UBIQUITI NETWORKS AF-24
AirFiber, 1.4Gbps + backhaul, 24GHz content_copy

The Ubiquiti AirFiber AF-24 is a professional wireless backhaul access point for use in wireless networks with high requirements for bandwidth and range. It operates in the 24-GHz frequency band and is designed for connecting sites over distances of up to 13+ km. The maximum throughput is 1.5+ Gbit/s, with devices required to be used in pairs to establish a bidirectional connection. The integrated GPS synchronization enables precise frequency stability, which is essential for stable, high-quality transmissions in industrial and telecommunication applications.

Applications

The AirFiber AF-24 is suitable for use in point-to-point connections, particularly in telecommunications, for connecting mobile phone masts, in industrial networks, or for bridging sites where a wired connection is not economically or technically feasible. The high range and high data throughput make it an appropriate solution for backbone connections in wireless infrastructures.

Functions and Features in Detail

The device features separate integrated transmit (TX) and receive (RX) antennas with a gain of 33 dBi (TX) and 38 dBi (RX). The beamwidth is less than 3.5°, enabling a very focused and directional wireless transmission. The polarization is dual-sloped, resulting in cross-polarization isolation exceeding 28 dB, which reduces interference from adjacent signals. The integrated GPS synchronization ensures frequency accuracy of ±0.2 ppm, while without GPS it achieves ±2.5 ppm. Modulation techniques include 64QAM MIMO, 16QAM MIMO, QPSK MIMO, QPSK SISO, and ¼x QPSK SISO, allowing transmission efficiency to be optimized according to channel conditions.

Technology Explained Simply

The AirFiber AF-24 uses the frequency range of 24.05 to 24.25 GHz, which is licensed in many regions for wireless backhaul connections. The channel bandwidth is 100 MHz, providing high data rates. The EIRP (effective isotropic radiated power) is approximately 33 dBm for FCC/IC, 20 dBm for CE, and 40 dBm for other regions, reflecting its performance in various markets. The processing speed is 1+ million packets per second (Mpps), sufficient for real-time processing of large data volumes. Encryption is performed using 128-bit AES to secure data transmission. The uplink/downlink ratio is fixed at 50%, enabling symmetric data transmission.

Compatibility and Accessories

The AirFiber AF-24 is designed for point-to-point connections and requires a second device of the same type to establish a connection. Network interfaces include a GbE RJ45 port and a 10/100 MbE RJ45 port, allowing flexible integration into existing networks. An auxiliary connector (RJ-12) serves as an alignment tone connector, which is helpful during installation and antenna alignment. Power is supplied via passive PoE (Power over Ethernet), with a PoE GigE adapter included in the delivery scope. The supported voltage range is 42–58 V DC.

Mounting and Installation

The device is designed for mast mounting, with a mast mounting kit included in the delivery scope. Dimensions are 649 x 426 x 303 mm, weight 10.5 kg. Wind load is 480 N at 200 km/h, and wind survival is also rated for 200 km/h, enabling robust installation in exposed outdoor environments. Operating temperature ranges from -40 to 55 °C, allowing use in extreme climatic conditions.

Operational Advantages

The AirFiber AF-24 offers high bandwidth and range, combined with stable frequency synchronization via GPS. The integrated antennas and robust construction reduce the need for additional hardware. LED indicators (8 status LEDs and a two-digit LED display in dBm) enable quick diagnosis of operational status. Certifications CE, FCC, and IC confirm compliance with applicable standards in various markets.

General
Operation temperature	-40 to 55 °C
Operating frequency	24,05 – 24,25 GHz
Channel bandwidth	100 MHz
Max. throughput	1,5+ Gbit/s
Max. transmission range	13+ km
Packets per second	1+ Mpps
Encoding	128-bit AES
Uplink/downlink ratio	50 % fixed
GPS synchronization	Integrated
Frequency accuracy	±0.2 ppm with GPS
EIRP	33 dBm (FCC/IC)
Modulation	64QAM MIMO, 16QAM MIMO, QPSK MIMO, QPSK SISO, ¼x QPSK SISO
TX gain	33 dBi
RX gain	38 dBi
Beam width	< 3,5 °
Front-to-back ratio	70 dB
Polarization	doubly inclined
Network interface	1x GbE RJ45, 1x 10/100 MbE RJ45
Auxiliary connection	1x RJ-12, tone alignment connector
Power method	passive PoE
Current supply	50 V, 1,2 A
Supported voltage range	42–58 V DC
Maximum power consumption	50 W
Certifications	CE, FCC, IC
LEDs	8 status LEDs, 1 two-digit LED display in dBm
Mounting	mast mounting kit included
Wind load	480 N at 200 km/h
Wind survival capability	200 km/h

---