Cisco Aironet Access Point Deployment Guide
Common or Distributed Antenna System (DAS)
Due to the dual‐band nature of the antenna system on the AP 2600 and the AP 3600, along with key
features such as ClientLink 2.0 beamforming, the AP 2600 and the AP 3600 are not recommended for
deployments on Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).
Note: Cisco does not certify, endorse or provide RF support for Wi‐Fi deployments over any DAS.
The DAS vendor and systems integrator are solely responsible for the support of the DAS products,
adequate RF coverage, and any RF‐related issues. This support includes, but is not exclusive to, location
accuracy, RF coverage, roaming issues related to RF, multipath issues, and scalability.
The DAS vendor and systems integrator are also responsible for understanding that the deployed DAS
system meets the requirements of all of the customer Wi‐Fi devices and applications over the DAS
system; this statement includes, but is not exclusive to, all Voice over WLAN (VoWLAN) and medical
devices.
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 do provide support for non‐RF related issues in Cisco
products according to the customer support agreement with Cisco Systems.
For more information, see the following URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps6973/positioning_statement_c07‐
565470_ps10092_Products_Data_Sheet.html
Elevators
Elevator coverage can sometimes be accomplished by placing APs in the near field of the elevator,
typically on each floor near the elevator door. Since elevators often have metal doors, and the shafts are
often concrete or contain other materials that degrade Wi‐Fi coverage, it is important to check the
coverage inside the elevator. Elevator coverage can be a challenge, but it is often possible, especially if
the elevator only serves a few floors.
In high rise elevators, roaming issues are more problematic because the client cycles through a large
number of APs rather quickly. Some companies put a patch antenna on the floor inside the shaft and a
patch antenna on the bottom of the elevator car, while other companies use leaky coaxial cable along
the side of the shaft.
When installing any Wi‐Fi equipment inside elevator cars or shafts, follow local regulations. Some
installations may be prohibited because of safety reasons, while other installations may be prohibited by
the building owner or local fire department. Only elevator repair persons or experienced contractors
should perform this type of work.
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Copyright © 2012 Cisco Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
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