Ubiquiti airFiber 24HD Radio (AF-24HD)

The Ubiquiti airFiber 24HD Radio (AF-24HD) is a high-capacity, carrier-grade point-to-point (PtP) wireless backhaul solution designed to deliver exceptional throughput and ultra-low latency over the unlicensed 24 GHz spectrum. As an advanced model within Ubiquiti’s renowned airFiber series, the AF-24HD is purpose-built for ISPs, enterprises, and telecom networks that require reliable, fiber-like connectivity over long distances without the complexity or expense of physical cabling.

Designed to meet the demands of high-bandwidth applications, the airFiber 24HD achieves real-world throughput of up to 2 Gbps with extremely low latency. It operates in full-duplex mode using Hybrid Division Duplexing (HDD) technology, which allows simultaneous transmission and reception of data, significantly reducing latency compared to traditional TDD systems. This capability makes it ideal for applications such as voice, video, real-time data transfer, and network backhauling across city blocks, campuses, or between data centers.

The AF-24HD operates in the 24.05–24.25 GHz frequency range, a lightly licensed or unlicensed band in many regions, offering a balance between performance and regulatory ease. The narrow beamwidth of its integrated parabolic 2 ft. antenna provides excellent noise isolation and spatial efficiency, minimizing interference from nearby RF sources and enabling deployment in dense urban environments.

Internally, the AF-24HD is powered by Ubiquiti’s proprietary INVICTUS™ silicon, a custom-designed chipset that enhances signal processing and spectral efficiency. This advanced platform supports modulation up to 256QAM, allowing for optimized performance across a wide range of channel conditions and bandwidth settings. The radio also supports user-selectable bandwidth options ranging from 10 MHz to 100 MHz, offering flexibility based on deployment needs and spectral availability.

In terms of physical design, the airFiber 24HD is engineered for durability and ease of installation. Its weather-resistant enclosure is rated for outdoor environments and can withstand extreme temperatures, wind, and precipitation. It features a built-in alignment display and precision mounts, simplifying setup and ensuring accurate positioning for maximum signal strength.

The device includes a Gigabit Ethernet port and supports PoE+ (Power over Ethernet) for simplified power and data connectivity. It also includes robust security protocols for encrypted transmissions and remote access control, ensuring secure and reliable communication.

The AF-24HD is fully manageable through Ubiquiti’s UISP platform, enabling centralized monitoring, provisioning, and firmware updates across distributed networks. UISP enhances operational efficiency and simplifies maintenance by offering real-time performance analytics and link diagnostics.

In conclusion, the Ubiquiti airFiber 24HD Radio (AF-24HD) sets a new benchmark in wireless backhaul technology by delivering ultra-fast, low-latency links in the 24 GHz band. With full-duplex performance, exceptional range, and robust integration into Ubiquiti’s network ecosystem, it’s an ideal solution for high-capacity, mission-critical PtP deployments.