Ubiquiti airFiber AF-5XHD Quick Start Guide

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the Ubiquiti Networks airFiber AF-5XHD. This guide is designed to assist with installation. For full warranty terms, safety notices, and compliance information, please refer to the airFiber AF-5XHD User Guide available at www.ubnt.com/download/airfiber.

Package Contents

• airFiber AF-5XHD
• GPS Antenna Mount
• External GPS Antenna
• Metal Strap
• Zip Ties (Qty. 2)
• Universal Bracket
• IP67 Upgrade Kit (Vent and Gasket)
• Gigabit PoE (24V, 1A) with Mounting Bracket
• Power Cord

Terms of Use

Ubiquiti radio devices require professional installation. Shielded Ethernet cable and earth grounding are mandatory for product warranty. TOUGHCable™ is intended for outdoor use. Professional installers must adhere to local country regulations, including legal frequency channels, output power, and Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) requirements.

Antenna Compatibility

The airFiber AF-5XHD is compatible with the following airFiber X antenna models:

• AF-5G23-S45
• AF-5G30-S45
• AF-5G34-S45

It can also operate with the following RocketDish™ antenna models, requiring the Universal Bracket (included) or the AF-5G-OMT-S45 Conversion Kit (not included):

• RD-5G30
• RD-5G34

Installation Requirements

• A clear line of sight between airFiber radios.
• A clear view of the sky for GPS operation.
• Vertical mounting orientation.
• Mounting point: At least 1 meter below the highest point on the structure, or 3 meters below the top of the tower for tower installations.
• Ground wires: Minimum 10 AWG (5 mm²) wire, maximum length of 1 meter. Ground the radio to grounded masts, poles, towers, or grounding bars. Warning: Failure to properly ground the radio voids the warranty.
• Recommended: Two outdoor Gigabit PoE surge protectors.
• Outdoor, shielded Category 6 (or above) cabling and shielded RJ-45 connectors are required for all wired Ethernet connections.

Hardware Overview

The AF-5XHD features:

• Chain 0: Connects to +45° on the airFiber Antenna.
• Chain 1: Connects to -45° on the airFiber Antenna.
• GPS Connector: Connects to the External GPS Antenna.
• LED Panel: Displays status indicators.
• Port Cover: Protects the ports.

Ports

• Management Port: 10/100/1000 Mbps, secured Ethernet port for configuration. In-Band Management is enabled by default.
• Reset Button: Press and hold for over 10 seconds while powered on to reset to factory defaults.
• Data Port: Gigabit PoE port for user traffic and device power. Default IP address: 192.168.1.20.

LEDs

Signal LEDs: Indicate signal strength. Blue for Signal 4, Green for Signal 3, Yellow for Signal 2, Red for Signal 1. All LEDs light solid in an ideal link.

Bootup to airOS: Power, GPS, Link, and Signal 1-4 LEDs light on. GPS, Link, and Signal 1-3 turn off after CPU takes over. Signal 4 remains on during boot.

Initializing airFiber Software: Signal 4 LED flashes at 2.5 Hz until fully booted.

Signal Level: Once booted, LEDs act as a bar graph indicating proximity to ideal aiming. Each LED can be On, Flashing, or Off, indicating signal loss.

Additional LEDs:

*Short Flash (1:3 on/off cycle), Normal Flash (1:1 on/off cycle), Long Flash (3:1 on/off cycle).

Installation Overview

It is recommended to configure paired AF-5XHD radios before site installation.

1. Connect the airFiber PoE Adapter to the Data port and your computer to the MGMT port.
2. Configure the AF-5XHD.
3. Recommended: Install the IP67 Upgrade Kit for protection against water, dust, and insects.
4. Install a ground wire and mount the AF-5XHD on an airFiber X or RocketDish antenna.
5. At the site, install the antenna with the mounted AF-5XHD (refer to the antenna's Quick Start Guide).
6. Secure the ground wire and mount the GPS antenna.
7. Establish and optimize the RF link.

Connecting Power over Ethernet

1. Lift the release latch on the bottom of the AF-5XHD and slide off the Port Cover.
2. Connect an Ethernet cable to the Data port.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable from the AF-5XHD Data port to the POE port of the adapter. Warning: Use only the included adapter (model POE24V5X-HD) to avoid damage and warranty voidance.
4. Connect the Power Cord to the adapter's power port and then to a power outlet.

airFiber Configuration

This section details accessing the airFiber Configuration Interface to set up Wireless Mode (Master/Slave) and Frequency Settings.

1. Connect your computer to the MGMT port via Ethernet.
2. Configure your computer's Ethernet adapter with a static IP address in the 192.168.2.x subnet.
3. Open a web browser and navigate to http://192.168.2.20.
4. Log in using 'ubnt' for Username and Password. Select your Country and Language, and agree to the Terms of Use. (Note: U.S. versions are locked to the U.S. Country Code for FCC compliance).
5. Click the Wireless tab.
6. Configure Basic Wireless Settings:
   • Set Wireless Mode to Master for one radio and Slave for the other.
   • Enter a matching Link Name for both radios.
   • Select your Country.
   • Adjust Channel Bandwidth, Frequency, Output Power (EIRP), Antenna Gain, and Max TX Modulation as needed. Ensure Channel Bandwidth and Frequency match on both radios.
7. Configure Wireless Security:
   • Set Security mode to AES-256.
   • Set Authentication mode to PSK.
   • Enter an alphanumeric Key (0-9, A-Z, a-z). Only ASCII mode is supported.
8. Click Save Changes.
9. Configure unique IP addresses for each radio's Data port:
   • Navigate to the Network tab.
   • For Data IP Address and Management IP Address, choose DHCP (using router reservation) or Static (manually set IP, Netmask, etc.).
   • Click Save Changes.

Repeat configuration for the second AF-5XHD. For advanced details, consult the airFiber AF-5XHD User Guide. The Ubiquiti Network Management System (UNMS™) app can also be used for management via the App Store or Google Play.

Upgrade for IP67 Compliance

To enhance protection against environmental factors, install the IP67 Upgrade Kit:

1. Remove the tether from the radio and Port Cover.
2. Peel the Vent from its backing and place it over the Tether Slot on the radio, ensuring full coverage.
3. Attach the Gasket lanyard to the post on the Port Cover.
4. Insert the Gasket into the AF-5XHD, ensuring a secure, tight seal.

Hardware Installation

Install a Ground Wire

1. Remove the nut from the Ground Bonding Point on the back of the AF-5XHD.
2. Attach a ground wire (min. 10 AWG or 5 mm²) to the lug and secure it with the nut.
3. Connect the other end of the ground wire to a grounded mast, pole, tower, or grounding bar. Warning: Improper grounding voids the warranty. The ground wire should be as short as possible, not exceeding 1 meter.

Mount to an airFiber X Antenna

Follow these steps to mount the AF-5XHD to an airFiber X antenna (e.g., AF5G23-S45) or a RocketDish with the AF-5G-OMT-S45 Conversion Kit:

1. Align the four tabs on the back of the radio with the slots on the radio mount and slide the radio down to lock it.
2. Connect RF connectors: Chain 0 to +45° and Chain 1 to -45°. Slide jackets over connectors for protection.
3. Connect the external GPS antenna to the GPS RF connector.
4. Slide the Protective Shroud down over the radio until it locks into place.

Mount to a RocketDish Antenna

For RocketDish mounting using the Universal Bracket (not needed if using AF-5G-OMT-S45 Conversion Kit):

1. Position the Universal Bracket over the back of the AF-5XHD, ensuring bracket clips align with the radio's mounting tabs. Push until locked.
2. Attach the AF-5XHD to the RocketDish mounting bracket by aligning the Universal Bracket's tabs and sliding the AF-5XHD down to lock it.

Mount the External GPS Antenna

Locate a mounting point with a clear sky view, positioned above and away from the AF-5XHD.

1. Attach the GPS Antenna Mount to a pole using the Metal Strap, or to a wall with appropriate fasteners.
2. Place the External GPS Antenna on the mount.
3. Secure the GPS antenna cable to the mount using a Zip Tie.

Connecting Power over Ethernet (Site Installation)

1. Lift the release latch and slide off the Port Cover.
2. Connect an outdoor, shielded Ethernet cable to the Data port. Apply dielectric grease if the IP67 Upgrade Kit is installed.
3. Connect the Ethernet cable from the AF-5XHD Data port to the POE port of the adapter. Warning: Use only the included adapter (model POE24V5X-HD).
4. Connect an Ethernet cable from your LAN to the adapter's LAN port.
5. Connect the Power Cord to the adapter's power port and then to a power outlet.

Mount the PoE Adapter (Optional)

1. Remove the Mounting Bracket from the adapter.
2. Position the bracket, mark holes, pre-drill if necessary, and secure with fasteners.
3. Align the adapter's slots with the bracket's tabs and slide down to lock.

Surge Protection

For enhanced protection, install Ubiquiti Ethernet Surge Protectors (ETH-SP) at each end of the link. Install the first within 1 meter of the airFiber Data port and the second at the network equipment ingress point.

Diagram showing surge protection setup:

• GPS Antenna
• AF-5XHD Mounted on AF-5G23-S45
• Max. 1 m
• ETH-SP
• Ground to Pole, Tower, or Grounding Block: Max. 1 m from AF-5XHD
• ETH-SP
• EdgeRouter™
• airFiber PoE Adapter
• Power Source

Alignment Tips

• Align only one end of the link at a time for accurate aiming.
• Additional hardware may be needed to correct for mounting pole orientation or elevation differences.

Establishing a Link

Adjust the Master and Slave positions to establish a link. The Master must be aimed first as the Slave requires Master transmissions to activate.

1. Master Aiming: Visually aim the Master at the Slave. Adjust azimuth by loosening flange nuts on the U-bolt, rotating the antenna, and tightening nuts. Adjust elevation by loosening hex bolts, pivoting the antenna, and tightening bolts (elevation adjustment range is ±15°).
2. Slave Aiming: Visually aim the Slave at the Master, adjusting azimuth and elevation as described for the Master.
3. Link Check: Verify the Link LED is solid green and Signal LEDs on the Slave show signal levels.
4. Slave Optimization: Aim the Slave at the Master to achieve the strongest signal level on the Master. Refer to the Signal LEDs section for signal value details.
5. Master Optimization: Aim the Master at the Slave to achieve the strongest signal level on the Slave.
6. Iterative Alignment: Repeat steps 4 and 5, sweeping through azimuth and elevation, until all four Signal LEDs are solidly lit, indicating an optimal link.
7. Lock Alignment: Tighten all nuts and bolts on both antennas.
8. Verify Alignment: Observe Signal LEDs during tightening. If values change, loosen, re-align, and retighten.

Installer Compliance Responsibility

Devices must be professionally installed. Installers are responsible for ensuring operation within local regulatory requirements. Frequency, Output Power, Antenna Gain, and Cable Loss fields assist installers in meeting these requirements.

Specifications

Dimensions

• Dimensions: 224 x 82 x 48 mm (8.82 x 3.23 x 1.89")
• Weight: 0.35 kg (12.3 oz)

RF Connectors

• (2) RP-SMA Weatherproof (CH0, CH1)
• (1) SMA Weatherproof (GPS)

GPS Antenna

• External, Magnetic Base

Power Supply

• Type: 24V, 1A PoE Gigabit Adapter (Included)
• Method: Passive Power over Ethernet (Pins 1, 2, 4, 5 (+) and Pins 7, 8, 3, 6 (-))
• Supported Voltage Range: +19 to +50VDC
• Max. Power Consumption: 6-12W

Networking Interface

• Data Port: (1) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Port
• Management Port: (1) 10/100/1000 Ethernet Port

Mounting

• Bluetooth v4.0
• airFiber X Mount (Rocket Mount Compatible)
• GPS Pole Mount (Included)

Operating Temperature

• -40 to 55° C (-40 to 131° F)

Weatherproofing

• IP67 (After installation of IP67 Upgrade Kit)

Certifications

• CE, FCC, IC

System

• Maximum Throughput: 1.34 Gbps
• Encryption: 256-bit AES
• OS: airOS
• Wireless Modes: LTU Master/Slave

Radio

• Operating Frequency: 4800-6200 MHz*
• Max. Conducted TX Power: 29 dBm*
• Frequency Accuracy: <2 ppm
• Channel Bandwidth: 10/20/30/40/50/60/80/100 MHz Selectable
• Duty Cycles: Programmable Uplink and Downlink

*Depends on regulatory region.

Online Resources

• Website: www.ubnt.com
• Support: help.ubnt.com
• Community: community.ubnt.com
• Downloads: downloads.ubnt.com