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To summarize, Cisco ClientLink takes the received signals heard from the client on the uplink, calculates how the multipath
signal looks from those streams, and then on the reciprocal side (transmit downlink) figures out the optimal way using all four
radios to best form the signal (transmit beamforming) to enable the client to best decode (receive the signal on the downlink)
with the least amount of retries.
ClientLink 3.0 with AP 3700 enables beamforming to all 802.11n and 11ac clients, including 3SS clients. ClientLink 2.0 with
AP 3600 enables beamforming to all 802.11n clients, including 3SS clients, and can do so for up to 128 clients at a time.
AP 1600 supports less clients (32) and does not support 3-ss. ClientLink 1.0 supported a maximum of
Note
15 clients at a time. ClientLink 2.0 significantly improves throughput and coverage of up to 60% on the
downlink side for a much better 802.11n client connectivity and enhancing the Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD) experience.
Understanding Cisco TxBF (ClientLink) and IEEE (ECBF)
Understanding the need and value of ClientLink 3.0
Enhanced Beam Forming (EBF) did not make it in 802.11n, but it is now in 802.11ac. This was achieved with 802.11ac after
a single sounding method was finally agreed upon. Note that EBF is changed to Explicit Compressed Beam Forming (ECBF).
But, today, 802.11ac clients do not support ECBF yet. Because, clients are still emerging and ECBF traction is slow.
ClientLink 3.0 with four antennas can also perform T×BF to 3-SS clients. No one else can do T×BF to 802.11ac 3-spatial
stream clients, because you need four antennas to beamform to a three spatial stream client (n+1) to beamform.
Cisco AP 3700 supports ECBF (802.11ac method) and ClientLink 3.0.
Cisco ClientLink 3.0 works with all 802.11a/g/n and 802.11ac clients today.
For more information on Cisco ClientLink 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. ClientLink creates a better connection experience, not larger cell size.
For this reason, when conducting a survey it is important to keep in mind that the AP 3600 cell sizes are generally the same or
very similar to other Cisco APs.
survey with the equipment you intend to deploy, a previous survey done with say an AP 3500 – would not be invalid for an AP
3600 deployment.
Figure 62
Figure 61
depicts typical ranges in the 1 - 54 Mbps range. While it is always recommended to
and
Figure 63
provide examples of the modulation types and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR).
Cisco Aironet Series 1700/2700/3700 Access Point Deployment Guide
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point
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