c. Secure the clamps with the M10 Flat Washers, Split Lock
Washers, and Hex Nuts.
3. Loosen, but do NOT remove the eight Lock Bolts
located on the Alignment Bracket.
4. Ensure that there is a 6 mm (0.24 in) gap between the
head of each M8x14 Serrated Flange Screw and the
Alignment Bracket.
Note orientation ofslots
Aim towards link.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
7
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
5. Lift the airFiber AF24 and align the four M8x16 Serrated Flange Screws with the slots on the Pole Mount Bracket.
Seat the screws in the slots. Securely tighten the
screws.
WARNING: To prevent injury, ensure that all four
screws are seated and fully tightened.
Grounding
To attach a ground wire:
1. Remove the nut from the Ground Bonding Point.
2. Attach a ground wire (min. 8 AWG or 10 mm2) to the
lug and replace the nut to secure the wire.
3. Secure the other end of the ground wire to a grounded
mast, pole, tower, or grounding bar.
Note: The grounding wire should be as short as
possible and no longer than 1 meter (3.28 ft) in
length.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
8
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Connecting Ethernet
1. Press down on the indicator arrows and slide the Port
Cover off.
2. Connect a TOUGHCable or other outdoor, shielded
CAT5e/6 cable to the Data port.
6. Connect the Power Cord to the power port on the PoE Adapter. Connect the other end of the Power Cord to a
power source.
Note: For added protection, we recommend
installing two GigE PoE surge protectors. Install
the first surge protector within one meter of the
airFiber Data port, and install the second surge
protector at the ingress point of the location
housing the wired network equipment.
Below is a diagram of a finished installation with
recommended surge protectors installed.
3. Create a strain relief for the Ethernet cable by feeding
a cable tie through the tie slot under the cable. Then
wrap the cable tie around the cable and tighten.
4. Connect the other end of the Ethernet cable from the
Data port to the Ethernet port labeled POE on the PoE
Adapter.
5. Connect an Ethernet cable from your network to the
Ethernet port labeled LAN on the PoE Adapter.
Max. 1 m (3.28 ft)
Outdoor GigE PoE
Surge Protector
Outdoor GigE PoE
Surge Protector
Ground to Pole, Tower, or
Grounding Block:
Max. 1 m (3.28 ft) from
Ground Bonding Point
GigE Router or Switch
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
GigE PoE Adapter
Power Source
9
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Alignment
Tips
• We recommend using a pair of installers in constant
communication because in the fine-tuning stage, one
installer makes azimuth and elevation adjustments
on one airFiber radio while the other installer reports
the received signal level at the other airFiber radio.
(Fine-tuning is necessary because the main lobe of the
receiver is more narrow than that of the transmitter, in
both azimuth and elevation.)
• To accurately align the airFiber radios for best
performance, you MUST align only one end of the link at
a time.
• For more convenient alignment, you may consider using
long-range scopes (not included) temporarily attached
to your airFiber radios.
• You may need to use additional hardware to
compensate for issues such as the improper orientation
of a mounting pole or significant elevation differences
between the airFiber radios.
Determining the Received Signal Level
There are three methods for determining the received
signal level:
• LED Display (See the next column.)
• airFiber Configuration Interface (See “Using the
airFiber Configuration Interface” on page 12.)
• Audio tone (Optional equipment required. See “Using
the Audio Tone” on page 14.)
Using the LED Display
Establishing a Preliminary Link
Adjust the positions of the Master and the Slave to
establish a preliminary link. This requires the Master
and Slave to be within a few degrees of the line of sight
between the airFiber radios.
Note: The Master must be aimed first at the Slave
because the Slave does not transmit any RF signal
until it detects transmissions from the Master.
1. For the Master and Slave, ensure the eight Lock Bolts on
the Alignment Bracket are sufficiently loose by spinning
each washer by hand.
WARNING: All Lock Bolts MUST be loose to avoid
damage to the airFiber housing.
2. For the Master and Slave, ensure the Azimuth (AZ) and
Elevation (EL) Adjustment Bolts are in the middle of their
adjustmentranges.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
Elevation (EL)
Adjustment Bolt
Azimuth (AZ)
Adjustment Bolt
10
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
3. Master Aim the Master at the Slave. If necessary, adjust
the Master’s position on the pole:
a. Loosen the Hex Nuts.
b. Adjust the Pole Mount Bracket and Pole Clamps.
c. Tighten the Hex Nuts.
Hex Nuts
5. Master Adjust the azimuth and elevation of the Master
until the strongest received signal level is displayed on
the LED Display of the Master.
a. Sweep the Azimuth (AZ) Adjustment Bolt of the Master
through its adjustment range.
Master
Azimuth (AZ)
Adjustment Bolt
b. Sweep the Elevation (EL) Adjustment Bolt of the Master
through its adjustment range.
Master
4. Slave Aim the Slave at the Master to achieve the
strongest received signal level on the Slave’s numeric
LED Display, which is located next to the Config port. If
necessary, adjust the Slave’s position on the pole.
Slave RF Power (-dBm)
Note: Values on the LED Display are displayed
in negative (-) dBm. For example, 61 represents
a received signal level of -61 dBm. Lower values
indicate stronger received signal levels.
Master
Elevation (EL)
Adjustment Bolt
Master RF Power (-dBm)
Note: : If the LED Display indicates an overload
condition , see ”RX Gain” on page 24
for more details about RX Gain and overload
condition.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
11
Chapter 2: InstallationairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Fine-Tuning the Link
The Azimuth (AZ) and Elevation (EL) Adjustment Bolts of
the Alignment Bracket adjust the azimuth and elevation
within a range of ±10°. For accurate alignment, make
adjustments on one end of the link while the other
installer reports the received signal level at the other end
of the link. Do NOT make simultaneous adjustments on
the Master and Slave.
1. Slave Adjust the azimuth and elevation of the Slave
until the other installer sees the strongest received
signal level displayed on the LED Display of the Master.
2. Master Adjust the azimuth and elevation of the Master
until the other installer sees the strongest received
signal level displayed on the LED Display of the Slave.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until you achieve a symmetric
link, with the received signal levels within 1 dB of each
other. This ensures the best possible data rate between
the airFiber radios.
4. Lock the alignment on both airFiber radios by
tightening all eight Lock Bolts on the Alignment Bracket.
Observe the LED Display on each airFiber AF24 to ensure
that the value remains constant while tightening the Lock Bolts. If the LED value changes during the locking process,
loosen the Lock Bolts, finalize the alignment of each
airFiber AF24 again, and retighten the Lock Bolts.
Using the airFiber Configuration Interface
Before You Begin
To access the airFiber Configuration Interface:
1. Make sure that your computer that is connected to the
Config port on the airFiber AF24.
2. Configure the Ethernet adapter on your computer
with a static IP address on the 192.168.1.x subnet (for
example, 192.168.1.100).
3. Launch your web browser. Type http://192.168.1.20 in
the address field and press enter (PC) or return (Mac).
5. The Main tab of the airFiber Configuration Interface
appears. Click the Tools drop-down list at the top right
corner of the page.
6. Click Align Antenna. You will use the Align Antenna
tool to point and optimize the antenna in the direction
of maximum link signal. (The Antenna Alignment
window is designed to refresh every 250 milliseconds.
See “Align Antenna” on page 37 for more details.)
7. The Antenna Alignment window appears, displaying
the Signal Strengths for both airFiber radios. The Chain Signal Strength bar graphs display the Signal Strengths
for the airFiber AF24 you have accessed, while the
Remote Signal Strength bar graphs display the Signal
Strengths for the other airFiber AF24.
Establishing a Preliminary Link
Adjust the positions of the Master and the Slave to
establish a preliminary link. This requires the Master
and Slave to be within a few degrees of the line of sight
between the airFiber radios.
Note: The Master must be aimed first at the Slave
because the Slave does not transmit any RF signal
until it detects transmissions from the Master.
1. For the Master and Slave, ensure the eight Lock Bolts on
the Alignment Bracket are sufficiently loose by spinning
each washer by hand.
4. Enter ubnt in the Username and Password fields, and
click Login.
Ubiquiti Networks, Inc.
WARNING: All Lock Bolts MUST be loose to avoid
damage to the airFiber housing.
12
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