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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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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 � Differences between AP 3600 and AP 2600 � Introduction of AP 1600 – AP feature comparison � Hardware details, mounting options, bracket choices and installation considerations � Antenna options, radiation patterns externa
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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
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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. Figure 1 Access Point Portfolio Placement Access Points are available in two models see Figure 2: � I
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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 5
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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
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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, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, and does not support 3SS technology since it has only two transceivers (transmitter/receiver) and one extra receiver per band enabli
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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). It will offload complete monitoring and security services to the monitor module including CleanAir, WIDS/WIPS, Context-aware Location, Rogue Detectio
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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. Unlike the AP 3600, the AP 2600 Access Point does not support optional modules but it does have a lit
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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 7.5 10
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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. AP 1140 & 1260 � External antenna model for entry-level / mid-market � Can supp
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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 7.5 12
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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. If the customer does not choose a bracket, the
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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. When mounting the bra
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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). When using this
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Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options Figure 19 Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 used to install the AP directly into the tile Note 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. If the wall is an outside wall and/or
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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). Figure 21 Third-party option for changing AP color, add
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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 applicat
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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. This also may be preferred in high theft areas such as classrooms or in areas where policy dictate
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Unique Installations Figure 24 Example of how to hang an AP above the ceiling tiles Note 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). Figur
