Ubiquiti airFiber 5 GHz Radio (AF-5)

The Ubiquiti airFiber 5 GHz Radio (AF-5) is a high-performance, long-range point-to-point (PtP) wireless backhaul solution designed to deliver ultra-low latency and carrier-grade throughput in the unlicensed 5 GHz band. Engineered for modern wireless networking needs, the AF-5 is ideal for service providers, enterprises, and government institutions requiring a dependable, high-speed alternative to fiber for bridging remote locations, extending core networks, or establishing critical backhaul links.

Built with Ubiquiti’s proprietary airFiber technology, the AF-5 sets itself apart by achieving real-world speeds of over 1 Gbps across distances of more than 100 kilometers under ideal line-of-sight conditions. It utilizes an advanced hybrid duplexing scheme called Hybrid Division Duplexing (HDD), which allows the radio to transmit and receive data concurrently, thereby reducing latency and increasing overall throughput when compared to traditional TDD (Time Division Duplexing) systems.

The radio operates in the 5.1 to 5.8 GHz spectrum and is optimized to avoid interference commonly found in Wi-Fi-based networks. It uses intelligent channel selection and Ubiquiti’s proprietary INVICTUS™ custom silicon for enhanced spectral efficiency, signal processing, and RF performance. The result is a cleaner, more stable wireless link with improved signal integrity even in environments with high RF noise.

Physically, the AF-5 integrates a high-gain directional antenna and a robust outdoor enclosure. Its durable construction ensures long-term deployment in harsh weather conditions, including extreme temperatures, rain, and wind. The form factor supports simple pole mounting, and Ubiquiti provides alignment tools to assist with precise installation. The integrated design reduces installation time and the need for external antennas, making it both a powerful and efficient solution for field engineers.

For power and data, the device includes a single gigabit Ethernet port and is powered via PoE (Power over Ethernet), simplifying deployment by reducing the need for separate power lines. It supports secure encryption protocols to protect data in transit and offers remote firmware updates and diagnostics via airOS, Ubiquiti’s intuitive user interface.

Management of the AF-5 is streamlined through the UISP (Ubiquiti Internet Service Provider) platform, which allows network administrators to monitor performance, view link status, manage firmware, and troubleshoot devices from a centralized dashboard. This ensures minimal downtime and greater visibility across distributed deployments.

In summary, the Ubiquiti airFiber 5 GHz Radio (AF-5) delivers an exceptional point-to-point wireless experience with gigabit speeds, low latency, and long-distance capabilities. With robust hardware, advanced duplexing, and seamless integration into the Ubiquiti ecosystem, the AF-5 is a compelling solution for wireless ISPs and enterprise networks seeking to extend reliable, high-throughput connectivity across challenging geographies.