airMAX - Guide to Configure a Long-Range Wi-Fi Client

This article describes how to configure a long-range Wi-Fi connection. It is applicable only to airMAX M devices. Please note that results will vary and will be affected by the maximum distance stated in the access point's manufacture documentation.

• Initial Steps
• Initial Configuration
• WiFi Configuration
• Attach to Access Point

Initial Steps

1. Please begin by restoring the radio to factory defaults. This is critical, especially if you are troubleshooting a problem. If you need more information on how to do so, this video might help.
2. With your Windows PC or Mac computer configured to the 192.168.1.x subnet, connect it to the radio using an Ethernet cable.
3. Using a web browser, enter 192.168.1.20 as the URL to gain access to the radio's management console.
4. Enter ubnt as the administration account and ubnt as the password.

Initial Configuration

Note: Change ONLY the items shown, leaving others at default values.

Choose the |Network| tab:

• Network Mode: Router
• WAN Network Settings > NAT: Enable
• LAN Network Settings > DHCP Server: Enabled
• Press [Change] button 

WiFi Configuration

In order to use this radio as your new Wi-Fi adapter, you must:

• Disable your device's internal Wi-Fi radio.
• Set your computer to "Obtain IP Address Automatically".
• Plug the Ubiquiti radio into your device's Ethernet port.
• Power-up your Ubiquiti radio, using Ubiquiti ToughCable (shielded Ethernet cable) and the included Power over Ethernet (PoE) adapter.

Note: Shielded Ethernet cable reduces the possibility of static electrical damage to the radio. It is particularly important when mounting in RV's and boats.

Attach to Access Point

1. Attach (as a client) to an Access Point by:

• Log in to the radio's management console at 192.168.1.1
• Select the |Wireless| tab
• SSID: [Select...] and choose the AP that you wish to attach to.

Note: Think of "Signal" as a temperature. The more "negative", the "colder" or "weaker" the signal. Choose the most appropriate AP, with the strongest signal level as shown in this column of the "Site Survey" window. Additionally, a signal that is "warmer" than -45 is too "hot" and may cause poor performance.

2. Enter key.

• If it is protected with a Pre-Shared Key, you will be prompted to enter it. Do so now.
• Press [Change].
• Press [Apply].

3. Within approximately 10 seconds, you will have a connection to your selected Access Point. Close your browser (it is probable that its IP address has changed and you can no longer "Logout").