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Outdoor Site Survey
• Do you have access to both of the mesh site locations?
• Do you have the proper permits, if required?
• Do you have a partner? Never attempt to survey or work alone on a roof or tower.
• Have you configured the 1500 series before you go onsite? It is always easier to resolve configuration
• Do you have the proper tools and equipment to complete your task?
Outdoor Site Survey
Deploying WLAN systems outdoors requires a different skill set to indoor wireless deployments. Considerations
such as weather extremes, lightning, physical security, and local regulations need to be taken into account.
When determining the suitability of a successful mesh link, define how far the mesh link is expected to transmit
and at what radio data rate. Remember that the data rate is not directly included in the wireless routing
calculation, and we recommend that the same data rate is used throughout the same mesh (the recommended
rate is 24 Mbps).
Design recommendations for mesh links are as follows:
• MAP deployment cannot exceed 35 feet in height above the street.
• MAPs are deployed with antennas pointed down toward the ground.
• Typical 5-GHz RAP-to-MAP distances are 1000 to 4000 feet.
• RAP locations are typically towers or tall buildings.
• Typical 5-GHz MAP-to-MAP distances are 500 to 1000 feet.
• MAP locations are typically short building tops or streetlights.
• Typical 2.4-GHz MAP-to-client distances are 500 to 1000 feet (depends upon the type of access point).
• Clients are typically laptops, Smart Phones, Tablets, and CPEs. Most of the clients operate in the 2.4-GHz
Determining a Line of Sight
When you determine the suitability of a successful link, you must define how far the link is expected to
transmit and at what radio data rate. Very close links, one kilometer or less, are fairly easy to achieve assuming
there is a clear line of sight (LOS)–a path with no obstructions.
Because mesh radio waves have very high frequency in the 5-GHz band, the radio wavelength is small;
therefore, the radio waves do not travel as far as radio waves on lower frequencies, given the same amount
of power. This higher frequency range makes the mesh ideal for unlicensed use because the radio waves do
not travel far unless a high-gain antenna is used to tightly focus the radio waves in a given direction.
Cisco Mesh Access Points, Design and Deployment Guide, Release 7.3
62
or device problems first.
Note
Cellular phones or handheld two-way radios can be helpful to do surveys.
band.
Site Preparation and Planning
OL-27593-01
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Troubleshooting
