Cisco Aironet 1600 Deployment Manual
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Cisco Aironet 1600 Deployment Manual

Cisco Aironet 1600 Deployment Manual

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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.com

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  • Page 1 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.com...
  • Page 2 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. Subjects related include: Choosing the right Access Point • Differences between AP 3600 and AP 3500 •...

  • Page 3: Choosing The Right Access Point

    Choosing the Right Access Point Models The Cisco 3600 Series Access Point (AP 3600) targets customers requiring support for mission-critical applications. The AP 3600 embodies ClientLink 2.0, an innovative antenna technology comprising four transmit radios and four receive radios called 4X4 Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) and three...
  • Page 4 The “e” version also supports mounting inside NEMA enclosures for use in the most demanding environments. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 5 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 7.5...
  • Page 6 While the AP 3600 has a little more depth, this AP is completely backward compatible with the mounting brackets for the existing Cisco Aironet 1040, 1140, 1260 and 3500 Series Access Points. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 7 Beamforming to a 3SS client requires n+1 RF design. To accomplish this, the AP 3600 has an additional radio per band, which improves client performance by using Cisco ClientLink 2.0. Unlike AP 3500, the newer AP 3600 design supports an additional feature module. The bottom of the AP 3600 unit looks different as it has openings to support the feature module.
  • Page 8 80 MHz, 256 QAM. Supporting Explicit Beamforming support per the 802.11ac standard. Use of the module may require the local power supply, Cisco power injector, .3at PoE+ or the use of Cisco Enhanced PoE, as the module may increase power draw greater than 15.4W.
  • Page 9 Access Points so that if you surveyed for a 3600 Series AP, the AP 2600 can also be substituted without performing another survey. Figure 9 AP 2600 is same size as AP 3600 but does not support radio modules Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 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 7.5...

  • Page 11: Cisco Clean Air Express

    Cisco CleanAir Express technology is enabled on the advanced silicon design of the Cisco’s Second Generation entry-level Access Point, the Cisco Aironet® 1600. With Clean Air Express the Aironet 1600 Access Point has the ability to effectively detect RF interference, identify the source, locate it on a map, and then make automatic adjustments to optimize wireless coverage.

  • Page 12: 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 Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 13 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.

  • Page 14: Channel Rail Adapters - Cisco Part Number Air-Chnl-Adapter

    16, an optional channel adapter is used: AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER. It comes in a two-pack and attaches to the ceiling grid clip above. Refer to Figure 17 Figure Figure 16 Example of Channel Rails Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 15 When using this bracket, the “beauty ring” is used as the template to cut the tile which can be cut using a carpet knife or electric tool such as a rotary cutting tool, e.g., Dremel™ or Rotozip™. Cisco does not offer custom cut tiles as there are simply too many different styles and the tiles are easy to cut.

  • Page 16: Wall-Mounting The Ap

    APs with internal antennas such as the AP 3600i that are wall-mounted should use the Oberon mounting bracket unless roaming is not an issue, e.g., hotspot, kiosk, or small venue scenario. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 17: Changing The Color Of An Ap

    Oberon (Figure 21). Figure 21 Third-party option for changing AP color, adding custom Logo, or hiding the LED Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 18: Unique Installations

    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).

  • Page 19: Above Ceiling Tiles

    Erico and Cooper can be used (Figure 24). The Erico Caddy 512a or the Cooper B-Line BA50a or similar T-Bar Grid T-Bar hangars can be used. For more information see: www.erico.com www.cooperindustries.com Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 20 (Figure 25). Figure 25 Installing AP above ceiling tiles: Pick an area clear of obstructions, avoid ceiling clutter Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 21: Stadium/Harsh Environments

    If the Access Point is installed using a “side arm” type mount or other mounting locations where there is a likelihood of high vibration, it is recommended that a padlock or metal pin be used to prevent the AP from vibrating loose from the bracket. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 22: Warehouse And Factory

    See Figure Another option is to mount the AP lower using pipe and electrical box mounting techniques. Refer to the example shown in Figure Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 23 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).

  • Page 24: Ethernet Cable Recommendation

    (LL) and ultralow loss (ULL) cables, which have the same characteristics as Times Microwave LMR-400 and LMR-600. Cisco cables carry the part number AIR-CAB (Aironet Cable) and then a length. For example, a 20 Ft length of LL cable with RP-TNC connector is Cisco AIR-CAB-020LL-R. These heavy black cables are not Plenum rated and are primarily for outdoor use or manufacturing areas.

  • Page 25: Access Point Spacing Recommendations

    All units in the test group were connected to at least one WLAN client and monitored for continual operation passing traffic, and performing constant ping testing throughout the operational altitude test. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 26: Installations Inside And Around Elevators

    While Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and Cisco field teams do not provide support for RF issues that arise in a Cisco WLAN used over a DAS, they will provide support for non-RF related issues in Cisco products per the customer's support agreement with Cisco Systems.
  • Page 27 For additional information on Cisco antennas, see the Cisco Antenna Reference Guide at this URL: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps7183/ps469/ product_data_sheet09186a008008883b.html The antenna reference guide will have details for all Cisco antennas; you can also find individual datasheets at this URL: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps469/index.html The two most popular external antennas for the AP 3600e are the AIR-ANT2524Dx-R dual-band dipole...
  • Page 28 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 7.5...
  • Page 29 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 7.5...
  • Page 30 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 7.5...
  • Page 31 Antenna patterns for the AP 2600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 41 Figure Antenna patterns for the AP 1600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 43c and Figure Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 32 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 7.5...
  • Page 33 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 7.5...

  • Page 34: Understanding External Antenna Deployments

    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”...
  • Page 35 Patch on ports “A” and “B” but again it is only a small improvement and not critical and that is why we do not label them. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 36 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 7.5...
  • Page 37 Points. Antennas for the 1260 and 3500 series are single radiating element antennas made for each individual band. The 3600, 2600 and 1600 use dual band - dual radiating element antennas and are branded with an orange marking see Figure 45 Figure Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 38 Of course if you have a clear shot, a patch antenna at the end of an aisle at roughly the same height or just above the (WLAN client) is preferred. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 39: 802.11N Primer - Understanding Spatial Streams

    The AP 3500 supported up to 300 Mbps (MCS rate 15 configured with a bonded channel and short guard interval (GI). Refer to Figure 51. The MCS values correspond to actual data rates. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 40 Using a dual-band design the AP 3600 has a total of 8 transceivers (transmitter/receivers) using only 4 antennas (Figure 52). Four radios are used in each band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 41 AP 2600/3600 supports up to 450 Mbps (MCS rates 0-23) AP 1600 (MCS rates 0-15) These additional MCS rates permit more choices for the client supporting 3SS when making rate-shifting decisions as the rate-shifting algorithm maintains the best overall throughput connection. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 42: Clients That Support Three Spatial Streams

    The AP 3600 with its extra radio per band can use the extra redundant radio to beamform (thanks to ClientLink 2.0) and uses this to maintain the advantage of 3SS links. Cisco ClientLink 2.0 can also improve the overall performance of 802.11n clients using 1, 2 and 3 spatial streams and legacy .11a/g clients.
  • Page 43 AP 3600 can beamform to all 802.11a/g and 802.11n 1, 2 and 3 spatial stream clients. The signal is x3 as each stream is beamformed. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 44: Site Survey Considerations

    60% on the downlink side for a much better 802.11n client connectivity and enhancing the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) experience. For more information on Cisco ClientLink 2.0 refer to the following URL: http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps11983/at_a_glance_c45-691984.pdf Site Survey Considerations While ClientLink dynamically beamforms and helps to maintain a robust signal which results in fewer retries, it was not designed to change the cell range.
  • Page 45 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. Note Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 46 Try to determine which clients are going to be used and check the coverage using those clients. For example, a PDA or Wi-Fi phone might not have the same range as a notebook or tablet. Verify coverage using the worst performing clients that you intend to deploy. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 47 Gas & Oil verticals, large hospitals, etc., Cisco has an Advanced Services team that can be contracted to help you get up to speed or perform your installation. See your Cisco account team for more information.
  • Page 48 So the net take-away is that 802.11ac permits faster speeds – allowing clients to take advantage of the additional bandwidth and complex modulation for over-all performance enhancement while maintaining backward compatibility with 802.11n and 802.11a/g systems already in place. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 49 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. Figure 64 Typical Wave-1 data rates @ 2 and 3 spatial streams Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 50: Understanding 802.11Ac And The Option Module

    (slots 0 and 1) as well as the 802.11ac 5 GHz module which shows up as (slot 2). This additional radio module takes the overall power draw of the Access Point to 18 Watts. If the power being supplied is Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 51 Because the module antennas are internal, the module radiates much like an AP 3600i would as there are no RF connectors on the module, so the antennas “appear” as they would on the internal models. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 52 5 GHz 802.11n radio both work together as one “blended” radio it is best to keep cells uniform by using dipoles or by verifying coverage is acceptable for your intended application. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 53 Let’s take a look at the frequencies available and how the channel bonding would work. Figure 70 Current channel allocation plan US Theater. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 54 Compressed Beam-Forming a IEEE 802.11ac standardized method of Beam-forming (similar in some ways to Cisco’s Client Link) but slightly different as the .11ac client needs to send “sounding information” to the AP and then the AP uses that sounding information (from the client) to best send the signal back to the client using (beam-forming).
  • Page 55 (RRM controls both the integrated radio and the module radio). Given there is no “greenfield” 802.11ac mode, RRM, Rogue AP detection and SI (Spectrum Intelligence) all continue to function normally. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

  • Page 56: Troubleshooting The Module (Basics)

    Not enough PoE power (requires 802.3at) 18W • Not configured correctly • Not understanding the radios operate “together” so you need to configure the radio in slot 1 (5 GHz • internal) first Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 57 Features not supported in the module MFP – Management Frame Protection CCX – Cisco Compatible Extensions (Integrated 5 GHz radio handles these requests) IAPP (used to connect WGBs and their clients) -> no WGB support. Note: You can connect a WGB in WGBu (universal) mode, because it essentially behaves like a standard client, but no WGBC support.

  • Page 58: A Quick Look At A Few "Non-Optimal" Installations

    Wi-Fi service with a poor installation. Always try to avoid metal and clutter. Figure 75 Example of an AP installation near metal and clutter (try to avoid metal and clutter) Figure 76 Patch antenna against a metal fence Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 59 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 etc. Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 60 (dead spots). If you must mount the AP in a high ceiling, look at directional antennas to direct (angle down) the signal to the intended target area and always mount dipoles in the correct orientation. Figure 80 When using dipole antennas observe the correct orientation (vertical polarity) Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 61 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 Which AP is best for manufacturing and warehouse areas? Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...
  • Page 62 UNII-1 band restrictions or I wish to use higher gain antennas? Consider deploying the Cisco Mesh products (1550 series) or look for Access Points ending in “P” for professional install, such as the 3502P series or our outdoor bridging products.

  • Page 63: Url Links And Other Resources

    Installations should be done based on lessons learned from the site survey – the better the survey • the less likely connectivity problems will occur. Cisco has an advanced services team that can perform WLAN surveys or help with the wireless • design if a partner is not available or able to do same.
  • Page 64 Cisco Mobility Services Engine – WLAN location deployment guide http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/ps9742/products_tech_note09186a00809d1529.shtml WLAN Design Guide for High Density Client Environments in Higher Education http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps10981/design_guide_c07-693245.pdf Mobility Design Guides http://www.cisco.com/en/US/netsol/ns820/networking_solutions_program_home.html Software support and downloads http://www.cisco.com/tac Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5...

This manual is also suitable for:

Aironet 2600Aironet 3600

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