The Ubiquiti airFiber Multiplexer 8-Port (AF-MPx8) is a high-capacity, dual-radio MIMO accessory engineered to scale Ubiquiti’s airFiber 11 GHz wireless backhaul systems for maximum throughput and link performance. As an advanced extension of the airFiber X ecosystem, the AF-MPx8 enables operators to connect up to four airFiber 11FX radios—two per polarity—to a single high-gain AF-11G35 antenna, effectively doubling the capabilities of the 4-port multiplexer and delivering 4x4 MIMO operation. This solution is purpose-built for service providers, data carriers, and enterprises that demand the highest wireless throughput and reliability across licensed frequency bands.
The AF-MPx8 facilitates the combination of four separate RF chains into one shared antenna structure. Each pair of radios operates on its own polarization, creating two dual-radio (2x2 MIMO) paths for increased redundancy and parallel data streams. When deployed with four radios and appropriate duplexers, the multiplexer can enable aggregate throughput well beyond 2 Gbps, depending on channel width and spectral conditions. This makes it particularly suitable for mission-critical applications, such as metropolitan area backhauls, multi-site enterprise links, and core ISP infrastructure where fiber deployment is not feasible.
Mechanically, the multiplexer is designed to mount directly behind the AF-11G35 35 dBi antenna, creating a unified and streamlined installation. The AF-MPx8 includes eight RF ports, four per polarization, each with weather-sealed SMA and N-type connectors to ensure low signal loss and environmental protection. This precise engineering ensures that the radio and antenna system functions as a high-efficiency, low-noise link even in harsh weather conditions or challenging deployment environments.
What distinguishes the AF-MPx8 from traditional MIMO setups is its full integration with Ubiquiti’s airFiber radio and antenna ecosystem. It is compatible with the AF-11FX radios and supports all regional configurations through the use of Ubiquiti’s interchangeable low-band or high-band duplexers. This allows operators to tailor deployments for specific licensed frequency allocations while using standardized hardware across multiple sites. Additionally, because it uses fewer antennas to support more radios, the AF-MPx8 reduces tower load, site clutter, and overall installation cost.
From a management standpoint, radios connected via the AF-MPx8 can be configured and monitored through Ubiquiti’s airOS web interface or centrally managed using UISP (Ubiquiti Internet Service Provider) software. UISP provides network-wide visibility and control, including performance monitoring, firmware updates, and link diagnostics, enhancing operational efficiency across distributed wireless deployments.
In conclusion, the Ubiquiti airFiber Multiplexer 8-Port (AF-MPx8) is an essential component for building ultra-high-capacity, 4x4 MIMO point-to-point backhaul systems. Its modular architecture, robust build quality, and seamless integration into the airFiber ecosystem make it a powerful solution for maximizing throughput in high-demand wireless networking environments.