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Expanding Connectivity with the UBB-XG (UniFi Building-to-Building Bridge XG): A Client Success Story

Published by Juan David Ramirez on 2nd Dec 2024

Hey everyone, Juan David here, Flytec’s Tech Lead Support and UniFi Certified Trainer, back with another case study to highlight how we tackle connectivity challenges with Ubiquiti solutions. Recently, a client reached out with a specific network expansion dilemma:

Client Question: “I have a UniFi setup (UDM-SE, USW Pro Aggregation, USW Enterprise XG24, USW-Pro-Max-24 POE, and some APs) and need to expand my network to a location about 400 meters away. I can’t use a wired connection but have a clear line of sight. Should I go with the UBB/UBB-XG (500m max) or the Wave Pico (1.5 km max)?”

After considering the client’s unique requirements, we recommended the Ubiquiti Building-to-Building Bridge XG (UBB-XG). Here’s why we think the UBB-XG is the ideal choice for this project and how it aligns with their needs.

Why We Recommended the UBB-XG Over the Wave Pico

The UBB-XG (UniFi Building-to-Building Bridge XG) is a powerful point-to-point bridge designed for distances up to 500 meters (1,640 feet), making it an ideal fit for the client’s 400-meter range requirement. With dual-radio redundancy and exceptional throughput capabilities, this device shines in high-performance, stable connections without complex setup requirements or additional UISP configurations. Here’s a deep dive into the UBB-XG’s features and why it’s the right call.

Key Benefits of the UBB-XG

  1. High Data Transfer Speeds: The UBB-XG can reach data transfer rates of up to 6 Gbps over the 60 GHz band, making it perfect for applications requiring high-speed data transfer without compromise.
  2. Dual-Band Redundancy for Reliability: This bridge operates on both 60 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies, providing redundancy to ensure stability even when 60 GHz signals are affected by environmental factors. This dual-radio setup helps maintain a robust connection in fluctuating weather conditions.
  3. Extended Range: With a maximum range of 500 meters (1,640 feet), the UBB-XG offers more than enough reach for our client’s 400-meter distance requirement, ensuring excellent performance across the entire link.
  4. UniFi Integration for Easy Management: The UBB-XG is fully compatible with the UniFi ecosystem, which means it can be seamlessly integrated into an existing UniFi Network setup. For our client, this means managing everything in one place without needing to introduce UISP for management.
  5. High-Performance Connectivity Options: Equipped with both a 10G SFP+ port for fiber uplinks and a 1G port powered by PoE++, the UBB-XG offers flexible connectivity options for high-throughput and reliable operation.
  6. Weather-Resistant Build: The device has an IPX6-rated weatherproof enclosure, making it ideal for outdoor setups, where it will withstand rain, dust, and other environmental elements.
  7. Alignment Indicators for Easy Installation: Built-in LED alignment indicators make it easy to set up the device with precision, helping to achieve optimal signal strength and reliability in the shortest time possible.

Technical Specs of the UBB-XG

Let’s break down the specifics that make the UBB-XG a beast in point-to-point wireless bridging:

  • Frequency Bands: Operates in 60 GHz with a 5 GHz backup for redundancy.
  • Networking Interfaces:
    • (1) 1G PoE++ port for power and data over Ethernet.
    • (1) 10G SFP+ port for high-speed fiber uplinks.
  • Range: Effective up to 500 m (1,640 feet).
  • Power: Requires 48V PoE++, drawing 31.2W maximum, with power adapters included.
  • Mounting: Comes with a precision alignment pole mount kit, ideal for quick setup.
  • Weather Rating: IPX6, providing durability in outdoor environments.
  • Software & Security:
    • Supports WPA2 AES encryption to secure data.
    • Management VLAN capability, allowing for network segmentation.

Why the UBB-XG Over the Wave Pico?

The Wave Pico is a fantastic product for long-range connectivity (up to 1.5 km), but for a 400-meter deployment, the UBB-XG offers the right balance of range, performance, and seamless integration with the UniFi ecosystem. Here’s why it’s a better fit:

  1. Range Match: The UBB-XG’s 500-meter range perfectly aligns with the client’s need. While the Wave Pico could reach farther, the extra range isn’t necessary here.
  2. UniFi Ecosystem: The UBB-XG is managed directly through UniFi, fitting perfectly within our client’s existing UniFi environment. The Wave Pico would require UISP for management, which adds complexity.

How the UBB-XG Helps Our Client

For our client, the UBB-XG brings several practical benefits:

  • Easy Integration: With UniFi management, the client won’t need to set up new UISP software or devices, keeping their network ecosystem unified.
  • High-Speed Data Transfer: The 6 Gbps throughput ensures smooth, high-speed connections that support large data transfers or real-time applications between locations.
  • Robust and Reliable Connection: With dual-radio redundancy, they get a fail-safe mechanism that keeps the network stable, even in challenging conditions.

Deployment and Installation Tips

For optimal results, here are some installation tips:

  1. Precise Alignment: Use the built-in LED alignment indicators to ensure that the modules are perfectly aligned for the best signal strength.
  2. Mounting: The precision alignment pole mount kit allows you to position the UBB-XG units with accuracy. Make sure to install them securely to prevent any shifts that could affect alignment.
  3. Management Setup: Connect the UBB-XG to your UniFi Console or self-hosted UniFi Network Server for simplified management and monitoring.
  4. Power Setup: Use the included PoE injector or connect the device to a UniFi PoE++ switch for consistent power delivery.

Conclusion

The UBB-XG was our recommendation for our client’s 400-meter network expansion project because it strikes the right balance between range, speed, reliability, and ease of management within the UniFi ecosystem. With its 6 Gbps data throughput, dual-band redundancy, and IPX6 weatherproof rating, the UBB-XG offers everything needed to handle high-speed data transfers securely and reliably, even in outdoor settings.

So, if you’re facing a similar networking challenge, consider the UBB-XG as your go-to solution for bridging UniFi networks across buildings without the need for wires. And as always, Flytec’s got you covered with the tech advice and solutions you need!

Stay Connected,

Juan David, your Tech Lead Support at Flytec