Wave - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Wave Technology?
Products built on the proprietary Wave Technology platform are engineered to maximize speed/performance across long distances using the worldwide, unlicensed 60GHz band.
For PtMP networks, the Wave AP product family includes:
- Wave AP (8+ km)
- Wave AP Micro (3+ km)
- Wave AP Mesh
- Wave Long Range (8+ km)
- Wave Nano (5+ km)
- Wave Professional (8+ km)
For PtP links, the following airFiber devices support Wave Technology as well:
- AF60-LR (15+ km)
- AF60-XR (15+ km)
Which Ubiquiti wireless products are compatible with Wave devices?
Only the following 60GHz Ubiquiti radios may be connected to a 2022+ Wave AP device:
- Wave Long Range
- Wave Nano
- Wave Professional
- AF60-LR (when upgraded to a compatible firmware version)
Moreover, Wave Technology products use a proprietary platform, so devices are incompatible with GigaBeam and other 60GHz products.
Can Wave client radios be configured as AP devices?
Currently, the LR, Nano, and Professional devices are intended as PtMP clients compatible with Wave AP models. PTP mode is planned for a future firmware update.
What are the advantages of deploying 60GHz Wave products?
Characteristics | Description |
60GHz unlicensed band |
Deploy 60GHz Wave products in most regions worldwide without license. |
More frequency flexibility |
Multiple, hi-capacity/bandwidth channels available (up to 2.16GHz) for reuse in PtMP networks. |
Ultra high capacity |
Multi-gigabit radio architecture to deploy future-proof ISP technology at subscriber sites today. |
Virtually noise/interference free |
60GHz signals undergo significant path loss & higher oxygen absorption, meaning there is virtually no risk of encountering competing in-band signals. |
Co-location friendly |
Robust antenna plots (i.e. strong front-to-back ratios) & ready for cluster AP deployments at tower sites. |
Backup 5GHz radio |
Available on certain products, 802.11ax backup radio means hi-speed performance in failover scenarios. |
Breakthrough economics |
Cutting edge, multi-gigabit speeds at cost-disruptive price point to retrofit existing wireless systems & compete with next-gen fiber networks. |
What is the recommended number of clients to connect to a single Wave AP?
Currently, the recommended simultaneous client total is 15 (per 30° AP). By deploying multiple, co-located Wave APs in clustered, multi-channel scenarios, operators can scale the PtMP network density to virtually limitless clients across full 360° coverage.
How does rain/precipitation impact my 60GHz links?
Although 60GHz signals are susceptible to oxygen absorption & face greater attenuation from rain fade, you can estimate their performance impact using UISP Design Center's powerful link simulator. The rain map & slider functions both provide detailed insight into the average rainfall amount in the deployment area, as well as uptime/speeds based on user-adjustable scales to simulate precipitation.
Can the backup 5GHz radio on Wave devices be disabled?
At this time, the backup 5GHz radio (featured on certain Wave products) is always active. An option to disable it may become available in a future update.