Configuring Antennas - Aerohive AP330 User Manual

directions in a toroidal (donut-shaped) pattern. For greater coverage on a horizontal plane, it is best to
orient the antennas vertically. So that you can easily do this whether the AP is mounted horizontally or
vertically, the articulated antennas hinge and swivel. The non-articulated antennas are intended for wall
installations and have a fixed orientation in the same direction as the antenna connectors. For more
information about configuring antennas for the best coverage, see
The AP330 and AP350 use a 2.4 GHz WLAN power amplifier from SST Communications (p/n
SST12LP15A) and a 5 GHz WLAN power amplifier from Microsemi (p/n LX5530).
Connect the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas to the connectors with the corresponding 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
labels. In addition to being labeled, the 5 GHz antenna connectors are within gray circles that match the
gray grips near the base of the 5 GHz antennas (see
Figure 5 AP350 antennas
Nonarticulated antenna
Length:
3 1/2" (8.9 cm)
Use nonarticulated antennas when
you can position the AP to determine
antenna orientation; for example, a
wall mount with three antennas
pointing up and three pointing down.
Use articulated antennas when you must angle them for optimal coverage;
for example, a ceiling mount with all six antennas pointing down.

Configuring Antennas

As anyone who has administered a WLAN system knows, configuring the antennas correctly at the outset
can save you lots of trouble. The external antennas on the AP350 are adjustable, and can be patch,
directional (single-direction), and omnidirectional antennas. The type of antenna you use determines the
coverage pattern.
Single-direction Antennas
The most common external antennas are directional patch antennas that provide coverage in a single
direction. Most commonly they have a transmission pattern similar to that shown in
Based on the gain, the signal will be wide (like the low gain antenna shown on top) or narrow and long (like
the high gain antenna shown on the bottom).
Aerohive devices accommodate external antennas via coaxial jacks on the chassis (see
page 14). These jacks are standard male RP-SMA connectors.
RF coverage patterns are not perfect for these antennas and they often broadcast slightly in
directions other than the primary one. These extra "lobes" can be seen in both of the patterns
shown below.
AP330 and AP350 User Guide
Figure 5).
Articulated antenna
Length when
hinged at 90°:
4 7/8" (12.4 cm)
Length when
fully extended:
5 3/4" (14.6 cm)
AP330 AP350 P
AND RODUCT
"Configuring Antennas".
Antennas and connectors are
labeled and color-coded for easy
installation.
Attach the 2.4 GHz antennas
(white connector rings) to the
connectors labelled 2.4 GHz.
Attach the 5 GHz antennas (gray
connector rings) to the connectors
labelled 5 GHz with gray circles.
Figure 6 on page
"Antennas" on
O
VERVIEW
16.
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