Ubiquiti 60 GHz GigaBeam Series: Dedicated Gigabit Performance for Wireless Bridges
The Ubiquiti GigaBeam series revolutionizes wireless directional radio over short and medium distances. This product line, consisting of GBE (GigaBeam), GBE-LR (Long-Range), and the optimized GBE-Plus, utilizes the license-free 60 GHz frequency band to deliver true gigabit speeds (1+ Gbps bidirectional) with extremely low latency. This makes GigaBeam devices the ideal choice for demanding point-to-point (PtP) connections that require cable-like performance.
The Advantages of the 60 GHz Band
The 60 GHz frequency spectrum offers a decisive advantage compared to 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz: it is virtually free of interference in most regions. By using extremely large channel bandwidths (up to 2.16 GHz), immense amounts of data can be transmitted. However, at this high frequency, the signal is strongly affected by atmospheric attenuation (especially oxygen and precipitation like heavy rain or snow). This leads to the necessity of the integrated 5 GHz failover.
Reliability through 5 GHz Failover
The GigaBeam (GBE) and GigaBeam LR (GBE-LR) models feature an integrated 5 GHz airMAX AC radio module. This module serves as an automatic backup link. If the primary 60 GHz connection is impaired due to rain, snow, or fog, the device switches seamlessly to the 5 GHz band. This ensures uninterrupted connectivity, albeit with reduced throughput (typically up to 500+ Mbps), and ensures maximum reliability essential for mission-critical applications.
Model Overview: GigaBeam, LR, and Plus in Comparison
| Model | 60 GHz Antenna Gain | 5 GHz Backup | Typical Range (60 GHz) | Feature / Design |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GigaBeam (GBE) | 17.2 dBi | Yes (airMAX AC) | Up to approx. 300 - 500 meters | Compact, flat design. Base model. |
| GigaBeam LR (GBE-LR) | ~38 dBi | Yes (airMAX AC) | Up to approx. 1.5 - 2+ kilometers | Large parabolic antenna for high range. |
| GigaBeam Plus (GBE-Plus) | 35 dBi (Cassegrain) | No (Focus on 60 GHz performance) | Up to approx. 1.5 - 2 kilometers | Optimized Cassegrain reflector design. Highest 60 GHz performance. |
GigaBeam Plus (GBE-Plus): The Performance Choice
The GigaBeam Plus is a performance upgrade. It utilizes a state-of-the-art Cassegrain reflector design, which achieves a very high antenna gain of 35 dBi despite its compact size. This enables a more stable 60 GHz link over medium distances with data throughput exceeding 1.5 Gbps. Unlike GBE and GBE-LR, the GBE-Plus does not feature an integrated 5 GHz failover radio. Its strength lies in maximizing pure 60 GHz capacity and speed.
Installation and Management
All GigaBeam components are powered via Passive PoE (24V) and can be easily managed via the proven airOS or the UISP app. A dedicated 2.4 GHz management radio (including GBE and GBE-LR) allows for easy and precise alignment and configuration via the UISP app via Bluetooth, without the need for a direct network cable connection. Installation, as with all 60 GHz devices, requires precise line-of-sight, but is simplified by these modern tools.