Page 1
Last Updated: May, 2014 Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Abstract This section covers the Cisco 3700 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.
Choosing the Right Access Point Models The Cisco 3700 Series Access Point (AP 3700) targets customers requiring support for mission-critical applications. The AP 3700 embodies ClientLink 3.0, an innovative antenna technology comprising four transmit radios and four receive radios called 4X4 in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration supporting 3 spatial streams (3SS) together referenced as 4x4:3.
Page 3
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 2 AP 3700 Models and Eco-Packs Figure 3 AP 3600 Models and Eco-Packs Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 4
AP 3700 and AP 3600 (Backside Identical) The AP 3700e supports 802.11ac (Wave-1) native. This frees the feature module slot for additional functionality while also permitting external antenna connections for 802.11ac data rates (w/AP 3700e). Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Look out for additional modules for 3/4G support and 802.11ac Wave-2. Use of option modules may require local power supply, Cisco power injector, .3at PoE+, or the use of Cisco Enhanced PoE, as the module typically increases the power draw to greater than 15.4W (.3af).
ECBF (Explicit Compressed Beam Forming)–a new IEEE method of beamforming that is emerging but not yet fully supported in 11ac clients. Cisco ClientLink is similar but can work with all clients today including 11a/g/n as well as 11ac clients. ClientLink also takes advantage of the extra transceiver in the AP, so it beamforms to clients with 3 spatial streams.
Page 7
11ac in a 3x3:3 mode and lacks the ability to beamform AC clients beyond 7 clients at a time whereas, the AP 3700 can beamform 128 clients per radio interface. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
AP 1600, 2600, 3600, and 3700 have similar physical dimensions with a few differences in physical appearance, most of which are cosmetic changes to distinguish the different models. The mounting options and bracket configurations are identical and interchangeable. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 9
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...
(Figure 13). Figure 13 Different Clips are Available for Attaching to Ceiling Grid Work Channel Rail Adapters - Cisco Part Number AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER When mounting APs to ceiling channel rails such as the ones shown in Figure 14, an optional channel adapter is used, AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER.
Page 11
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 14 Example of Channel Rails Figure 15 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER (left) Slides Onto the Rails Figure 16 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER Mounted to Rail Clip (left) and Finished Installation (right) Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
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 an electric tool such as a rotary cutting tool, e.g., Dremel™ or Rotozip™. Cisco does not offer custom cut tiles because there are simply too many different styles and the tiles are easy to cut.
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 a colored plastic cover from Oberon (Figure 19). Figure 19 Third-Party Option for Changing AP Color, Adding Custom Logo, or Hiding the LED Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
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 20).
When this is a hard requirement, optional T-Bar hangar accessories from third-party companies, such as Erico and Cooper, can be used (Figure 22). The Erico Caddy 512a, 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 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Customers wishing to install the AP in harsh environments where it may be exposed to weather, such as sporting areas, stadiums, open garden areas, or warehouse freezers, may wish to use a NEMA type enclosure. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
This seems to vary with regard to weather radar compliance and often UNII-1 compliance and so on. Check with your Cisco account team or the communications regulatory agency that has jurisdiction in your part of the world.
See Figure Another option is to mount the AP lower using pipe and electrical box mounting techniques. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 19
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 because it will fit to the holes of most electrical boxes (Figure 27).
(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.
Due to the dual-band nature of the antenna system on the AP 3700 and AP 3600, along with key features such as ClientLink beamforming, it is not recommended for deployments on DAS. Customers wishing to integrate a Wi-Fi over DAS solution should understand that Cisco does not certify, endorse, or provide RF support for Wi-Fi deployments over any DAS.
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 provide support for non-RF related issues in Cisco products as per the customer's support agreement with Cisco Systems.
Note http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5678/ps10981/white_paper_c11-671769.pdf Cisco has also introduced a new smaller size dipole. While this antenna does not have an articulating knuckle, it is much smaller in size and is a good choice when aesthetics is a primary concern. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 24
Standard Dipoles and Short Dipoles (On Right) Figure 30 Radiation Pattern for the Short Dipole AIR-ANT2535SDW-R In addition, the antennas below may also be used with 1600, 2600, 3600 and 3700 “e” Series APs. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 25
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point 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 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 26
Radiation Pattern for the AIR-ANT2566P4W-R Dual-Band Patch Antenna Assuming that the antenna is mounted on a wall, the Azimuth (in Red) is the signal going forward from the antenna. The elevation, in Blue, is the “up/down” pattern. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 27
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point 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 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
This antenna has 2 vertically polarized and 2 horizontally polarized ports. Antenna connectors on the back of the antenna are “N” style female RF connectors. An optional cable assembly (4 cables) can be ordered–part number AIR-CAB005LL-R-N or the installers can use their own cable assemblies. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 29
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 39 Mechanicals for AIR-ANT2513P4M-N Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 30
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 40 Radiation Pattern of 2.4 GHz AIR-ANT2513P4M-N Figure 41 Radiation Pattern of 5 GHz AIR-ANT2513P4M-N Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 31
Antenna patterns for the AP 2600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 46 Figure Antenna patterns for the AP 1600i integrated antenna model are shown in Figure 48 Figure Figure 42 Radiation pattern for AP 3700i Internal Antenna @ 2.4 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 32
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 43 Radiation Pattern for AP 3700i Internal Antenna @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 33
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 44 Radiation Patterns for the AP 3600i @ 2.4 GHz Figure 45 Radiation Patterns for the AP 3600i @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 34
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 46 Radiation Patterns for the AP 2600i @ 2.4 GHz Figure 47 Radiation Patterns for the AP 2600i @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
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 AP supports say 3 or 4 antennas and you only have 2 antennas, you can use them on ports “A”...
Page 36
Patch on ports “A” and “B”. This is only a small improvement and not a critical one and that is why we do not label them. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 37
6 dBi Patch Antenna – While Not Critical, Ideally Ports “A” and “B” are Used on the ends. Figure 51 AP 1600 Note port “A” is Spaced Furthest from “B” and “C” for Best Diversity Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 38
Antennas for the 1260 and 3500 series are single radiating element antennas made for each individual band. The 3600, 2600, and 1600 APs use dual band - dual radiating element antennas and are branded with an orange marking see Figure 50 Figure Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 39
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 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
The AP 3500 supports up to 300 Mbps MCS rate 15 when configured with a bonded channel and short guard interval (GI). Refer to Figure 56. The MCS values correspond to actual data rates. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 41
Using a dual-band design, the AP 3600 has a total of 8 transceivers (transmitter/receivers) using only 4 antennas (Figure 57). Four radios are used in each band, 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 42
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 because the rate-shifting algorithm maintains the best overall throughput connection. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
The AP 3600 with its extra radio per band can use the extra redundant radio to beamform (because of 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 44
3 spatial streams. Unlike the AP 3500, the AP 3600 provides multiple spatial streams using four transceivers for even greater performance. 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 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 45
3 spatial streams. 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.
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 62 Differences Between Cisco ClientLink and IEEE ECBF 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.
Page 47
3600 Cell Sizes are the Same) Figure 64 Site Survey Sensitivity and SNR The SNR for 3SS is 28 dB per IEEE, but Cisco RF engineers recommend 30 - 32 dB for best Note performance. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
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. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 49
Gas & Oil verticals, large hospitals, and so on, Cisco has an Advanced Services team that can be contracted to help you get up to speed or perform your installation. Contact your Cisco account team for more information.
Page 50
Cisco ClientLink which is still used by the primary 802.11n radios as ClientLink benefits all 802.11a,g, and n clients. With regard to Cisco products, the 802.11ac module in the AP 3600 is a 5 GHz only module because •...
Page 51
1 spatial stream, but higher-end tablets and notebooks will typically support 2 or more spatial streams. Let us look at speeds when using 2 and 3 spatial streams. Figure 70 Typical Wave-1 Data Rates @ 2 and 3 Spatial Streams Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Understanding 802.11ac and the Option Module Figure 71 AP 3600 and Feature Module AP 3600 Radio Module Cisco Part Number (AIR-RM3000AC-x-K9=) Independent radio module providing 802.11ac (Wave-1) support within the AP 3600. Features include: Complements existing 5 GHz 802.11n radio by providing an independent 802.11ac overlay.
Page 53
Because the module antennas are internal, the module radiates much like an AP 3600i would because there are no RF connectors on the module, so the antennas “appear” as they would on the internal models. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 54
5 GHz 802.11n radio work together as one “blended” radio, it is best to keep cells uniform by using dipoles or by verifying if coverage is acceptable for your intended application. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Compressed Beam-Forming)–a IEEE 802.11ac standardized method of Beam-forming–similar in some ways to Cisco’s ClientLink but slightly different because 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.
802.11ac rates and which 802.11ac clients are actually connecting at 802.11n rates. This is accomplished by observing the SLOT ID. Figure 78 Understanding Client Associations Troubleshooting the Module (Basics) Common issues arise because: Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 57
42 keys for the client unicast traffic. If more than 42 clients are associated, clients will be connected, but throughput for some clients will • degrade because encryption/decryption is done in software. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 58
The AP 3700 contains the same industry leading architecture 4X4:3 found in the AP 3600. With additional features and functionality such as ClientLink 3.0 as well as the option to use external antennas with 802.11ac applications, the AP 3700 is indeed Cisco’s best of breed AP.
“extra” receiver to help decode weak client signals for better uplink as well as downlink performance. Cisco understands the need that some customers have to stay in the .3af (15.4 power budget). If the customer has lower PoE requirements and still wishes to use the AP 3700 and say the WSSI module, the AP 3700 will still function with the module but in a 2x2:2 mode with the module enabled.
Page 60
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 81 AP 3700 Running in 802.3af (15.4 Watt) Mode Figure 82 AP 3700 Running in Full Power Mode when it has 18 Watts or More of Available Power Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 83 AP 3700 Powering Options via Cisco Access Layer Switches Best Practices – Understanding Channels, Clients and so on Currently in the US, there are 22 (20 MHz) channels, 9 (40 MHz) channels, and 4 (80 MHz) channels.
Page 62
With the opening up of 5.35-5.47 GHz and 5.85-5.925 GHz, the number of channels increases to 34/16/8/3. If the industry manages to take back the TDWR channels, the number increases to 37/18/9/4. • So, as time progresses we should see additional channels becoming available. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Most clients (USB) that are emerging are 2 spatial stream and by using 80 MHz bonding, you can achieve up to 866 Mbps. The following figure shows the Netgear A6200 client card. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 64
36, 40, 44, and 48. Figure 88 Example of a Bonded 80 MHz Channel For clients to link at 80 MHz, you have to set the channel width to 80 MHz on the AP. Note Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Apple 2013 Macbook Pro are some early to market 802.11ac devices. It is expected that integrated notebooks and tablets (those devices often supporting 2 and 3 spatial streams) will start to become commonplace. Currently Cisco’s test bed for interoperability (for the 7.6 release) supporting the new AP 3700 has the following configuration types. Figure 90 Interoperability Matrix for Release 7.6...
Page 66
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Interoperability matrix for APs, Clients and security types tested with the below clients. Figure 91 Laptops and Clients Tested for Interoperability Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 67
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 92 Hand Held Devices Tested for Interoperability Figure 93 Phones and Printers Tested for Interoperability Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
USB port versions, and so on. We have also seen some clients that have trouble maintaining an 80 MHz bandwidth in the DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) bands. Here is a list of clients that we have had reasonable luck with during our testing. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 69
If you want to consistently show 256 QAM, which equates to m8 and m9, we recommend keeping the client within 25’. Beyond 25’, you will still see m8/m9, but not consistently. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
A Quick Look at a Few “Non-Optimal” Installations The figures below present examples of installations that are not recommended. It is very difficult to provide good Wi-Fi service with a poor installation. Always try to avoid metal and clutter. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 71
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point Figure 95 Example of an AP Installation Near Metal and Clutter (Try to Avoid Metal and Clutter) Figure 96 Patch Antenna Against a Metal Fence Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 72
When mounting devices, the AP should be level and secured so that it does not sway or move. Keep the AP away from metal objects and try to place it as close to the users as possible. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 73
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 100 When Using Dipole Antennas Observe the Correct Orientation (Vertical Polarity) Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 74
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point When mounting antennas outside, always mount with the WIRES DOWN and never obstruct or put weather proofing material over the drain holes. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 75
Always Mount Antennas Outdoors with Leads DOWN (Indoors Does not Matter) Figure 102 If Antenna Connectors are Exposed to Weather – Coax-Seal Should be Used but if Present, Do Not Cover Antenna Drain Holes. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Cisco Aironet series 2700 AP is a 802.11ac Wave-1 and 3x4:3 MIMO AP. It supports the following features: An additional non-PoE GigE port for downward device connectivity •...
Figure 104 AP 2700 shares the same physical size and mounting as these Access Points All the standard modes are supported: Local mode • Flex Mode • OEAP Mode • Monitor Mode • Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
In this initial 7.6 MR2 release, this port is not manageable and is simply bridged back to the controller. Avoid connecting another AP to this port or devices such as switches/hubs or the same switch or uplink as the PoE port because it can create spanning tree loop issues. Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 79
PoE status – Determining if there is enough power for the AUX port. Figure 107 AUX port active when PoE status is at FULL power or when a local power supply is used Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Mounting Options Cisco Bracket-1, Bracket-2, or the flush mount Bracket-3 may be used. Figure 108 All mounting brackets are orderable options and fully supported Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Figure 109 Internal and external model has the same physical dimensions (scale is in inches) Supported Antennas (AP 2700e Model) Figure 110 Supported antennas for AP 2700 Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 82
Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Antenna Patterns – AP 2700i Figure 111 Patterns Azimuth and Elevation Plane @ 5 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 83
Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point Figure 112 Patterns Azimuth and Elevation Plane @ 2.4 GHz Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...
Page 84
UNII-1 band restrictions? or if I wish to use higher gain antennas? Consider deploying the Cisco Mesh products (1550 and 1530 series) or look for Access Points ending in “P” for professional install, such as the 3702P series or our outdoor bridging products.
Page 85
AP approach such as the AP 3600, upgrading to Wave-1 today is easy. Also, unlike the competition, both the AP 3600 and newer Cisco Access Points such as the AP 3700 with modular support will make upgrading to Wave-2 a painless process without having to perform a complete rip and replace.
Installations should be done based on lessons learned from the site survey – the better the survey • the less likely any 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 the same.
Page 87
Optimizing Enterprise Video Over Wireless LAN http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps6302/ps8322/ps10315/ps10325/white_paper_c 11-577721.html Cisco 7925 IP Phone Deployment Guide http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cuipph/7925g/7_0/english/deployment/guide/7925d ply.pdf 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...
Page 88
URL Links and Other Resources Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide...