Ubiquiti Networks airFiber 24 User Manual

24 GHz Point to Point
1.0+ Gbps Radio
Model: AF24
Chapter 1: Overview ................................................1
Introduction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Package Contents ................................................................1
airFiber Configuration Interface SystemRequirements ............................1
Hardware Overview ..............................................................1
Chapter 2: Installation ..............................................3
Link Planning .....................................................................3
Installation Requirements ........................................................4
Installation Overview .............................................................4
Connecting Power over Ethernet ..................................................4
airFiber Configuration ............................................................5
Hardware Installation .............................................................7
Connecting Ethernet .............................................................9
Alignment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Table of ContentsairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Chapter 3: Navigation .............................................17
Accessing the airFiber Configuration Interface ...................................17
Product Verification .............................................................18
Interface Tabs ...................................................................18
Chapter 4: Main Tab ...............................................19
Status ...........................................................................19
Monitor .........................................................................21
Chapter 5: Wireless Tab ............................................22
Basic Wireless Settings ...........................................................23
Wireless Security ................................................................24
Chapter 6: Network Tab ...........................................25
Management Network Settings ..................................................25
Chapter 7: Advanced Tab ..........................................27
Advanced Wireless Settings ......................................................27
DATA Port Ethernet Settings .....................................................27
MGMT Port Ethernet Settings ....................................................29
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Chapter 8: Services Tab ...........................................30
Ping Watchdog ..................................................................30
SNMP Agent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
Telnet Server ....................................................................32
NTP Client .......................................................................32
Dynamic DNS ...................................................................32
System Log ......................................................................33
Device Discovery ................................................................33
Chapter 9: System Tab ............................................34
Firmware Update ................................................................34
Device ..........................................................................35
Date Settings ....................................................................35
System Accounts ................................................................35
Miscellaneous ...................................................................36
Location ........................................................................36
Device Maintenance .............................................................36
Configuration Management .....................................................36
Table of ContentsairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Chapter 10: Tools ..................................................37
Align Antenna ...................................................................37
Discovery .......................................................................38
Ping .............................................................................38
Traceroute ......................................................................38
Appendix A: Specifications ........................................39
Appendix B: Safety Notices ........................................41
Electrical Safety Information .....................................................41
Appendix C: Warranty .............................................42
Limited Warranty ................................................................42
Appendix D: Compliance Information .............................44
Installer Compliance Responsibility ..............................................44
FCC .............................................................................44
Industry Canada .................................................................44
RF Exposure Warning ............................................................44
CE Marking ......................................................................44
RoHS/WEEE Compliance Statement ..............................................45
Appendix E: Declaration of Conformity ............................46
Appendix F: Contact Information ..................................47
Ubiquiti Networks Support ......................................................47
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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 AF24 Pole 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 Cord airFiber 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
SystemRequirements
• 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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Chapter 1: OverviewairFiber® AF24 User Guide
Back
Lock Bolts
Elevation
Adjustment Azimuth
Lock Bolts
Port Cover
Lock Bolts
Adjustment
Lock Bolts
Interfaces
Reset Data Aux ConfigLED Display
LEDs
Data
Aux
LED Display
Config
Speed
Link/Act
LED State Status
Link/Act
Modulation
RX Power
Master/
Link/Act
Speed
GPS
(-dBm)
Slave
RF Link
Status
Speed
GPS
Modulation Link/Act
Master/Slave RF Link Status
Off 10/100 Mbps
On 1000 Mbps
Off No Ethernet Link
On Ethernet Link Established
Random Flashing Ethernet Activity
Off No GPS Synchronization
On Operational (Strong Signal)
Normal Flash* Operational (Weak Signal)
Off ¼x or 1x (QPSK SISO)
Short Flash* 2x (QPSK MIMO)
Normal Flash* 4x (16QAM MIMO)
Long Flash* 6x (64QAM MIMO)
Number Decodable RX Signal
Flashing Number Undecodable RX Signal
Off Slave Mode
On Master Mode
Off RF Off
Short Flash* Syncing
Normal Flash* Beaconing
Long Flash* Registering
On Operational
Off 10 Mbps
On 100 Mbps
Off No Ethernet Link
On Ethernet Link Established
Random Flashing Ethernet Activity
SpeedRX Power
Overload Condition
Interface Description
Reset
Data 10/100/1000 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.
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* Short Flash (1:3 on/off cycle)
Normal Flash (1:1 on/off cycle)
Long Flash (3:1 on/off cycle)
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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 3dB
per kilometer. The amount of additional atmospheric attenuation will vary, depending on your specific installation environment (the world has a variety of
rainfallzones).
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 andDistances
Distance 1.25 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 dB 0.7 dB 4 dB
0.4 dB 1.4 dB 8 dB
0.6 dB 2.1 dB 12 dB
0.8 dB 2.8 dB 16 dB
1 dB 3.5 dB 20 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.
Master Slave
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
Slave Slave
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
Master Master
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
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Masters Slaves
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.
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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 thetower
• Ground wires – min. 8 AWG (10 mm2) and max. length:
1m(3.28ft). As a safety precaution, ground the
airFiber radios to grounded masts, poles, towers, or
groundingbars.
WARNING: Failure to properly ground your
airFiber units will void your warranty.
• (Recommended) 2 Outdoor GigE PoE surge protectors
Note: For guidelines about grounding and
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.
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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
managementoptions.
- 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
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Note: U.S. product versions are locked to the U.S.
Country Code to ensure compliance with FCC regulations.
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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.
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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 of slots
Aim towards link.
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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.
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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
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GigE PoE Adapter
Power Source
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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
adjustmentranges.
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Elevation (EL) Adjustment Bolt
Azimuth (AZ) Adjustment Bolt
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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.
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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.
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WARNING: All Lock Bolts MUST be loose to avoid
damage to the airFiber housing.
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