Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5 Last Updated: July 5th, 2013 Release: Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5 Cisco Systems, Inc. www.cisco.
Abstract Abstract This document covers the Cisco 2600 and 3600 Series Access Points theory of operation and installation as part of a Cisco wireless LAN (WLAN) solution.
Choosing the Right Access Point – Stadium/Harsh Environments – Areas with High Vibration – Warehouse and Factory • Ethernet Cable Recommendation • Antenna Cable Recommendation • Access Point Spacing Recommendations – Installations in IDF Closets (Telecommunications or other Electrical Equipment) – Installations at Very High Altitudes – Installations Using a Common or Distributed Antenna System (DAS) – Installations Inside and Around Elevators • External Antenna Options and Patterns – For use with AP
Choosing the Right Access Point spatial stream (3SS) beamforming, together referenced as 4x4:3. ClientLink 2.0 permits speeds up to 450 Mbps via additional Modulation and Coding Scheme (MCS) data rates 16-23, while still maintaining IEEE 802.3af (15.4 Watt) Power over Ethernet (PoE) compliance. More on spatial streams can be found in section 802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams.
Choosing the Right Access Point Figure 2 AP 3600 Models and Eco-packs Figure 3 AP 2600 Models and Eco-packs Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Choosing the Right Access Point Figure 4 AP 1600 Models and Eco-packs Differences between the AP 3600 and AP 3500 Access Points The internal antenna version of AP 3600 and AP 3500 is almost identical in physical appearance with the exception of the LED which is slightly larger and more oval on the AP 3600. The AP 3500 has a square LED (allows for visual identification). Figure 5 AP 3600 vs AP 3500 LED Appearance From a side view, the AP 3600 is slightly thicker when compared to the AP 3500.
Choosing the Right Access Point Figure 6 Side View of AP 3600 (2.11 inches) and AP 3500 (1.84 inches) in height The AP 3600e (external antenna version) differs in appearance from the AP 3500e, having fewer antenna connector ports primarily due to the dual-band antenna system that is used. The AP 3500e has separate antennas for each band, 2.
Differences between the AP 3600 and AP 2600 AP 3600 Feature Module Support The WSSI (Wireless Security and Spread Spectrum Intelligence) module adds new functionality to the AP to future-proof customers' investment. This module provides a dedicated monitor radio to scan the full spectrum (not just the channel on which the AP is operating).
Differences between the AP 3600 and AP 2600 The AP 2600 is very similar to the AP 3600 but is a 3X4:3SS so with the AP 2600 - Client Link does not beamform to 3-ss clients, however; it does beamform at legacy and 1 & 2 Spatial Stream rates. The AP 3600 has slightly higher performance and beamforms to legacy 1, 2, 3 spatial stream rates and .11ac rates when using the optional .11ac module.
Introducing Cisco Aironet 1600 Series Access Point Figure 10 Backside of the AP 2600 - mounting hardware and antennas are the same as AP 3600 Introducing Cisco Aironet 1600 Series Access Point Designed as an entry level Access Point, key feature items include: Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Introducing Cisco Aironet 1600 Series Access Point • ClientLink 2.0 – a key addition when moving up from the AP’s 1040/1140 and 1260 series. – Support for 802.11n clients up to 1-SS – Supports 802.11a/b/g clients – ClientLink 2.0 for 1600 can support (beam-form) up to 32 clients per radio interface • 3x3:2 architecture for improved performance vs. 2x2:2 AP 1040 – Comparable for better throughput performance vs.
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 12 Comparison 3600, 2600 and 1600 series Access Points. Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options AP 1600, 2600 and 3600 have the same physical dimensions and mounting options with slightly different cosmetic differences example (3 antennas on 1600) but share similar dimensions as shown in Figure 13. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 13 Mechanical Drawing of the AP 2600 and the AP 3600 There are many different installation options available depending upon the requirements of the customer. Brackets are available from Cisco as well as third-party companies. During the ordering process, the customer may choose one of two brackets (but not both). Each bracket is a zero-dollar ($0) option at the time of configuration.
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options If the AP will be mounted directly to a ceiling on the gridwork, then AIR-AP-BRACKET-1 mounts flush and has the lowest profile. However, if the AP will be mounted to an electrical box or other wiring fixture, or inside a NEMA enclosure or perhaps wall mounted, then AIR-AP-BRACKET-2 is a better choice. The extra space in the bracket allows for wiring, and the extra holes line up with many popular electrical boxes.
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 17 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER (left) Slides onto the Rails Figure 18 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER Mounted to Rail Clip (left) and Finished Installation (right) Mounting an AP Directly into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 Many hospitals and other carpeted Enterprise environments prefer a more streamlined look and wish to install the AP directly into the tile. This can be done using the optional Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 (Figure 19).
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 19 Note Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 used to install the AP directly into the tile This bracket will fit the AP 1040, 1140, 1260, 1600, 2600, 3500 and 3600 Series Access Points. Wall-mounting the AP When wall mounting is desired, the installer should understand that walls can be a physical obstacle to the wireless signal; therefore, maintaining 360 degree coverage may be compromised by the wall.
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 20 Wall-mounting APs antennas should be vertical (up/down) or use the Oberon right-angle mounting structure - ideal for AP 3600i. Oberon P/N 1029-00) Changing the Color of an AP If there is a desire to change the color of an AP, rather than painting the AP which would void the warranty, consider using colored vinyl tape or using a colored plastic cover from Oberon (Figure 21).
Unique Installations Unique Installations Clean Rooms (Healthcare) Many hospitals and factories have requirements to wipe down or gently spray the environment with a chemical (often diluted material that has cleaning / disinfectant properties). The Cisco AP 3600 is designed with a purpose guild Wi-Fi chipset with Enterprise and industrial class components (Figure 22). This enables the AP enclosure to have a Plenum rating and is vent-less, so the unit is ideal for these types of applications.
Unique Installations Figure 23 Oberon Metal Enclosure protects and secures the AP in Clean Room Areas Above Ceiling Tiles The AP 2600 and 3600 are rated for installation in the Plenum area (UL-2043). Many customers prefer to locate the AP so that nothing can be visible on the ceiling. In some cases this is preferred for aesthetic reasons, so customers may install the AP above a drop ceiling.
Unique Installations Figure 24 Note Example of how to hang an AP above the ceiling tiles Installing APs above the ceiling tiles should only be done when mounting below the ceiling is not an option. The tiles must not be conductive; such installations can certainly degrade advanced RF features such as voice and location, so verify coverage and performance. Always try to mount the AP as close to the inside middle of the tile as possible, and avoid areas with obstructions (Figure 25).
Unique Installations Stadium/Harsh Environments Customers wishing to install the AP in harsh environments where it may be exposed to weather, such as sporting areas, stadiums, open garden areas or warehouse freezers, may wish to use a NEMA type enclosure. Figure 26 Example of NEMA 16x14x8 Enclosure with pressure vent on bottom Third-party sources for NEMA type enclosures include: www.oberonwireless.com http://www.terra-wave.
Unique Installations Figure 27 A metal pin or padlock will not deteriorate over time so it is better than a plastic tie Warehouse and Factory Warehouse installations are often difficult because of the very high ceilings and the clutter of the material being warehoused. When performing a coverage check (site survey) always check the coverage at “full stock” levels as the material being warehoused can change the RF coverage creating loss of uniform coverage.
Unique Installations Figure 28 Note AP Placement in Warehouse Environment External dipole “e” series or internal antenna “I” series version could be used When mounting an AP at the end of a pipe or electrical conduit box, use the universal bracket Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-2, as it will mate to the holes of most electrical boxes (Figure 29). Conduit and adapters can be purchased at most electrical or home repair centers. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Unique Installations Figure 29 Mounting an AP onto an Electrical Conduit Box (ceiling T-Bar or conduit) Ethernet Cable Recommendation While the AP 1600/2600 and 3600 will work fine with CAT-5e for new cable installations, it is recommended that customers use CAT6a as this is the cabling required by the 10GE standard. Antenna Cable Recommendation Whenever practical/possible, please keep antenna cable runs as short as possible.
Unique Installations Access Point Spacing Recommendations If you have a Wi-Fi device such as an AP and you are going to use another AP in the vicinity on a different channel, it is recommended that you space each AP apart by approximately 6 Ft (2 meters). Avoid clustering the APs or the antennas from different APs together, as this could cause degradation in performance.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Installations Using a Common or Distributed Antenna System (DAS) Due to the dual-band nature of the antenna system on the AP 2600 and AP 3600, along with key features such as ClientLink 2.0 beamforming, it is not recommended for deployments on Distributed Antenna Systems commonly referred to as DAS.
External Antenna Options and Patterns AIR-ANT2524DW-R – Dual-band (White) dipole AIR-ANT2524DG-R – Dual-band (Grey) dipole (4 required) – 2/4 dBi Dipole (4 required) – 2/4 dBi Dipole AIR-ANT2524V4C-R – Dual-band Omni-directional (1 required) – 2/4 dBi Ceiling mount Omni use AIR-ANT2544V4M-R– Dual-band Omni-directional (1 required) – 4/4 dBi Wall mount Omni use AIR-ANT2566P4W-R– Dual band directional Note (1 required) – 6 dBi Patch wall mount use These are all dual-band, dual-resonant antennas.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Figure 31 Specifications for the AIR-ANT2524Dx-R Dual-band Dipole Antenna Figure 32 Radiation Pattern for the AIR-ANT2524Dx-R Dual-band Dipole Antenna Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Figure 33 Specifications for the AIR-ANT2566P4W-R Dual-band Patch Antenna Figure 34 Radiation Pattern for the AIR-ANT2566P4W-R Dual-band Patch Antenna Assuming the antenna is mounted on a wall, the Azimuth (in RED) is the signal going forward from the antenna, the elevation in Blue is “up/down” pattern. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Figure 35 Specifications for the AIR-ANT2524V4C-R Dual-band Omni Antenna Figure 36 Radiation Pattern for the AIR-ANT2524V4C-R Dual-band Omni Antenna Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Note Figure 37 Specifications for the AIR-ANT2544V4M-R Dual-band Omni Antenna Figure 38 Radiation Patterns for the AIR-ANT2544V4M-R Dual-band Omni Antenna For larger patterns, see the individual specification sheet for this antenna. AP 3600i, AP 2600i, and AP 1600i Antenna patterns for the AP 3600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 39 and Figure 40. Antenna patterns for the AP 2600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 41 and Figure 42.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Figure 39 Radiation Patterns for the AP 3600i @ 2.4 GHz Figure 40 Radiation Patterns for the AP 3600i @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
External Antenna Options and Patterns Figure 41 Radiation Patterns for the AP 2600i @ 2.4 GHz Figure 42 Radiation Patterns for the AP 2600i @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Understanding External Antenna Deployments Figure 43 Radiation Patterns for the AP 1600i @ 2.4 GHz Figure 44 Radiation Patterns for the AP 1600i @ 5 GHz Understanding External Antenna Deployments All Cisco antenna connectors are labeled “A” “B” “C” and so on… “A” has a higher priority than “B” or “C/D” so if the Access Point supports say 3 or 4 antennas and you only have 2 antennas, you would use them on ports “A” and “B” (short term until you could install the additional antennas).
Understanding External Antenna Deployments While it is not recommended that you use less antennas – the product (in a pinch) would support 802.11a/b/g clients or single spatial stream N clients using only one or two antennas however there is a significant performance hit and you would lose Client Link functionality – Should you do this, you would also want to configure the Access Point in software to not use the other antennas.
Understanding External Antenna Deployments Figure 45 6 dBi patch antenna – while not critical, ideally port “A” and “B” would be on the ends. Figure 46 AP 1600 Note port “A” is spaced furthest from “B” and “C” for best diversity Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
Understanding External Antenna Deployments Remember the best antenna placement is the one where the antenna is physically closest to the actual users. If you are mounting multiple single package dual band antennas externally such as dipoles, spacing is not critical but try to space as far apart as practical (with “A” and “B” the furthest apart).
Understanding External Antenna Deployments Figure 48 In areas where high amounts of metal is present, a site survey is required When using 802.11n rates in areas with high metal such as distribution areas or airport hangars, sometimes lower gain antennas (on the ceiling) can perform better as lower gain antennas tend to radiate the signal in all directions increasing the chance that multi-path will enhance the signal.
802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams Figure 49 Example of a high gain antenna AIR-ANT2480V-N with cover removed A high gain antenna may have a null or dead spot directly underneath it as the antenna element is often much longer with less metal surface area available to conduct the radio wave if you are located directly underneath it, however; the further away you are from the antenna the more surface is available and so the better it performs. 802.
802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams Figure 50 Note AP 3500i/e is a 2x3:2 system (supports up to 2 transmit chains) 2x3:2 means two transmitters, three receivers supporting two spatial streams. Figure 51 Modulation and Coding Scheme: 2SS Bonded Channel Supports up to 300 Mbps Unlike the AP 3500, the newer AP 3600 supports 3SS with twice as many transmitters (4 per band) enabling faster data rates of up to 450 Mbps.
802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams Figure 52 AP 3600: 4 Transmitters and 4 Receivers per Radio Band The AP 2600 while similar to the AP 3600 is slightly different as it is a 3x4:3 meaning, the AP 2600 also has 4 antennas to help on the receive (upstream signal) but it only uses three transmitters on the downstream side. The yellow sections of the MCS chart in Figure 53 depict the faster data rates supported by the AP 3600. The AP 3600 supports 802.11a/b/g rates as well as 802.
802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams Clients That Support Three Spatial Streams Clients with 3SS support are starting to become commonplace. As the new 802.11ac specification starts to get traction, many newer client adapters will have the newer chipsets and support 3SS as a subset to 802.11ac. Additionally, unlike many of our competitors the Cisco AP 1600/2600 and 3600 fully supports all the DFS channels for more usable channels in the 5 GHz range. More clients, especially 802.
802.11n Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams Figure 54 ClientLink 2.0 With beamforming technology, changing the timing of two transmitters creates a stronger signal for the receiver, e.g, a client device. This is referred to as constructive interference. Sometimes, however, the opposite happens and the signals cancel each other out. This is called destructive interference. Refer to Figure 55.
Site Survey Considerations Figure 56 Note Example of ClientLink (directing the signal to a client, in this case 1 spatial stream) In order to beamform to clients using 3 spatial streams, since 3 transmitters are used in the transmissions the AP needs at least one additional radio to beamform. The AP 3600 has 4 radios pre band and can beamform to clients using 3 spatial streams. To summarize, ClientLink 2.
Site Survey Considerations Note Figure 57 AP 3600 Site Survey Ranges (typical cell sizes have not changed; AP 3500 and AP 3600 cell sizes are the same Figure 58 Site Survey Sensitivity and SNR The SNR for 3SS is 28 dB, per IEEE, but Cisco RF engineers recommend 30-32 dB for best performance. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.
General Considerations Regarding Access Points Figure 59 Site Survey Sensitivity and SNR General Considerations Regarding Access Points Following are some guidelines to remember regarding all access points. 1. Always try to mount the AP as close to the users as possible for best performance. Be aware of the environment; for example, hospitals have metal doors, coverage can change when the doors close, old buildings can have metal grid work in the plaster or asbestos.
802.11ac Primer – How is it different from 802.11n? Note 4. If you require 3 spatial stream coverage for the fastest throughput, and/or you are looking for the best BYOD experience, the Cisco Aironet 3600 and 2600 Series Access Points with ClientLink 2.0 will perform better than the AP 3500. The AP 3600 can beamform to 802.11n clients, so it is important to understand the data requirements if you are mixing Cisco Aironet 1260, 3500 and 3600 Series Access Points in the same areas. 5.
802.11ac Primer – How is it different from 802.11n? 802.11ac Wave-2 features include: (Note this paper concentrates on Wave-1) as Wave-2 is still in flux. • Everything supported in Wave-1 • Multi-user MIMO client enhancement • Bonding up to 160 MHz • Faster Ethernet uplinks exceeding GbE Figure 61 1 Spatial Stream MCS rates for 801.11n (left) and 1 Spatial Stream MCS rates for 802.
802.11ac Primer – How is it different from 802.11n? Figure 63 Faster speeds with newer MCS rates and bonding – up to 433 Mbps on 1 stream. Even faster speeds occur when you can use multiple spatial streams, many newer smart phones may likely support only 1 spatial stream, but higher end tablets and notebooks will typically support 2 or more spatial streams. Let’s look at speeds when using 2 and 3 spatial streams.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module Understanding 802.11ac and the option module AP 3600 Radio Module Cisco Part Number (AIR-RM3000AC-x-K9=) Independent radio module providing 802.11ac support (Wave-1) support within the AP 3600 Features include: • Complements existing 5 GHz 802.11n radio by providing an independent 802.11ac overlay • Permits faster throughput for 802.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module limited (for example 15.4W 802.3af power) the Access Point will come up with the radio module disabled until a suitable source of power is available such as enhanced PoE, 802.3at PoE+, Power Injector for or the Local Power Supply AIR-PWR-B is used. Figure 65 Switches that support the AP 3600 Should the installer/administrator determine a need to power the module from a 15.
Understanding 802.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module Figure 69 Module antennas are internal to the Access Point and radiate omni-directionally Because the 5 GHz module operates in the same frequency band as the internal 5 GHz 802.11n radio, both radios have been purposefully designed to work in tandem (think of it as a blended radio) where both radios work as one radio maintaining proper isolation and performance. Unlike the competition, this allows the 802.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module Figure 71 Current channel allocation plan ETSI Theater. What’s in the future as far as spectrum allocation? • In the US there are currently 22/10/5/1 channels with bandwidth 20/40/80/160MHz channels • With opening up of 5.35-5.47GHz & 5.85-5.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module Right now USB adapters and “Workgroup Bridge” like media adapters are available – Here is a partial list, keep in mind new products are being released all the time.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module Figure 72 Understanding RF radio interfaces Since 802.11ac is fairly new, having a dedicated module handling the VHT (Very High Throughput) requests makes it easy to see which clients are connected at 802.11ac rates and which 802.11ac clients are actually connecting at 802.11n rates. This is accomplished by observing the SLOT ID.
Understanding 802.11ac and the option module • Not understanding SSID’s for both 5 GHz need to be the same and all .11ac clients are sent to the .
A Quick Look at a few "Non-Optimal" Installations A Quick Look at a few "Non-Optimal" Installations The pictures below present examples of installations that are not recommended. It is very difficult to provide good Wi-Fi service with a poor installation. Always try to avoid metal and clutter.
A Quick Look at a few "Non-Optimal" Installations Figure 77 Example of an AP Installation near metal and clutter (again try to avoid metal and clutter) Figure 78 Example of a poor installation - Access Point needs to be level and not swing or move about Use common sense when mounting devices, AP should be level and secured so that it does not sway or move - Keep the Access Point away from metal objects and try to locate it as close to the users as possible or practical to do understanding aesthetics et
A Quick Look at a few "Non-Optimal" Installations Figure 79 Example of a poor installation – Access Point is too high & buried in conductive foil Remember the best place for an Access Point is as close to the users as possible – Avoid metal or conductive objects in the near field (they cause the radio waves to become directional and increases nulls (dead spots).
Misc. Questions and Answers Tip When mounting antennas outside, always mount with the WIRES DOWN and never obstruct or put weather proofing material over the drain holes. Figure 81 Always mount antennas outdoors with leads DOWN (indoors does not matter) Figure 82 If antenna connectors are exposed to weather – Coax-Seal should be used but if present, do not cover antenna drain holes. Misc. Questions and Answers Q.
Misc. Questions and Answers A. Generally speaking the AP 2600e or 3600e would be my first choice as these external antenna models have the highest operating temperature range -20 to 55C. The AP 1600 can also be used but has a slightly lower operating temperature -20 to 50C. If temperature is not a concern then the internal antenna “I” series 1600, 2600 and 3600 may be used. Q.
URL Links and Other Resources A. Yes. All 3 radios will be active The 2.4 GHz radio continues to support legacy b/g clients as well as n clients. The two 5 GHz radios (integrated + module) will work in tandem so they are not competing with each other but working in concert to support the same channels. For instance: • The 802.11ac module adopts an 80 MHz wide channel on 100-104-108-112 • The 802.11a/n integrated radio operates on Channels 100-104 and a 40 MHz wide channel for 802.11n clients, and 802.
URL Links and Other Resources Cisco antenna reference guide http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps7183/ps469/ product_data_sheet09186a008008883b.html Why buy Cisco brand antennas http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps10981/white_paper_c11-671769.pdf Understanding antenna patterns and their meanings http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps7183/ps469/ prod_white_paper0900aecd806a1a3e.html Cisco Guest Access Deployment Guide http://www.cisco.