High-capacity outdoor point-to-point bridge
Ubiquiti airFiber 5 High-Band AF-5U in Dubai, UAE
The AF-5U is built for organisations that need to move substantial network traffic between two fixed locations without trenching fibre. It combines a high-band radio, integrated directional antenna and outdoor hardware in a single point-to-point platform, making it relevant for tower backhaul, campus interconnection, industrial sites, remote facilities and service-provider networks.
Before requesting a quotation
Share the two site coordinates, estimated path length, mounting heights, required throughput, target installation date and destination country.
FourTeck can then help confirm the model, quantity, supporting accessories and configuration scope.
Direct answer: what is the AF-5U?
The Ubiquiti airFiber 5 High-Band AF-5U is an integrated outdoor wireless bridge intended to create a dedicated high-capacity connection between two fixed sites. It is mainly used for network backhaul, building-to-building connectivity and long-distance extension of an Ethernet network. It may suit internet service providers, campuses, warehouses, construction operations, utilities, hospitality groups and enterprises with remote facilities. Before proceeding, buyers should confirm local frequency rules, line of sight, path clearance, mounting structure, wind exposure, power and grounding arrangements, required capacity, link redundancy and whether installation or configuration support is part of the quotation.
What it does
The AF-5U transports Ethernet traffic over a focused wireless path. Instead of serving many mobile clients like an access point, it is intended to connect one fixed endpoint to another fixed endpoint. Each side uses a directional radio that must be mounted, aimed and configured as part of one engineered link.
Typical traffic can include internet uplinks, private WAN data, voice, video surveillance streams, business applications, cloud access and operational systems. Actual throughput depends on channel planning, distance, interference, modulation, alignment, weather-related path effects, regulatory settings and the network interfaces at each location.
Who it suits
The product is relevant when two sites need dependable high-capacity connectivity and installing fibre is not practical within the required schedule or budget. It can be considered for enterprise campuses, logistics compounds, industrial facilities, remote offices, tower sites, accommodation clusters, educational environments and service-provider backhaul.
It is not a substitute for proper path engineering. Sites without clear line of sight, suitable mounting points or permitted spectrum may require another frequency, a different antenna arrangement, a relay site or a wired connection.
Business challenges the AF-5U can help address
Fibre is unavailable
A wireless point-to-point bridge can extend connectivity across roads, open land, industrial compounds or between towers without waiting for civil works, subject to path and regulatory approval.
Two buildings need one network
The bridge can carry an Ethernet connection between locations so users and systems at the remote site can access shared services according to the organisation’s routing, switching and security design.
Existing wireless capacity is limited
The AF-5U is designed for dedicated backhaul rather than general client access, allowing planners to separate site-to-site transport from local Wi-Fi coverage.
A remote site needs faster deployment
Where towers, power and line of sight already exist, a professionally planned radio link may provide a practical deployment path while permanent fibre is evaluated.
Core capabilities and practical value
Integrated high-gain antenna
The radio and directional antenna are combined in one outdoor assembly. This simplifies the core equipment selection compared with modular radio-and-dish combinations, although mounting, grounding, cable routing and alignment still require careful planning.
Full-duplex operation
The platform is designed to transmit and receive concurrently using paired frequencies. This can support predictable bidirectional backhaul, but usable channels and spacing depend on local regulation and the RF plan.
Outdoor carrier-style construction
The enclosure, pole-mount system and wind specifications are intended for outdoor fixed installations. The supporting structure must still be assessed for load, movement, corrosion exposure and safe access.
Dedicated management interface
Separate data and management connectivity can assist installation and operations teams. Management access should be placed within an appropriate security design rather than exposed directly to untrusted networks.
Product-fit matrix
| Requirement | Suitable when | Confirm before ordering |
|---|---|---|
| High-capacity site link | Two fixed sites need a dedicated Ethernet backhaul path. | Required real-world throughput, traffic direction and headroom. |
| Long outdoor path | Clear line of sight and adequate mounting heights can be achieved. | Path profile, Fresnel clearance, fade margin and local climate. |
| High-band spectrum | The intended frequencies are permitted and operationally appropriate. | Country code, licence requirements, EIRP and channel availability. |
| Tower installation | The structure can support the unit and wind loading. | Pole diameter, load capacity, access, grounding and safety method. |
| Primary business link | The design includes monitoring, power protection and operational support. | Redundancy, failover, spare policy and support response expectations. |
Verified technical information
| Brand | Ubiquiti |
|---|---|
| Product name | airFiber 5 High-Band |
| Model | AF-5U |
| Product type | Outdoor point-to-point wireless bridge with integrated antenna |
| Maximum throughput | 1.2+ Gbps; actual throughput is link and configuration dependent |
| Maximum range | 100+ km under suitable conditions; regulatory region and path engineering apply |
| Frequency range | 5725–6200 MHz; available channels are region dependent |
| Antenna gain | 23 dBi transmit and receive |
| Beamwidth | Approximately 6° |
| Polarisation | Dual-slant |
| Data interface | One Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 port |
| Management interface | One 10/100 Ethernet RJ45 port |
| Auxiliary interface | RJ12 alignment-tone port |
| Power method | Passive PoE, four pairs |
| Power supply | 50V, 1.2A Gigabit PoE adapter included according to current manufacturer specifications; regional plug should be confirmed |
| Dimensions | 938.4 × 468.4 × 281.4 mm |
| Weight | 16 kg |
| Mounting | Pole-mount kit included |
| Wind survivability | Up to 200 km/h under manufacturer test specification |
| Encryption | 128-bit AES |
| Availability | Contact FourTeck for current UAE availability, lead time and revision confirmation |
| Important note | A functional point-to-point link normally requires two units. Frequency use, power and deployment must comply with the destination country’s rules. |
Frequency, compatibility and regulatory dependencies
The AF-5U hardware supports high-band frequencies, but that does not mean every channel in the hardware range is legally available in every country. Permitted frequencies, maximum transmit power, antenna limits, channel widths, licensing requirements and coordination rules can differ. The configured country setting must match the installation location, and the project team should verify applicable UAE requirements before commissioning.
Compatibility should also be considered at the network level. The bridge carries Ethernet traffic, but switches, routers, firewalls, VLAN design, quality-of-service policies, IP addressing, monitoring and failover remain part of the wider solution. For an existing airFiber deployment, firmware compatibility and supported operating modes should be checked before replacing only one endpoint. For a new link, procure and configure a matched pair unless a documented compatible endpoint already exists.
A practical purchase and deployment journey
Define the traffic need
Document current and expected bandwidth, peak utilisation, critical applications, upstream interface capacity and whether the link will be primary, backup or temporary.
Survey the path
Confirm coordinates, elevation, distance, obstructions, mounting heights and Fresnel clearance. Photographs and a physical survey are useful when map data is incomplete.
Check spectrum and interference
Review permitted channels and the RF environment. A crowded or restricted band can change the recommended model or link design.
Confirm the bill of materials
Include two radios, mounting components, shielded outdoor cable, surge protection, grounding materials, suitable network equipment and any spares required by the operating policy.
Install and align
Use competent tower or rooftop installers. Precise alignment, stable mounts and weatherproof cable work directly affect link quality.
Test and hand over
Record signal levels, modulation, throughput, latency, configuration backup, firmware level, IP addresses, mounting details and support contacts.
Capacity for demanding site-to-site traffic
The AF-5U is associated with 1.2+ Gbps maximum throughput, but buyers should treat this as a platform capability rather than a guaranteed application result. The usable capacity of a deployed link is influenced by channel width, modulation, frequency planning, interference, received signal quality, alignment, distance and regulatory limits. The Ethernet design on both sides can also create bottlenecks. A Gigabit switch port, firewall policy, shaping profile or overloaded uplink may prevent the business from seeing the capacity expected from the radio path.
A sensible design starts with an application profile. Video surveillance traffic may be continuous and upstream-heavy. Office and cloud traffic may be bursty. Voice requires low delay and jitter. Backup or replication jobs may occupy all available bandwidth unless controlled. The required service quality should therefore be translated into throughput, latency, priority and resilience requirements before equipment is ordered.
For business-critical deployments, include growth margin rather than designing only for current usage. A link operating close to its practical limit has less room for additional users, cameras, cloud services or temporary peaks. FourTeck can review the requirement and help determine whether the AF-5U is an appropriate fit or whether a different airFiber platform, frequency or wired option should be considered.
Alignment, mounting and environmental planning
Directional point-to-point equipment depends on mechanical stability. The AF-5U weighs approximately 16 kg and presents a meaningful wind load. The pole, mast, rooftop frame or tower leg must be capable of supporting the equipment under local conditions. Movement that appears minor at the mounting point can become significant over a long path because the antenna beam is narrow.
The installation plan should cover safe access, anchor points, cable route, drip loops, UV-resistant outdoor cable, surge protection and grounding. Power should be stable and protected. Where outages are unacceptable, consider UPS capacity at both endpoints because a point-to-point link fails if either side loses power. The PoE injector and connected switch should be installed in an appropriate protected space, and cable distances should remain within Ethernet limits.
Line of sight alone is not enough. The radio path also needs adequate Fresnel-zone clearance. Terrain, trees, cranes, new construction and seasonal vegetation can affect the path. For long links, earth curvature and atmospheric conditions become more important. A desktop path study is useful for early qualification, but a site survey provides stronger evidence for final mounting decisions.
Operational management and resilience
A backhaul link should be treated as managed infrastructure. Assign management addresses, restrict administrative access, use strong credentials, keep configuration backups and record firmware versions. Monitoring should include reachability, Ethernet errors, signal condition, modulation, throughput and environmental or power events where supported by the surrounding systems.
For a link carrying critical services, decide how failure will be handled. Options may include a second radio path, diverse frequency, leased line, mobile backup or routing through another site. The correct design depends on downtime tolerance, budget and path availability. Redundancy should not share every single point of failure; two radios on the same unsupported mast and UPS may not provide the resilience expected.
Security also extends beyond the radio’s AES capability. Network segmentation, firewall policies, secure management paths, event logging and change control are still required. The wireless bridge should be placed into the organisation’s existing security and operations framework rather than managed as an isolated device.
Ideal business environments and use cases
Enterprise campus links
Connect offices, warehouses, workshops or accommodation buildings where trenching is disruptive or property boundaries complicate fibre construction.
Service-provider backhaul
Transport aggregated traffic between tower or rooftop points when path conditions and spectrum planning support the required service level.
Industrial and logistics sites
Extend connectivity to yards, depots, remote gates, loading facilities or operating areas that need cameras, access control, voice and business applications.
Hospitality and remote facilities
Link separate buildings, staff areas or service facilities while maintaining centralised internet and application access.
Temporary or transitional connectivity
Support a site during construction, expansion or a fibre lead-time period, provided the installation can still be safely engineered.
Video-surveillance transport
Carry aggregated camera streams from a remote site when bandwidth, latency and retention-system design are calculated in advance.
Integration and operational considerations
The AF-5U forms one component of a complete network path. On each side, confirm switch-port speed, VLAN requirements, spanning-tree behaviour, routing design, IP addressing, firewall rules and management reachability. Where the link carries multiple business services, segmentation can prevent one workload from affecting another and can simplify security policy.
Quality of service should be planned from end to end. Prioritising voice on the radio alone is not enough if upstream switches or internet gateways are congested. Similarly, MTU settings should be checked across the path where specialised applications, tunnels or service-provider handoffs are involved.
Lightning and surge protection deserve particular attention on exposed rooftops and towers. Shielded cable, bonding and grounding should follow the relevant installation practice for the site. The PoE injector should not be treated as the only protection component. Local electrical and building standards must guide the final method.
For replacement projects, document the current link’s frequencies, channel plan, IP configuration, VLANs, mount, cable path and maintenance window. A controlled migration plan reduces the chance of losing management access or creating an unexpected network loop.
Buyer questions to resolve before ordering
Procurement checklist
☐ Confirm the exact model AF-5U and required quantity.
☐ Confirm whether the quotation is for single units or a complete two-end link.
☐ Provide both site coordinates and proposed mounting heights.
☐ State the required usable throughput and traffic profile.
☐ Verify permitted high-band frequency use in the destination country.
☐ Confirm pole size, structural capacity and wind exposure.
☐ Include outdoor shielded Ethernet cable and surge protection.
☐ Confirm power, UPS and grounding arrangements at both ends.
☐ Define VLAN, IP, routing and management requirements.
☐ Specify whether installation and precision alignment are required.
☐ Define acceptance testing and documentation expectations.
☐ Confirm warranty terms, lead time and replacement process.
How FourTeck can assist
FourTeck can help convert a general request for “a long-range wireless bridge” into a clearer purchasing requirement. The review can cover model confirmation, quantity, path information, expected capacity, supporting accessories, installation scope, configuration responsibilities and regional availability. This reduces the risk of ordering a single unit for a two-end link or overlooking mounting, cabling and protection items.
For more complex projects, share a simple network diagram and site details. FourTeck can coordinate quotation inputs for the radios and related business technology requirements. Visit the FourTeck product portfolio, review available technology services, or contact FourTeck with the exact requirement.
UAE availability and support guidance
Contact FourTeck to confirm current UAE availability for the Ubiquiti AF-5U. Availability can depend on quantity, product revision, regional version, vendor lead time and the accessories included in the request. A quotation should clearly identify whether the price covers one radio or the two units generally needed for a complete point-to-point link.
Delivery and project coordination can be discussed after the exact requirement is confirmed. Installation and configuration should be included in the quotation when required rather than assumed to be part of product supply. Warranty terms should also be confirmed in writing because coverage can vary by source, region and commercial arrangement.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman coverage
FourTeck can coordinate requirement review and quotation support for businesses across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and Ajman. For installation planning, provide the exact site locations, access restrictions, mounting information and expected work window. Rooftop, tower and industrial sites may require separate access approvals, safety arrangements and structural checks before work can be scheduled.
GCC availability
FourTeck can assist organisations evaluating the AF-5U for projects across the GCC, including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman. Assistance may include reviewing the exact model, confirming whether a complete two-end link is required, collecting path and capacity information, coordinating a quotation, identifying supporting accessories and discussing installation or configuration scope. Product availability, permitted spectrum, licensing, delivery schedules, service visits and vendor lead times can vary by country, quantity and project requirement. Buyers should provide the destination country, site coordinates, quantity, expected throughput, deployment environment and target schedule. Where the AF-5U is not suitable for local spectrum rules or path conditions, a different radio platform or frequency may need to be evaluated. For regional enquiries, FourTeck can help organise the commercial and technical questions before procurement begins. Businesses in Kuwait may also review FourTeck Kuwait technology support.
Africa availability
For organisations planning wireless backhaul projects in Africa, FourTeck can assist with product evaluation, quantity planning, supporting accessories, deployment inputs, configuration scope and regional procurement coordination. Requirements can differ significantly between East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa and Central Africa because of frequency regulation, terrain, shipping conditions, power quality, site access and local installation capability. Buyers should share the destination country, exact model request, number of links, endpoint coordinates, planned mounting heights, required throughput and preferred deployment schedule. Availability and fulfilment may depend on the product revision, destination, quantity, power accessories, shipping arrangements and vendor lead time. FourTeck does not assume that one design suits every country or path. Kenya and Uganda enquiries can be coordinated through the relevant regional channels, including FourTeck Kenya, FourTeck Uganda and the wider FourTeck Africa technology portfolio.
Related products and services to consider
airFiber 5 Mid-Band
A nearby integrated airFiber option for projects where the permitted frequency plan differs. Do not assume identical channel availability; confirm the exact regional requirement.
airFiber 5XHD
A modular radio platform that uses a compatible external antenna. It may suit projects requiring another antenna size or deployment approach.
Outdoor switching and routing
The backhaul endpoints may need managed switches, routers, firewalls or fibre uplinks to integrate the radio path into the wider network.
Surge protection and grounding
Outdoor Ethernet protection, proper bonding and grounding should be included in the installation design, particularly for rooftop and tower locations.
Link survey and installation support
Path review, mounting assessment, installation, alignment, configuration and acceptance testing can be scoped according to the site conditions.
Network security integration
Firewall policy, segmentation, management access and monitoring can be reviewed as part of the complete connectivity design.
Why businesses contact FourTeck
Business buyers often need more than a model number. They need to know whether the requested radio is permitted for the intended country, whether two units are included, what supporting materials are required, how the link will be mounted, and which team is responsible for configuration and testing. FourTeck can help clarify these items before the order is finalised.
The assistance can include requirement clarification, bill-of-material review, compatibility questions, quotation coordination, installation planning, configuration scope and support expectations. The objective is to create a clearer procurement package without making unsupported promises about stock, delivery, warranty or link performance.
Learn more about FourTeck or send the project details through the business technology contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Is the AF-5U sold as a complete link?
Confirm the quotation carefully. A working point-to-point link normally requires two compatible endpoints, while some listings and quotations may refer to a single unit.
What throughput can the AF-5U provide?
The manufacturer states maximum throughput of 1.2+ Gbps. Actual usable performance depends on RF conditions, channel configuration, alignment, distance, interference, regulatory limits and the connected network.
Can the AF-5U operate anywhere in the 5725–6200 MHz range?
Not necessarily. Hardware capability and legally permitted channels are different matters. Available frequencies and power levels depend on the destination country and configured regulatory domain.
Does the AF-5U require a separate antenna?
No. It has an integrated directional antenna. The installation still needs a suitable pole or structural mount, precise alignment and appropriate outdoor cabling.
How far can an AF-5U link reach?
The platform is specified for very long links and Ubiquiti publishes a 100+ km maximum under suitable conditions. A real project must be validated through path engineering, regulatory checks and site assessment.
What is included with the unit?
Current manufacturer information identifies a pole-mount kit and 50V, 1.2A Gigabit PoE adapter. Confirm the exact package, regional plug and any changes before ordering.
Can FourTeck assist with installation and alignment?
Installation, mounting assessment, alignment, configuration and testing can be discussed as a separate project scope. Site access, safety requirements and location details are needed for an accurate quotation.
Is the AF-5U suitable for connecting office buildings?
It can be suitable where the buildings have clear line of sight, proper mounting locations, permitted spectrum and a capacity requirement that fits the platform. A survey should confirm the path.
How can I request a Dubai quotation?
Provide the model AF-5U, quantity, whether a complete link is needed, both site locations, estimated distance, required throughput and any installation or configuration requirements.
What warranty applies?
Warranty terms can vary by source and commercial arrangement. Ask FourTeck to confirm the applicable coverage, process and any regional limitations in the quotation.
Plan the AF-5U link before you order
Send FourTeck the site coordinates, distance, mounting heights, capacity target, required quantity and destination. The team can help confirm the purchasing and deployment scope.
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