ubnt ltu performance test part 1

Devices based on the LTU protocol can operate in a wide frequency range, i.e. from 4800MHz to 6200MHz. Additionally, we can set optimal channel width (10,20,30,40,50 MHz) and work on 1024QAM modulation. Ubiquiti Networks announces that in the upcoming software updates we can expect to introduce a channel width up to 100MHz and modulation 4096QAM. Thanks to these changes it will be possible to achieve real bandwidth even up to 1Gbps (currently up to 600Mbps). It is worth knowing that the Ubiquiti LTU product family is based on a dual-core ARMv7 Cortex A9 processor. Unfortunately for the moment we don't know yet what the processor clock rate is. In short, both LTU-Rocket and LTU-Pro have virtually the same processor. Comparing the processor load of both devices, it can be assumed that the only difference between LTU-Rocket and LTU-Pro is that the LTU-Pro processor is clocked slower.

Ubiquiti Networks have already got us used to the good quality of their equipment. This is the case with LTU-Rocket and LTU-Pro. The quality of both devices is very good, although the manufacturer could take care of the reduction of plastics in LTU-Rocket, because the whole one side is made of plastic only. In LTU-Pro, on the other hand, you may have some slight doubts about the mast attachment handle, which, except for the clamp itself, is made of a "light alloy". In addition, the paint applied gives a feeling of plastic (powder coating), but after scratching some paint off "metal" elements are clearly visible.

The way the handle is attached to the device's housing is a great advantage. Well, if we first mount the bracket to the mast (without the device), we can use it as an aiming mechanism!

Once the mast holder is properly attached, we can mount the antenna itself. A great advantage is the very easy way of mounting even when working at considerable heights, but Ubiquiti inc has already got us used to that.

"Both devices have a GPS module. LTU-Rocket is equipped with an external antenna, which is well known from previous products. In the case of LTU-Pro, the GPS antenna is built into the housing. An interesting solution is also the gyroscope module included with the GPS, which gives tilt and rotation values of the antenna. Thanks to such a solution, adjusting and setting the antennas becomes a very pleasant activity. And the range of information displayed is really impressive. In addition, the possibility of saving the antenna position setting allows you to re-align the antenna after service work, and also allows you to monitor possible changes in the antenna position (e.g. after strong gusts of wind or storms).

Due to the season (winter) and current weather conditions, we were unable to test the equipment in the field. Therefore, Part 1 of the tests, will be based on "desk tests". In order to carry out the tests professionally, we used the following devices:

Tests were carried out on a desk, in an environment with lots of metal devices (switches, routers, etc.). The devices were located 2 meters apart.

Ubiquiti LTU-Rocket has typical "stick" antennas from a 5GHz WiFi router. Of course, we are all aware of the big limitations and quality of the antennas, and the very imperfect one during the tests - all this certainly affected the results. Moreover, Ubiquiti LTU-Pro worked without GPS synchronization.

* The last three tests require special attention:

• test no. 9 and 10: executed at an interval 5MHz between Tx and Rx
• test no. 11: executed at an interval 0MHz between Tx and Rx channels.

As you can see, the devices don't interfere!

Tests made with a radio spectrum analyzer, show exactly what the broadcasting process looks like - no noise generated by the device itself. Long Term Ubiquiti transmits exactly at the frequency specified in the settings and there is no descent slope, which is visible in many cheap solutions.