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Support of Ubiquiti equipment manufactured in 2014

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N7RJN
Support of Ubiquiti equipment manufactured in 2014

Is there any progress in updated AREDN firmware that will support Ubiquiti equipment manufactured in 2014 that have XW firmware/boards? I ordered some Ubiquiti Bullets and Nanostations, but they have Ubiquiti's most recent rev levels, manufactured in 2014.

 

Thank you.

73, Bob

K6AH
K6AH's picture
Yes, we have M5 Nanostation

Yes, we have M5 Nanostation XW working in alpha-test.  It will be in our next release.  Other XW devices will follow in a subsequent release.  I have 2 M5 PowerBeams I'm waiting on myself... check that, I had to sacrifice one to Conrad, KG6JEI's, destructive testing to figure out the underlying issue with XW ;-(

Andre, K6AH

N7RJN
Support of Ubiquiti equipment manufactured in 2014

Andre,

Thank you. That is good information. I hope it is not more than a month or so before release?

73,

Bob   -  N7RJN

AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Bob,  we are running the

Bob,  we are running the testing process like a formal commercial development team including a written test plan.  While a formal release date has not been set, this is all volunteer work.  The beta test is on target to start in April.   Based on the results of executing the tests, we'll soon have a good idea of a formal release time.  

Note, as in the past, there would be 'experimental' builds available to everyone while this is being tested.  Our concern is not that people have early images to try out, it has the risk of increasing support when we are trying to do a release.

Also the XW hardware updates bring along an upgrade to OpenWRT Barrier Breaker with massive platform improvements and other fixes.  Thus, all functionality is subject to re-test.  Let us all hope we  find only minor issues in the testing to get this released sooner rather than later.

Joe AE6XE

KG6JEI
According to Ubiquiti website

According to Ubiquiti website there is no XW firmware for bullets. Are you sure your bullet is an XW device ?

In addition the XW should mostly be a 5GHz issue (none of the supported 2GHz devices show as having XW firmware either)

N7RJN
XW firmware for Ubiquiti

All of my units were manufactured in the last half of 2014, so based on the info on the AREDN web site, I assumed all 2014 versions had the XW software. So far the only unit I actually tried was the Nanostation M5, since a 5GHz link of about 10 miles is my highest priority. This had the XW firmware. I will be able to check the Bullets on Monday or Tuesday.

Thank you.

 

Bob - N7RJN

KG6JEI
Of the devices we officially

Of the devices we officially support it is only a known issue on 4 of the 17 devices we support, the AirGrid M5 HP, Rocket M5, NanoStation M5 and NanoStation Loco M5 (it also affects other devices but they are not on the supported hardware list yet) which is really only a small subset of the devices available.

It also doesn't affect all 2014 boards but it has the potential to affect all 2014 and newer boards (I actually received a board dated the middle of last year on a Rocket M5 that turned out to be an XM board, which was annoying because I wanted an XW for testing)  hence the suggestion to avoid anything in 2014 as it COULD be an XW but you wouldn't know until you you inquired.

I'm actually only just in the past couple months starting to hear of large numbers of the XW's showing up which maybe is just I've not been looped in, but would seem to track well with hardware support development in other resource channels that they are just now starting to really make it onto the market floor in the past 4-5 months.

VE3TRQ
VE3TRQ's picture
XW Firmware versions for AirGrid M5
It turns out all of my 5.8G AirGrids are XW. Since these things appear to be like the Bullets (one ethernet port), and not the NanoStations (two ethernet ports), it is not possible to test these with available AREDN beta firmware. I guess for now it will be satisfactory (and perhaps even preferable for p-to-p) to use AirOS 5.5.11 to create my backbone links. How soon is work likely to start on AREDN firmware support for Bullet/AirGrid for XW? I know it will be waiting for the current beta2 release, but what is the probable time that will be finished up? The time will determine whether I install them all with AirOS or wait. Ted VE3TRQ
AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Relevant Ubiquiti Forum Posts

Relevant Ubiquiti Forum Posts

‎04-02-2014 06:59 AM - edited ‎04-02-2014 07:00 AM  UBNT-Matt_B_  Ubiquiti Employee:

Yes, I can clarify.  NanoStationLocos and airGrids are shipping now with the new boards.  I think the same day of my last post I saw the first report of the NanoStationLocos with new boards and I just checked, airGrids are shipping with them now.  The whole line will be switching to the new board over time.

‎04-03-2014 08:01 AM UBNT-Matt_B_ Ubiquiti Employee:

Excellent questions.  Here's what I do know based on a post @UBNT-Ben put in another thread.  We're currently waiting on the NanoBeams to be cleared for DFS, Ben said that we'll continue to manufacture and ship the NanoBridges until DFS is cleared for NBE and then the NanoBridges will be no more.  TBH, I do not know if the NanoBridges will/are getting the new boards.  It may just be a timing thing with the FCC clearance.
All currently manufactured airMax devices will be getting the new boards as far as I know.  Perhaps Ben can correct me if I'm wrong.

‎04-04-2014 01:26 PM - edited ‎04-07-2014 06:41 AM UBNT-Matt_B_ Ubiquiti Employee:

The device states the firmware version on the Main tab, it will also reject the wrong format.  For example, if you try to upload XW firmware to a XM device, the image check will fail and you'll see an error.  It works the opposite way too, trying to upload XM firmware to a XW device, you'll get an error.

AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Timing on XW support on AirGrid/Bullets

Ted,

The primary thread in the OpenWRT community on this issue is tracked here:  https://dev.openwrt.org/ticket/19085 .   The failure is in the Linux kernel to work around a defect in the physical Ethernet port, to catch and reset the physical network port on the device.  The symptoms are that the physical port stops working--a catastrophic issue for DTDlink and LAN traffic the node's basic function depends on.  

If you look at the link of the OpenWRT ticket above, someone has created a crowd source funding drive to get the attention of experts that know linix kernel and drivers.  The fix bounty is now at $215 as of Sept 28, 2015.    I would recommend everyone that reads this, to add at minimum $15 on this bounty.     We will be looking at this issue after releasing 3.15.1.0.  Unknown timing still.   

https://www.bountysource.com/issues/12898488-nanostation-m5-loco-xw-lose...

​In regards to building a backbone or major links in an area, I would recommend looking at MIMO or dual chain/antenna devices.  The airGrids are single chain (vertical or horizontal polarization based on how it is physically mounted).   The MIMO devices (NanoBridges, NanoStations, Rockets, etc.) offer improved throughput and ability to work in challenging environments (noisy and/or lots of fade paths) with both Vertical and Horizontal Polarization used at the same time.  But of course, this is the situation where you get what you pay for--MIMO devices are generally higher cost for additional performance.   

Joe AE6XE

 

VE3TRQ
VE3TRQ's picture
AirGrid XW support

Thanks for the pointer Joe, I'll follow up on it. I do realize that Rockets are probably the best bet for performance, but this is a low cost first attempt. The 5G AirGrid software just isn't there yet, but at least I can get some testing done with AirOS in bridge mode (connected to co-located 2.4G NanoStations).

 

Ted. VE3TRQ

kg9dw
kg9dw's picture
Try these

Ted - I've had real good luck with two of these Nanobridge M5 units:

http://www.amazon.com/Ubiquiti-Nanobridge-NB-5G25-Outdoor-25DBI/dp/B004M...

They are right around $100 plus shipping. Just make sure you get this exact one, looking just like this. The newer style won't work with the current firmware. I'd highly recommend them for point to point links, or for just a quick experiment/proof-of-concept. I've also been able to get a useable signal off of one while being at a 90 degree angle from the beam and 2 miles away. 

Mike, KG9DW

AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Ted,   To avoid an unstable

Ted,   To avoid an unstable link using an AirOS point to point bridge... If you implement this, take a look at the olsrd config paramenter:  "option Mode 'ether' ".   Best to comment this out on the AREDN nodes on both ends.   A DtDLink over a cat5 cable will drop out if the LQ drops below something like 95% due to this option.  Because you are looking to create a DtDlink over RF, best to comment out this option so that this link won't drop out until something like 30% LQ appropriate for an RF path.

Joe AE6XE

WB9KMO
Firmware Status for XW versions of Nanostation M2 and AirGrid M2
I recently purchased the XW NS M2 and AirGrid M2 hardware above and want to put current AREDN firmware on it. I tried U Boot and it didn't make sense. The most current Matrix info seems dated. Is there a way to get these XW units operational? Thanks. - Rod
kg9dw
kg9dw's picture
nope
Still no updates from the developers. See this post:

http://www.aredn.org/content/nanostation-loco-m5-xw-status

 
AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
WB9KMO,  can you confirm this
WB9KMO,  can you confirm this is a 2.4Ghz NanoStation and AirGrid?  The ubiquity support-download site for the NS and AirGrid M2s do not offer an "XW" image, only a "XM" image.   The XM and XW hardware have different chipsets, so if Ubiquity has released these 2.4Ghz devices with newer XW hardware, we'd expect the matching firmware to be available.    There must be a disconnect somewhere.
    
Joe AE6XE
WB9KMO
2.4 XW
Hello Joe. Yes. They are 2.4 XW models. I don't know where to start to get AREDN running properly on them. I hope someone can help. - Rod WB9KMO
AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
Rod,   If these are indeed 2
Rod,   If these are indeed 2.4Ghz Nanostations with XW hardware, then there isn't a supported AREDN image available.    The alternative path is to assume that these are XM hardware models and follow the proceedure to load AREDN as a last resort option.   The firmware cross over between XM and XW hardware will not load or cause brick issues--a checksum error would be reported on any attempt.    Are you able to access AirOS on the device to upload a "factory" image?  
k1ky
k1ky's picture
2015 Nanostation M2 Boards
Are there any confirmed sightings of "XW" Nanostation M2 units?  We just received 3 of them with manufacture dates of 2015 and they are still XM boards - programmed just fine.
WB9KMO
Nanostation M2s with XW hardware do exist
Yes. I have a NanoStation M2 that is XW hardware. Got it about two weeks ago. Got an AirGrid M2 and two Bullet M5s at the same time. All are XW hardware.  - Rod WB9KMO, Mesa AZ
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Thanks Rod.
Thanks Rod.
One thing would help us once we start working on support more XW devices is if you could...
1) Set your PC's ip to 192.168.1.2 / 255.255.255.0
2) Telnet/SSH/Putty into the Nanostation (default user is ubnt; password ubnt; default ip 192.168.1.20)
3) Run "cat /etc/board.info
4) Save the results and post it in response to this post.

Thanks, Darryl
k1ky
k1ky's picture
Board Info with AREDN Firmware
Is there a file we can view when the units are flashed with AREDN Firmware that will show the board info?  I don't see the /etc/board.info file on my unit.
 
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
no.   the board.info file is
no.   the board.info file is generated by a proprietary UBNT AirOs process.
WX4LTG
Plaintext board.info, AirGrid M5 XW

This device is just sitting here waiting for something I can load - I got caught early on with the XM-to-XW move.

XW.v5.6.3# cat /etc/board.info

board.sysid=0xe835
board.cpurevision=0x00001122
board.name=AirGrid M5
board.shortname=AG5
board.subtype=HP
board.netmodes=7
board.hwaddr=0418D6F8BA7E
board.reboot=40
board.upgrade=150
board.phycount=1
board.phy.1.maxmtu=2024
board.phy.2.maxmtu=2024
radio.1.name=
radio.1.shortname=
radio.1.bus=ahb
radio.1.subsystemid=0xe835
radio.1.subvendorid=0x0777
radio.1.txpower.max=25
radio.1.txpower.min=-4
radio.1.txpower.offset=6
radio.1.ieee_modes=5
radio.1.antennas=3
radio.1.def_antenna=3
radio.1.antenna.1.id=3
radio.1.antenna.1.name=Feed only
radio.1.antenna.1.gain=3
radio.1.antenna.1.builtin=1
radio.1.antenna.1.chains=1
radio.1.antenna.1.chain.1.id=0
radio.1.antenna.1.chain.1.name=Vertical
radio.1.antenna.2.id=1
radio.1.antenna.2.name=11x14
radio.1.antenna.2.gain=23
radio.1.antenna.2.builtin=1
radio.1.antenna.2.chains=1
radio.1.antenna.2.chain.1.id=0
radio.1.antenna.2.chain.1.name=Vertical
radio.1.antenna.3.id=2
radio.1.antenna.3.name=17x24
radio.1.antenna.3.gain=28
radio.1.antenna.3.builtin=1
radio.1.antenna.3.chains=1
radio.1.antenna.3.chain.1.id=0
radio.1.antenna.3.chain.1.name=Vertical
radio.1.distance_limit_km=0
radio.1.chanbw="5,8,10,20,30,40"
feature.rssi.leds=4
feature.ext_reset=0

k1ky
k1ky's picture
MAX POWER SETTINGS
Has anyone played with the txpower.max to increase the stated value on the UBNT devices? Guess I'll add that to my "thins to do" list.  I have a 2.4 Ghz slug for my Bird Wattmeter with the PEP board and I can measure the power output from units that have antenna connectors. Actually,  all models have antenna connectors inside.
 
KG6JEI
You need a spectrum analyzer

You need a spectrum analyzer and the ability to do constellation analysis on this. A bird watt matter is NOT sufficent for working with the RF power of a mesh node.  If you manage to peak the RF power it doesn't mean the transmissions will work.  Linearity is critical. This is why most cheap external  amplifiers for wifi gear actually degrade the signal.

For those who don't know the nodes decrease power to go to higher data rates to keep liniearity. Trying to push these past the specs set by the manufactures specs will very likely degrade performance.

K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
1) that value is a "REPORTED"
1) that value is a "REPORTED" value from AirOS.  you can't "set it" higher.
2) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE take this off your things to do list.  These radios are very well tuned and you will most likely just be introducing much more noise onto the band.   ;-)
3) It's probably a good way to burn up your finals.  ;-)

 
KE2N
KE2N's picture
to the max

My measurements indicate that the M2 units are already at or beyond the max.  Due to saturation, they need to back down to less than 28 dBm to properly reproduce a complex OFDM signal, according to UBNT spec sheets (22 dBm at the highest data rate see page 13 on 
 https://dl.ubnt.com/datasheets/rocketm/RocketM_DS.pdf ).  
Here (attached image) are my measurements with an HP 8900C peak power meter and 84811A power sensor.  Real output is about 1 dB more due to losses in a jumper cable I was using. But you can see the trend ...
 

Image Attachments: 
KE2N
KE2N's picture
axes
Horizontal axis is what you asked for in the GUI; vertical axis is what I measured.
WB9KMO
XW Board Info
I'm getting ready for a trip but will do what you ask as soon as possible.
WB9KMO
NS-M2 XW Device Status
Haven't retrieved board.info yet. Still intend to do that. I finally got a moment to work with my Nanostation M2.  The box has a tag indicating the unit is XW. I can send a picture if it matters. When I went into AirOS, it indicated 5.6.3 XM firmware! I find this a bit confusing. Consistent with others attempts to get this configured for BBHN/AREDN, I'll try the following.. 1. Run the UBOOT test, anticipating failure 2. Try to back up my current configuration 3. Install 5.5.x firmware 4. Run the UBOOT test, hoping for GOOD, GOOD results 5. Load a version of AREDN firmware. I'm leaning toward the 3.16.x beta version, but might try 3.15.x instead What do you suggest at this point? Rod WB9KMO 
AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
The box may be generic

The box may be generic labeling and I would not trust what it says.   If AirOS reports 5.6.3 XM, I would trust that.    This should be a standard install of the AREDN firmware.   It would be low risk to proceed directly to use the AREDN  factory image upload in the AirOS GUI.    But, always a good idea to run the uboot test program and create a backup of the device unique information to have a copy before doing anything.  

AE6XE
AE6XE's picture
My bad, hopefully you did not
My bad, hopefully you did not directly load AREDN factory image with the "good/bad" results and Darryl warned you in time.   I was somehow thinking it was v5.5.x and ready to go.    With v5.6.x, you definitely need to downgrade to the airOs v5.5.x version first!   
WB9KMO
NS-M2 Board Info
See attached images...  - Rod
Image Attachments: 
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
good.  Now use AirOS to
good.  Now use AirOS to downgrade to XM 5.5.x
Re-run the AREDN U-Boot Tester afterwards to verify..
 
WB9KMO
On final approach...
Loaded XM 5.5.11 and UBOOT tested GOOD/GOOD. Loaded AREDN 3.15 and now need to check it out. Will do that today. Want to load AREDN 3.16 Beta but couldn't find the BIN file. Where do I locate that? Thanks.
K6AH
K6AH's picture
It's near the bottom... under

It's near the bottom... under Experimental Builds

k1ky
k1ky's picture
Are there any reports of Rocket M5 XW deliveries?
Looking at this thread, are there any confirmed deliveries of Rocket M5 "XW" models?  What would I get if I bought one new today?
K5DLQ
K5DLQ's picture
Yes.  The M5 lines are mostly
Yes.  The M5 lines are mostly XW now from what I've seen...
N4RT
N4RT's picture
Bullet with XW Chipset - Frequency Selection Issue
A friend just received a brand new 2,4 GHz Bullet that has the XW chipset.  I confirmed this version on AirOS before I flashed it.  Following the suggestions I found in the forums, I flashed the unit with Rocket XW firmware.  It loaded just fine and we are able to configure the node after loading the AREDN Rocket XW firmware.  HOWEVER, the frequency selection still has the consumer WiFi frequencies (in GHz not CH numbers) showing in the drop down box on the set up page.  AREDN CH -2 (2.397 GHz) or CH -1 are not options and cannot be selected!  Is there some way to fix this?  Even though it is now a functional AREDN node, it doesn't do us much good since the rest of the network is on  CH -2.  I understand that new Bullet XW firmware is being developed... any idea when we might see an experimental release?
w6bi
w6bi's picture
Nightly build?
Did you load the nightly build?  That has all the latest device support.
 
N4RT
N4RT's picture
Bullet XW Nightly Build?
I do not see a firmware package listed in the nightly builds for a Bullet XW.  Are you saying to load the latest Rocket XW firmware in the nightly builds?
K6AH
K6AH's picture
Look in the ReadMe file

Documentation on the Nightly Builds can be found in the ReadMe file:  http://downloads.arednmesh.org/snapshots/trunk/readme.md

Andre, K6AH
 

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