[AusNOG] Ubiquity AirFibre

[Paul Wallace]

Several reports emerged recently via this forum about a new fixed microwave platform.
That platform is from a US vendor called Ubiquity.
The model referred to is the 24GHz 'AirFibre' able to operate in the ACMA's class license.

Caution: - if you're still operating V1.0 firmware on this platform you're probably in serious breach of the Australian class license.
You'll see what I mean after updating to V2.0.
V2.0 limits the maximum transmit power to "+20dBm EIRP" when you set the 'region' to 'Australia'.
Under V1.0 firmware the default TX power, (despite choosing 'Australia Region') was +33dBm (same as in the USA & 13dBm higher than the lawful limit here).
Having said that, you were able to move the scroller-bar (alongside 'Transmit Power') in order to comply, however, I'd bet not many people bothered.

That will explain many of the reports received of links not fading out via rain attenuation on paths of greater than 2kms!
13dBm extra power is a very large increase!

When you understand that +20dBm max power (measured as EIRP) means that the transmitter is configured to transmit at "NEGATIVE  13dBm" .. you'll realise why rain fade is a serious challenge at 24GHz.

-P


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