Ubiquiti U-AIRWIRE-US – AirWire WiFi 7 Client Adapter with 5GbE
Overview
The Ubiquiti U-AIRWIRE-US is a UniFi AirWire WiFi 7 client adapter designed to provide high-performance wireless connectivity to compatible computers and devices through USB-C. It uses simultaneous transmit and receive Multi-Link Operation (STR MLO) across the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands to provide multi-gigabit wireless connectivity.
AirWire provides one 5GbE networking interface over USB 3.2 Gen 2 and incorporates an integrated super-antenna system with 11 dBi gain on both supported wireless bands. It also includes a dedicated radio for real-time spectral analysis.
Technical Information
The adapter uses four spatial streams with 2x2 DL/UL MU-MIMO on both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios. The maximum specified data rate is 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz using 320 MHz channel bandwidth and 4.3 Gbps on 5 GHz using 240 MHz channel bandwidth.
AirWire supports WiFi 7 802.11be as well as WiFi 6, WiFi 5, and WiFi 4 standards. Supported WiFi 7 channel bandwidths extend from 20 MHz through 320 MHz, while the device also supports wireless meshing and real-time spectral analysis.
Compatibility
U-AIRWIRE-US connects to a host system through USB-C and provides a 5GbE networking interface over USB 3.2 Gen 2. Ubiquiti states that AirWire can be used with modern systems through the UniFi AirWire software and standard operating-system connectivity.
UniFi Network version 10.2 or later is listed as the application requirement for management. Supported operating systems include macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS according to Ubiquiti's AirWire support documentation.
Key Features
- WiFi 7 client adapter with simultaneous STR Multi-Link Operation
- 5GbE networking interface over USB 3.2 Gen 2
- 2x2 MU-MIMO on both 5 GHz and 6 GHz
- 11 dBi integrated antenna gain on 5 GHz and 6 GHz
- Dedicated radio for real-time spectral analysis
Applications
- Adding WiFi 7 multi-gigabit connectivity to compatible USB-C computers
- High-throughput laptop and desktop wireless networking
- Wireless connectivity where native multi-gigabit WiFi is unavailable
- Extended-range WiFi client deployments using the integrated super-antenna design
- Wireless network analysis and interference monitoring
DC Supplies Product Note
The maximum wireless data rates are dependent on the connected WiFi infrastructure, channel bandwidth, radio conditions, and host system. For multi-gigabit Ethernet performance, the host computer and USB-C connection must support the required USB 3.2 Gen 2 interface.
Specifications
| Brand | Ubiquiti |
|---|
| Part Number / MPN | U-AIRWIRE-US |
|---|
| Product Type | WiFi 7 Client Adapter |
|---|
| WiFi Standard | WiFi 7 |
|---|
| Spatial Streams | 4 |
|---|
| Wireless Bands | 5 GHz, 6 GHz |
|---|
| MIMO | 2x2 DL/UL MU-MIMO on 5 GHz and 6 GHz |
|---|
| Maximum 6 GHz Data Rate | 5.8 Gbps at 320 MHz |
|---|
| Maximum 5 GHz Data Rate | 4.3 Gbps at 240 MHz |
|---|
| Antenna Gain | 11 dBi at 5 GHz and 6 GHz |
|---|
| Maximum TX Power | 20 dBm at 6 GHz; 25 dBm at 5 GHz |
|---|
| Networking Interface | 1 × 5GbE over USB 3.2 Gen 2 |
|---|
| Management Interface | USB-C |
|---|
| Supported Wireless Standards | 802.11be, 802.11ax, 802.11ac, 802.11n |
|---|
| Channel Bandwidth | 20/40/80/160/240/320 MHz, depending on standard and band |
|---|
| Wireless Meshing | Supported |
|---|
| Real-Time Spectral Analysis | Supported |
|---|
| Power Supply | USB PD 5/9/12V, 15W standard mode; 20W enhanced mode |
|---|
| Maximum Power Consumption | 18W |
|---|
| Enclosure Material | Polycarbonate |
|---|
| Display | 0.96-inch status display |
|---|
| Dimensions | 117 × 117 × 42.5 mm |
|---|
| Weight | 544 g |
|---|
| Operating Temperature | -10 to 40°C |
|---|
| Operating Humidity | 5–95% noncondensing |
|---|
| Software Requirement | UniFi Network 10.2 or later |
|---|
| NDAA Compliant | Yes |
|---|
| Certifications | CE, FCC, IC |
|---|
FAQs
What is U-AIRWIRE-US?
U-AIRWIRE-US is Ubiquiti's AirWire WiFi 7 client adapter, providing wireless connectivity through a USB-C host connection and a 5GbE networking interface.
Does AirWire support WiFi 7 Multi-Link Operation?
Yes. AirWire supports simultaneous transmit and receive Multi-Link Operation (STR MLO) across its 5 GHz and 6 GHz radios.
What is the maximum wireless data rate?
The specified maximum is 5.8 Gbps on 6 GHz with 320 MHz bandwidth. The 5 GHz radio is specified at up to 4.3 Gbps with 240 MHz bandwidth.
What Ethernet speed does AirWire provide?
The adapter provides one 5GbE networking interface through USB 3.2 Gen 2.
Does AirWire support 5 GHz and 6 GHz?
Yes. The adapter has 2x2 MU-MIMO radios operating on both the 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands.
What operating systems are supported?
Ubiquiti's support documentation lists macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS support for AirWire and its USB-C connectivity.
