The demand for high-speed, reliable internet is constant and has no signs of slowing down. This demand translates to ISP's and infrastructure providers needing to ensure that their networks remain scalable to client demand. This is where the Ubiquiti Wave 60GHz products step in to make it all possible.
The Wave range was originally designed for high-speed PtMP connections used at short range micro-pops or to high-profile clients looking for the best in wireless throughput. The underlying 60GHz radio technology is capable of up to 2Gbps on the WAVE-NANO, all the way to 5.4 Gbps on the WAVE-PRO and WAVE-AP devices.
All Wave products come with several features that make them great options for ISP's:
- 5GHz WiFi 6 backup radio to keep you connected during moments of downtime due to bad weather or obstruction. Capable of up to 800Mbps.
- GPS Synchronisation for effective co-location and frequency reuse on towers.
- Bluetooth connectivity to allow for quick and simple configuration via the UISP app.
- Support for both 24V and 48V PoE means any PoE switch or injector will be able to power the Wave devices.
The 60GHz spectrum also known as V-Band is a high frequency where the oxygen absorption rate is at its highest. This means that the signal degradation is quite severe and dramatically reduces the maximum range achievable. It is critical that a clear line of site is available to create a successful link.
Although there are limitations, 60Ghz users will experience almost no interference from competing radios. They can use massive channel widths up to 2160Mhz which provides very high throughput and unlike most wireless technology operates at full-duplex. Since these radios are able to transmit and receive simultaneously they provide wire-like multi-gigabit speeds while maintaining low latencies.
Ubiquiti’s Wave range was specifically designed to improve distance and performance. Below is a basic overview of the maximum distances they are able to achieve.
Point to Multi-Point (PtMP)
Point to Point (PtP)
The above provides a basic distance guide but for more details we would strongly recommend using the UISP link planner to estimate distance and performance in any given location. It is also possible to estimate performance in rain conditions
Using Wave in PtP mode
The Wave range was originally locked in PtMP mode. Ubiquiti has however listened to their users and expanded support for PtP mode. This requires a firmware upgrade to 3.2.0 or higher.
UISP Mobile App:
- Detect and log into the unit via Bluetooth management radio.
- Select the Tools menu in the bottom right, then the firmware option.
- Find and download the firmware for the device.
- Once downloaded, go back to the devices tab, select the Wave device, select the three dots menu in the top right, and finally select Firmware Upgrade.
- Select the recommended version, 3.2.0, and click upgrade.
WebGUI:
- Make sure that you have the intended firmware downloaded before logging into the unit.
- Use a detection tool such as WiFiMan for Desktop to detect and connect to the device, or connect to it by typing the device's IP into the address bar of a web browser.
- Once logged in, go to the System tab on the left.
- Select the Upload firmware option, and navigate to the firmware that you have downloaded for the model.
- Once uploaded, click on the upgrade button in the top right.
The Wave device will then upgrade the firmware and reboot to apply the update. Once done, confirm that the unit is updated by checking the system tab again. You should then notice that the PTP mode option can be configured.
Ubiquiti's Wave 60GHz products emerge as a crucial solution and much needed expansion to cater for bandwidth demand. It offers impressive connection speeds and a host of useful features but also pushes the limits of what the 60Ghz spectrum is capable of. The expansion to PtP is a welcome solution for all types of applications making it one of the most versatile V-Band solutions available on the market.
