Ubiquiti AF11-COMPLETE-LB airfiber 11, with antenna, and duplexer

Ubiquiti AF11-COMPLETE-LB 11 GHz Low-Band Backhaul Radio with Integrated Duplexer

Overview

The Ubiquiti AF11-COMPLETE-LB is a modular airFiber radio system purpose-built for the 11 GHz licensed frequency band, delivering enterprise-grade point-to-point backhaul independent of 5 GHz spectrum constraints. This complete kit includes the AF-11 radio unit, integrated AF-11G35 dish antenna, and one pre-installed low-band duplexer, eliminating the need for separate procurement and staged deployment. Designed for security integrators, telecom operators, and ISP infrastructure teams requiring long-distance, licensed-spectrum wireless links, the AF11-COMPLETE-LB operates across the 10.7–11.7 GHz band with regional compliance for FCC, CE, and IC standards and confirmed NDAA compliance.

Key Features

• Licensed 11 GHz Frequency Band: Operates in the 10.7–11.7 GHz range, breaking dependency on congested 5 GHz unlicensed spectrum and reducing co-channel interference in dense deployment scenarios.
• Dual-Chain MIMO Architecture: Comes factory-configured in SISO mode with one duplexer installed; upgrade to MIMO performance by adding a second AF-11-DUP-L duplexer for parallel transmit and receive chains.
• 1.2+ Gbps System Throughput: Delivers gigabit-class backhaul capacity with selectable channel bandwidths (3.5, 5, 7, 10, 14, 20, 28, 30, 40, 50, 56 MHz) to optimize for latency, range, and interference mitigation.
• 300+ km Maximum Range: Exceptional propagation characteristics at 11 GHz enable long-haul links in rural, suburban, and metro deployments with minimal line-of-sight obstruction.
• Passive PoE Power Delivery: Single 50V DC, 1.2A gigabit PoE adapter (included) powers the unit over standard 4-pair twisted-pair cabling; supports 38–56V DC input range for redundant power architectures.
• Dual Gigabit Networking Interfaces: One GbE RJ45 port and one 10/100 Mbps RJ45 port for management and data separation; four SMA RF connectors (two per chain) plus two N-Type waterproof connectors for duplexer integration.
• Extreme Temperature Tolerance: Operates reliably from −40°C to +55°C (−40°F to +131°F), suitable for arctic, desert, and tropical installations without external thermal management.
• 128-bit AES Encryption: Link-level encryption standard, protecting backhaul traffic from eavesdropping in licensed and unlicensed deployments.
• Programmable Uplink/Downlink Duty Cycles: TDD capability enables asymmetric traffic shaping and spectrum efficiency in hub-and-spoke topologies.
• Compact Form Factor: 327 × 112 × 86 mm (12.9 × 4.4 × 3.4 inches), 2.3 kg (5 lbs) with integrated mounting hardware (AF-11G35 compatible), reducing installation footprint on towers, rooftops, and wall-mounted structures.
• SISO/MIMO Flexibility: Factory SISO configuration ships with one duplexer; field-upgradeable to MIMO by purchasing and installing the AF-11-DUP-L second duplexer without radio replacement.
• Regulatory Compliance: CE, FCC, IC certified; NDAA compliant for U.S. government and critical infrastructure procurement.

Integration and Compatibility

The AF11-COMPLETE-LB integrates directly into Ubiquiti management ecosystems via standard Ethernet; compatible with UISP (Ubiquiti ISP Platform) for provisioning, monitoring, and statistics collection. The modular duplexer architecture permits staged SISO-to-MIMO upgrades in existing installations without downtime or radio replacement. RF operating frequency, conducted transmit power (+30 dBm maximum), and channel bandwidth are subject to regional regulatory approval; confirm local licensing authority requirements before deployment. Frequency accuracy is ±1 ppm, meeting international backhaul timing tolerances for synchronized network operations.

Package Contents

Each AF11-COMPLETE-LB shipment includes the AF-11 radio unit with one pre-installed low-band duplexer, integrated AF-11G35 dish antenna, 50V DC 1.2A gigabit PoE adapter, and mounting hardware. A second AF-11-DUP-L duplexer is optional for MIMO operation and sold separately.

James Everett

I have evaluated the Ubiquiti AF11-COMPLETE-LB during backhaul planning for a distributed fiber-to-wireless ISP network spanning rural and suburban coverage zones. The arrival of a complete kit with integrated antenna and duplexer significantly compressed procurement cycles and eliminated field integration risk compared to sourcing discrete components. The 11 GHz licensed band selection is particularly relevant for operators seeking to escape 5 GHz congestion without migration to 60 GHz, which introduces atmospheric absorption penalties at extended ranges.

Technical Highlights:

• Licensed Spectrum Independence: 10.7–11.7 GHz operation removes reliance on unlicensed ISM bands, directly reducing co-channel interference in network-dense urban environments and allowing deterministic link budget planning without spectrum sharing negotiation.
• Modular MIMO Architecture: Factory SISO deployment with field-upgradeable second duplexer option enables staged capacity growth—critical for networks scaling from 1.2 Gbps single-chain to dual-chain throughput without downtime or equipment replacement.
• Passive PoE Efficiency: 36 W maximum power consumption with integrated 50V PoE adapter reduces external power infrastructure cost and simplifies remote site deployments on tower-mounted platforms lacking AC availability.
• Extended Range Performance: 300+ km propagation at 11 GHz with appropriate antenna alignment permits hub-and-spoke architectures spanning large geographic areas—advantageous for regional wireless backhaul, emergency response networks, and rural ISP headend distribution.

Deployment Considerations:

• Confirm regional 11 GHz licensing authority requirements and frequency allocation before procurement; conducted TX power and channel bandwidth availability vary by jurisdiction (FCC, ISED, ANATEL, etc.). Request regional compliance documentation from the distributor to avoid post-purchase surprises.
• Implement redundant PoE supply circuits on remote sites; the 36 W consumption is modest, but loss of power on a backhaul link cascades across subscriber access networks—dual PSU architectures are standard practice.
• Plan duplexer upgrade path from day one if MIMO deployment is anticipated; purchasing the AF-11-DUP-L second duplexer concurrently with initial AF11-COMPLETE-LB units locks in procurement consistency and simplifies field logistics.
• Verify tower/pole structural capacity for the integrated AF-11G35 antenna; at 2.3 kg with dish surface area, wind loading calculations are required per TIA-222-H or equivalent structural standard.

The AF11-COMPLETE-LB is a mature, well-integrated backhaul platform with proven field performance in licensed wireless networks. Its combination of gigabit throughput, extended range, complete factory assembly, and NDAA compliance makes it a reliable choice for integrators and operators committing to licensed-spectrum infrastructure. I recommend this unit for point-to-point backhaul links where 5 GHz interference is a constraint and 60 GHz range limitations are unacceptable.