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Cisco Aironet Antenna Reference Guide

Executive Overview

This antenna reference guide is intended to provide information to assist in understanding the issues and concerns of antennas used with a Cisco® Aironet® wireless LAN system, or wireless bridge system. It details deployment and design, limitations and capabilities, and basic theories of antennas. This document also contains information about the Cisco Systems® antennas and accessories, as well as installation scenarios, regulatory information, and technical specifications and diagrams of the available antennas.

Overview of Antennas

Each Cisco Aironet radio product is designed to perform in a variety of environments. Implementing the antenna system can greatly improve coverage and performance. To optimize the overall performance of a Cisco wireless LAN, it is important to understand how to maximize radio coverage with the appropriate antenna selection and placement. An antenna system comprises numerous components, including the antenna, mounting hardware, connectors, antenna cabling, and in some cases, a lightning arrestor.

Cisco partners can provide onsite engineering assistance for complex requirements.

Radio Technologies

In the mid-1980s, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) modified Part 15 of the radio spectrum regulation, which governs unlicensed devices. The modification authorized wireless network products to operate in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISm bands using spread spectrum modulation. This type of modulation had formerly been classified and permitted only in military products. The ISM frequencies are in three different bands, located at 900 MHz,2.4 GHz, and 5 GHz. This document covers both the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands.

The ISM bands typically allow users to operate wireless products without requiring specific licenses, but this will vary in some countries. In the United States, there is no requirement for FCC licenses. The products themselves must meet certain requirements to be certified for sale, such as operation under 1-watt transmitter output power (in the United States) and maximum antenna gain or Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) ratings.

The Cisco Aironet product lines utilize both the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands. In the United States, three bands are defined as unlicensed and known as the ISM bands. The ISM bands are as follows:

  • 900 MHz (902-928 MHz)
  • 2.4 GHz (2.4-2.4835 GHz)-IEEE 802.11b
  • 5 GHz (5.15-5.35 and 5.725-5.825 GHz)-IEEE 802.11a, HIPERLAN/1 and HIPERLAN/2. This band is also known as the UNII band, and has 3 sub-bands, UNII1 (5.150-5.250 GHz), UNII2 (5.250-5.350 GHz) and UNII3 (5.725-5.825 GHz)
  • Each range has different characteristics. The lower frequencies exhibit better range, but with limited bandwidth and hence lower data rates. The higher frequencies have less range and are subject to greater attenuation from solid objects.

    Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum

    The Direct Sequence (DS) Spread Spectrum approach involves encoding redundant information into the RF signal. Every data bit is expanded toa string of chips called a chipping sequence or Barker sequence. The chipping rate as mandated by the U.S. FCC is 10 chips at the 1- and 2-Mbps rates and8 chips at the 11-Mbps rate. So, at 11 Mbps, 8 bits are transmitted for every one bit of data. The chipping sequence is transmitted in parallel across the spread spectrum frequency channel.

    Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum

    Frequency Hopping (FH) Spread Spectrum uses a radio that moves or hops from one frequency to another at predetermined times and channels. The regulations require that the maximum time spent on any one channel is 400 milliseconds. For the 1- and 2-Mb FH systems, the hopping pattern must include75 different channels, and must use every channel before reusing any one. For the Wide Band Frequency Hopping (WBFH) systems, that permit up to 10-Mb data rates, the rules require use of at least 15 channels, and they cannot overlap. With only 83 MHz of spectrum, it limits the systems to 15 channels, thus causing scalability issues.

    In every case, for the same transmitter power and antennas, a DS system will have greater range, scalability, and throughput than an FH system. For this reason Cisco has chosen to support only DS systems in the Spread Spectrum products.

    Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing

    The Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDm used in 802.11a and 802.11g data transmissions offers greater performance than the olderDS systems. In the OFDM system, each tone is orthogonal to the adjacent tones and therefore does not require the frequency guard band needed for DS. This guard band lowers the bandwidth efficiency and wastes up to 50 percent of the available bandwidth. Because OFDM is composed of many narrowband tones, narrowband interference degrades only a small portion of the signal with little or no effect on the remainder of the frequency components.

    Antenna Properties and Ratings

    An antenna gives the wireless system three fundamental properties-gain, direction, and polarization. Gain is a measure of increase in power. Direction is the shape of the transmission pattern. A good analogy for an antenna is the reflector in a flashlight. The reflector concentrates and intensifies the light beam in a particular direction similar to what a parabolic dish antenna would to a RF source in a radio system.

    Antenna gain ratings are in decibels which is a ratio between two values. An antenna rating is typically to the gain of an isotropic or dipole antenna. An isotropic antenna is a theoretical antenna with a uniform three-dimensional radiation pattern (similar to a light bulb with no reflector). dBi is used to compare the power level of a given antenna to the theoretical isotropic antenna. The U.S. FCC uses dBi in its calculations. An isotropic antenna is said to have a power rating of 0 dB; for example, zero gain/loss when compared to itself.

    Unlike isotropic antennas, dipole antennas are real antennas (dipole antennas are standard on Cisco Aironet access points, base stations, and workgroup bridges). Dipole antennas have a different radiation pattern compared to isotropic antennas. The dipole radiation pattern is 360 degrees in the horizontal plane and 75 degrees in the vertical plane (assuming the dipole antenna is standing vertically) and resembles a donut in shape. Because the beam is "slightly" concentrated, dipole antennas have a gain over isotropic antennas of 2.14dB in the horizontal plane. Dipole antennas are said to have a gain of 2.14 dBi (in comparison to an isotropic antenna).

    Some antennas are rated in comparison to dipole antennas. This is denoted by the suffix dBd. Hence, dipole antennas have a gain of 0 dBd(= 2.14 dBi).

    Note that the majority of documentation refers to dipole antennas as having a gain of 2.2 dBi. The actual figure is 2.14 dBi, but is often rounded up.

    TYPE OF ANTENNAS

    Cisco offers several different styles of antennas for use with both access points and bridges in the 2.4 GHz product line, as well as the 5 GHzBR1400 bridge. Every antenna offered for sale has been FCC-approved. Each type of antenna will offer different coverage capabilities. As the gain of an antennaincreases, there is some tradeoff to its coverage area. Usually gain antennas offer longer coverage distances, but only in a certain direction. The radiation patternsbelow will help to show the coverage areas of the styles of antennas that Cisco offers: omnidirectional, yagis, and patch antennas.

    Omnidirectional Antennastional antenna (Figure 1) is designed to provide a 360-degree radiation pattern. This type of antenna is used when coverage in all directionsfrom the antenna is required. The standard 2.14 dBi "Rubber Duck" is one style of omnidirectional antenna.

    Figure 1. Omnidirectional Antenna

    Directional Antennas

    Directional antennas come in many different styles and shapes. An antenna does not offer any added power to the signal; it simply redirects theenergy it receives from the transmitter. By redirecting this energy, it has the effect of providing more energy in one direction, and less energy in all otherdirections. As the gain of a directional antenna increases, the angle of radiation usually decreases, providing a greater coverage distance, but with a reducedcoverage angle. Directional antennas include yagi antennas (Figure 3), patch antennas (Figure 2), and parabolic dishes. Parabolic dishes have a very narrow RF energypath and the installer must be accurate in aiming these at each other.

    Figure 2. Directional Patch Antenna

    Figure 3. YAGI Antenna

    Diversity Antenna Systems

    Diversity antenna systems are used to overcome a phenomenon known as multipath distortion of multipath fading. It uses two identical antennas, located a small distance apart, to provide coverage to the same physical area.

    Multipath Distortion

    Multipath interference occurs when an RF signal has more than one path between a receiver and a transmitter. This occurs in sites that havea large amount of metallic or other RF reflective surfaces.

    Just as light and sound bounce off of objects, so does RF. This means there can be more than one path that RF takes when going from a TX to and RX antenna.These multiple signals combine in the RX antenna and receiver to cause distortion of the signal.

    Multipath interference can cause the RF energy of an antenna to be very high, but the data would be unrecoverable. Changing the type of antenna,and location of the antenna can eliminate multipath interference (Figure 4).

    Figure 4. Multipath Distortion

    You can relate this to a common occurrence in your car. As you pull up to a stop, you may notice static on the radio. But as you move forward a few inchesor feet, the station starts to come in more clearly. By rolling forward, you move the antenna slightly, out of the point where the multiple signals converge.

    A diversity antenna system can be compared to a switch that selects one antenna or another, never both at the same time. The radio in receive mode willcontinually switch between antennas listening for a valid radio packet. After the beginning sync of a valid packet is heard, the radio will evaluate the syncsignal of the packet on one antenna, then switch to the other antenna and evaluate. Then the radio will select the best antenna and use only that antenna forthe remaining portion of that packet.

    On transmit, the radio will select the same antenna it used the last time it communicated to that given radio. If a packet fails, it will switch to the otherantenna and retry the packet.

    One caution with diversity, it is not designed for using two antennas covering two different coverage cells. The problem in using it this wayis that, if antenna no. 1 is communicating to device no. 1 while device no. 2 (which is in the antenna no. 2 cell) tries to communicate, antenna no.2 is not connected (due to the position of the switch), and the communication fails. Diversity antennas should cover the same area from only a slightly differentlocation.

    With the introduction of the latest DS physical layer chips, and the use of diversity antenna systems, DS systems have equaled or surpassed FH in handlingmultipath interference. While the introduction of WBFH does increase the bandwidth of FH systems, it drastically affects the ability to handle multipathissues, further reducing its range compared to present DS systems in high RF reflective sites.

    WIRELESS LAN DESIGN

    Before the physical environment is examined, it is critical to identify the mobility of the application, the means for coverage, and systemredundancy. An application such as point-to-point, which connects two or more stationary users, may be best served by a directional antenna, while mobileusers will generally require a number of omnidirectional micro cells. These individual micro cells can be linked together through the wired LAN infrastructureor by using the wireless repeater functionality built into every Cisco Aironet Access Point. All Cisco Aironet Wireless LAN products are designed to support complexmulticell environments transparently through the patented Cisco MicroCellular Architecture.

    THE PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

    After mobility issues are resolved, the physical environment must be examined. While the area of coverage is the most important determining factorfor antenna selection, it is not the sole decision criteria. Building construction, ceiling height, internal obstructions, available mounting locations, and customeraesthetic desires also must be considered. Cement and steel construction have different radio propagation characteristics. Internal obstructions such as product inventoryand racking in warehousing environments are factors. In outdoor environments, many objects can affect antenna patterns, such as trees, vehicles, and buildings, to namea few.

    The Network Connections

    The access points use a 10/100-Mb Ethernet connection. Typically the access point is in the same location as the antenna. While it may seemthat the best place to put the access point is in a wiring closet with the other network components, such as switches, hubs, and routers, this is not thecase. The antenna must be placed in an area that provides the best coverage (determined by a site survey). Many people new to wireless LANs want to locate theaccess points in the wiring closet and connect the antenna using RF coax. Antenna cable introduces losses in the antenna system on both the transmitter and thereceiver. As the length of cable increases, so does the amount of loss introduced. To operate at optimum efficiency, cable runs should be kept as short as possible.(See the section on cabling later in this document).

    Building Construction

    The density of the materials used in a building's construction determines the number of walls the RF signal can pass through and still maintainadequate coverage. Following are a few examples. Actual effect on the RF must be tested at the site, and therefore a site survey is suggested.

    Paper and vinyl walls have very little effect on signal penetration. Solid walls and floors and precast concrete walls can limit signal penetrationto one or two walls without degrading coverage. This may vary widely based on any steel reinforcing within the concrete. Concrete and concrete block walls maylimit signal penetration to three or four walls. Wood or drywall typically allow for adequate penetration through five or six walls. A thick metal wall reflects signals,resulting in poor penetration. Steel-reinforced concrete flooring will restrict coverage between floors to perhaps one or two floors.

    Recommendations for some common installation environments are outlined below:

    • Warehousing/Manufacturing-In most cases, these installations require a large coverage area. Experience has shown that an omnidirectional antenna mounted at 20 to 25 feet typically provides the best overall coverage. Of course, this also depends upon the height of the racking, material on the rack, and ability to locate the antenna at this height. Mounting the antenna higher will sometimes actually reduce coverage, as the angle of radiation from the antenna is more outward than down. The antenna should be placed in the center of the desired coverage cell and in an open area for best performance. In cases where the radio unit will be located against a wall, a directional antenna such as a patch or yagi can be used for better penetration of the area. The coverage angle of the antenna will affect the coverage area.
    • Small Office/Small Retail-The standard dipole may provide adequate coverage in these areas depending on the location of the radio device. However, in a back corner office a patch antenna may provide better coverage. It can be mounted to the wall above most obstructions for best performance. Coverage of this type antenna depends on the surrounding environment.
    • Enterprise/Large Retail-In most cases, these installations require a large coverage area. Experience has shown that omnidirectionalantennas mounted just below the ceiling girders or just below the drop ceiling typically provide the best coverage (this will vary with stocking, type of material, and building construction). The antenna should be placed in the center of the desired coverage cell and in an open area for best performance. In cases where the radio unit will be located in a corner, or at one end of the building, a directional antenna such as a patch or yagi can be used for better penetration of the area. Also, for areas that are long and narrow-such as long rows of racking-a directional antenna at one end may provide better coverage. The radiation angle of the antennas will also affect the coverage area.
    • Point-to-Point-When connecting two points together (such as a wireless bridge), the distance, obstructions, and antenna location must be considered. If the antennas can be mounted indoors and the distance is very short (several hundred feet), the standard dipole or mast mount 5.2 dBi omnidirectional may be used. An alternative is to use two patch antennas. For very long distances (1/2 mi. or more), directional high-gain antennas must be used. These antennas should be installed as high as possible, and above obstructions such as trees, buildings, and so on; and if directional antennas are used, they must be aligned so that their main radiated power lobes are directed at each other. With a line-of-site configuration, distances of up to 25 miles at 2.4 GHz and 12 miles at 5 GHz can be reached using parabolic dish antennas, if a clear line-of-site is maintained. With the use of directional antennas, fewer interference possibilities exist and there is less possibility of causing interference to anyone else.
    • Point-to-Multipoint Bridge-In this case (in which a single point is communicating to several remote points), the use of an omnidirectional antenna at the main communication point must be considered. The remote sites can use a directional antenna that is directed at the main point antenna.

    CABLING

    As stated above, cabling introduces losses into the system, negating some of the gain an antenna introduces and reducing range of the RF coverage.

    Interconnect Cable

    Attached to all antennas (except the standard dipoles), this cable provides a 50 Ohm impedance to the radio and antenna, with a flexible connection between the two items. It has a high loss factor and should not be used except for very short connections (usually less than 10 feet). Typical length on all antennas is 36 in. (or 12 in. on some outdoor antennas).

    Low-Loss/Ultra-Low-Loss Cable

    Cisco offers two styles of cables for use with the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz product line. These cables provide a much lower loss factor than standard interconnect cable, and they can be used when the antenna must be placed at any distance from the radio device. While these are low-loss cables, they should still be kept to a minimum length. There are two types of cable supplied by Cisco for mounting the antenna away from the radio unit. The 100 and 150 foot cables are LMR600 type cable, while the 20 and 50 foot cables are LMR400 type cables. All four lengths are supplied with one RP-TNC plug and one RP-TNC jack connector attached. This allows for connection to the radio unit and to the interconnect cable supplied on the antennas.

    Connectors

    According to the US Federal Code of Regulations, products used in the 2.4 and 5 GHz ISM bands manufactured after June 1994 must either use connectors that are unique, and nonstandard (meaning not readily available on the market by the average user) or be designed to be professionally installed (professional here indicates a person trained in RF installation and regulations). Since many of the 2.4 GHz products are installed by non-RF trained personnel, these products must comply with the unique connector ruling. The BR1400 is designed for installation by a RF professional, and therefore may use a standard `N' style connector. Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz products use Reverse Polarity -TNC (RP-TNC) connectors. While they are similar to the normal TNC connectors, they cannot be mated to the standard connectors. To ensure compatibility with Cisco Aironet products, use antennas and cabling from Cisco.

    MOUNTING HARDWARE

    Each antenna requires some type of mounting. The standard dipole antenna simply connects to the RP-TNC connector on the back of the unit. Mast mount antennas are designed to mount to a mast up to 1.5 inches, and each comes with mounting hardware for attachment. The Yagi antennas have an articulating mount option, which is included in the back of this document. Patch antennas are designed to mount flat against a wall or ceiling, and ceiling-mount antennas are equipped with a drop-ceiling cross-member attachment. The 2.4 GHz 21 dBi parabolic dish mounts to a 1.625- to a 2.375-in. mast and fine-threaded turnbuckles allow accurate aiming of the antenna. All the BR1400 external 5 GHz antennas can be attached to a mast ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 inches.

    For most indoor applications, a .75- or 1-in. electrical conduit provides a suitable mounting. For outdoor application, a heavy galvanized or aluminum wall mast should be used that will withstand the wind-loading rating of the selected antenna.

    LIGHTNING ARRESTORS

    When using outdoor antenna installations, it is always possible that an antenna will suffer damage from potential charges developing on the antenna and cable, or surges induced from nearby lightning strikes. The BR1400 includes lightning protection at the power injector, while the Aironet lightning arrestor is designed to protect 2.4 GHz to 5.8 GHz radio equipment from static electricity and lightning-induced surges that travel on coaxial transmission lines. Both systems need to be properly grounded as identified in the hardware installation manuals of the products. These protection mechanisms will not prevent damage in the event of a direct lightning hit.

    Theory of Operation

    The Cisco Aironet Lightning Arrestor (Figure 5) prevents energy surges from reaching the RF equipment by the shunting effect of the device. Surges are limited to less than 50 volts, in about .0000001 seconds (100 nano seconds). A typical lightning surge is about .000002 (2 micro seconds).

    Figure 5. Cisco Aironet Lightning Arrestor

    The accepted IEEE transient (surge) suppression is .000008 seconds (8 micro seconds). The Lightning Arrestor is a 50-ohm transmission line with a gas discharge tube positioned between the center conductor and ground. This gas discharge tube changes from an open circuit to a short circuit almost instantaneously in the presence of voltage and energy surges, providing a path to ground for the energy surge.

    Installation

    This arrestor is designed to be installed between your outdoor antenna cable and the Aironet wireless device. Installation should be indoors, or inside a protected area. A good ground must be attached to the arrestor. This can be accomplished by use of a ground lug attached to the arrestor and a heavy wire (no. 6 solid copper) connecting the lug to a good earth ground. See Figure 6.

    UNDERSTANDING RF POWER VALUES

    Radio frequency (RF) signals are subject to various losses and gains as they pass from transmitter through cable to antenna, through air (or solid obstruction), to receiving antenna, cable, and receiving radio. With the exception of solid obstructions, most of these figures and factors are known and can be used in the design process to determine whether an RF system such as a WLAN will work.

    Decibels

    The decibel (dB) scale is a logarithmic scale used to denote the ratio of one power value to another-for example:

    dB = 10 log10 (Power A/Power B)

    An increase of 3 dB indicates a doubling (2x) of power. An increase of 6 dB indicates a quadrupling (4x) of power. Conversely, a decrease of 3 dB is a halving (1/2) of power, and a decrease of 6 dB is a quarter (1/4) the power. Some examples are shown below in Table 1.

    Table 1. Decibel Values and Corresponding Factors

    Increase Factor Decrease Factor
    0 dB 1 x (same) 0 dB 1 x (same)
    1 dB 1.25 x -1 dB 0.8 x
    3 dB 2 x -3 dB 0.5 x
    6 dB 4 x -6 dB 0.25 x
    10 dB 10 x -10 dB 0.10 x
    12 dB 16 x -12 dB 0.06 x
    20 dB 100 x -20 dB 0.01 x
    30 dB 1000 x -30 dB 0.001 x
    40 dB 10,000 x -40 dB 0.0001 x

    POWER RATINGS

    WLAN equipment is usually specified in decibels compared to known values. Transmit Power and Receive Sensitivity are specified in "dBm," where "m" means 1 milliWatt (mW). So, 0 dBm is equal to 1 mW; 3 dBm is equal to 2 mW; 6 dBm is equal to 4 mW, and so on.

    Table 2. Common mW Values to dBm Values

    dBm mW dBm mW
    0 dBm 1 mW 0 dBm 1 mW
    1 dBm 1.25 mW -1 dBm 0.8 mW
    3 dBm 2 mW -3 dBm 0.5 mW
    6 dBm 4 mW -6 dBm 0.25 mW
    7 dBm 5 mW -7 dBm 0.20 mW
    10 dBm 10 mW -10 dBm 0.10 mW
    12 dBm 16 mW -12 dBm 0.06 mW
    13 dBm 20 mW -13 dBm 0.05 mW
    15 dBm 32 mW -15 dBm 0.03 mW
    17 dBm 50 mW -17 dBm 0.02 mw
    20 dBm 100 mW -20 dBm 0.01 mW
    30 dBm 1000 mW (1 W) -30 dBm 0.001 mW
    40 dBm 10,000 mW (10 W) -40 dBm 0.0001 mW

    Outdoor Range

    The range of a wireless link is dependent upon the maximum allowable path loss. For outdoor links this is a straightforward calculation as long as there is clear line of sight between the two antennas with sufficient clearance for the Fresnel zone. For line of sight, you should be able to visibly see the remote locations antenna from the main site. (Longer distances may require the use of binoculars). There should be no obstructions between the antennas themselves. This includes trees, buildings, hills, and so on.

    As the distance extends beyond six miles, the curve of the earth (commonly called earth bulge) affects installation, requiring antennas to be placed at higher elevations.

    Fresnel Zone

    Fresnel zone is an elliptical area immediately surrounding the visual path. It varies depending on the length of the signal path and the frequency of the signal. The Fresnel zone can be calculated, and it must be taken into account when designing a wireless link (Figure 6).

    Figure 6. Fresnel Zone

    Based on both line-of-sight and Fresnel zone requirements, Table 3 provides a guideline on height requirements for 2.4 GHz antennas as various distances. This refers to height above any obstacles located in the middle of the RF path.

    Table 3. Guideline on Height Requirements for 2.4 GHz Antennas

    Wireless Link Distance (miles) Approx. Value "F" (60% Fresnel Zone) Ft. at 2.4 GHz Approx. Value "C" (Earth Curvature) Value "H" (mounting Ht.) Ft. with No Obstructions
    1 10 3 13
    5 30 5 35
    10 44 13 57
    15 55 28 83
    20 65 50 115
    25 72 78 150

    Cisco.com provides an Outdoor Bridge Range Calculation Utility for both the 2.4GHz and 5 GHz products. This utility calculates the Fresnel zone and maximumrange based upon cable types and lengths, transmitter and receiver models, and antennas.

    A 10 dB fade margin is included for 2.4 GHz calculations, while the included 5dB fade margin for 5 GHz calculations is sufficient for dependable communications in all weather conditions. The distances given are only theoretical and should only be used to determine the feasibility of a particular design.

    Outdoors, every increase of 6 dB will double the distance. Every decrease of 6 dB will halve the distance. Shorter cable runs and higher gain antennas can make a significant difference to the range.

    REGULATIONS

    North America

    • Connectors-In 1985, the FCC enacted standards for the commercial use of spread spectrum technology in the ISM frequency bands. Spread spectrum is currently allowed in the 900, 2400, and 5200 MHz bands. In 1989, the FCC drafted an amendment governing spread spectrum systems in the unlicensed ISM band. This amendment is commonly referred to as the "new" or "'94" rules because it impacts all spread spectrum products manufactured after June 23, 1994. Products manufactured before June 23 are not affected by the amendment. Congress enacted this amendment into law in 1990. The FCC 1994 rules are intended to discourage use of amplifiers, high-gain antennas, or other means of significantly increasing RF radiation. The rules are further intended to discourage "home brew" systems which are installed by inexperienced users and which-either accidentally or intentionally-do not comply with FCC regulations for use in the ISM band. Both the original rules and the amendments sought to enable multiple RF networks to "coexist" with minimum impact on one another by exploiting properties of spread spectrum technology. Fundamentally, the FCC 1994 rules intend to limit RF communications in the ISM band to a well-defined region, while ensuring multiple systems can operate with minimum impact on one another. These two needs are addressed by limiting the type and gain of antennas used with a given system, and by requiring a greater degree of RF energy "spreading."

    The FCC limits the use of the lower four channels (the UNII-1 band) of the 5-GHz band, requiring antennas that are permanently attached to the transmitting device. Due to this, Cisco offers an articulating antenna paddle with omnidirectional and patch antennas on the 802.11a access point radio module to extend the flexibility of deployments. For ceiling, desktop, or other horizontal installations, the omnidirectional antenna provides optimal coverage pattern and maximum range. For wall mount installations, the patch antenna provides a hemispherical coverage pattern that uniformly directs the radio energy from the wall and across the room. In omni mode, the antenna gain is 5 dBi with a 360-degree radiation pattern; in patch mode, the gain is 6 dBi with a 180-degree pattern. Both the omnidirectional and patch antennas provide diversity for maximum reliability, even in high multi-path environments like offices.

    • Antenna Gain and Power Output-FCC regulations specify maximum power output and antenna gain. For the UNII3 band, where the BR1400 operates, the FCC limits the transmitter power to 1 watt or 30dBm, and the antenna gain of an omni directional antenna to 6 dBi. For directional antennas operating in a point to point system, gains of up to 23 dBi are permitted. For antennas with gain higher than 23 dBi, the transmitter output power must be reduced 1 dB for every 1 dB above 23 dBi the antenna gain increases.

    At 2.4 GHz, the maximum transmitter power is also 1 watt. Using this maximum power, the maximum antenna gain is 6 dBi. However, the regulations also define the maximum values in regards to the following two different system scenarios:

    In point-to-multipoint systems, the FCC has limited the maximum EIRP (effective isotropic radiated power) to 36 dBm. EIRP = TX power + antenna gain. For every dB that the transmitter power is reduced, the antenna may be increased by 1 dB. (29 dBm TX, +7 dB antenna = 36 dBm EIRP, 28 dBm TX, +8 dB antenna = 36 dBm EIRP).

    The Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz Bridge transmitter power is 20 dBm, which is 10 dBm lower than maximum. This then allows the use of antennas up to 10 dB over the initial 6 dBi limit, or 16 dBi.

    In point-to-point systems for 2.4 GHz systems using directional antennas, the rules have changed. Because a high gain antenna has a narrow beamwidth, the likelihood is high that it will cause interference to other area users. Under the rule change, for every dB the transmitter is reduced below 30 dBm the antenna may be increased from the initial 6 dBi, by 3 dB. (29 dB transmitter means 9 dBi antenna, 28 dB transmitter means 12 dBi antenna). Because we are operating at 20 dBm, which is 10 dB below the 30 dBm level, we can increase the out antenna by 30 dB. Note that Cisco has never tested, and therefore is not certified, with any antenna larger than 21 dBi.

    The main issue that comes to question here is, what differentiates a point-to-point from a multipoint system.

    In Figure 7, point A communicates to a single point, B, and point B communicates to a single point A; therefore, it is simple to see that both locations see this as a point-to-point installation.

    In Figure 8, point A communicates to more than one (or multiple) points; therefore, point A is operating in a multipoint configuration, and the largest antenna permitted is 16 dBi. Point B or point C can each communicate to only one point, (point A); therefore, point B and point C actually operate in a single-point or point-to-point operation, and a larger antenna may be used.

    Figure 7. Point-to-Point Wireless Bridge Solution

    Figure 8. Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridge Solution

    • Amplifiers-The FCC Rules, Section 15.204-Part C, states "External radio frequency power amplifiers shall not be marketed as separate products..." Part D states "Only the antenna with which an intentional radiator (transmitter) is originally authorized may be used with the intentional radiator." This means that unless the amplifier manufacturer submits the amplifier for testing with the radio and antenna, it cannot be sold in the U.S. If it has been certified, then it must be marketed and sold as a complete system, including transmitter, antenna, and coax. It also must be installed exactly this way.

    If using a system that includes an amplifier, remember that the above rules concerning power are still in effect. If the amplifier is 1/2 watt (27 dBm, this means in a multipoint system the maximum antenna gain is only 9 dBi, and in a point-to-point system it is only 15 dBi.

    ETSI

    The European Telecommunication Standardization Institute (ETSI) has developed standards that have been adopted by many European countries as well as many others. Under the ETSI regulations, the power output and EIRP regulations are much different than in the U.S.

    • Antenna Gain and Power Output-The ETSI regulations specify maximum EIRP as 20 dBm. Since this includes antenna gain, this limits the antennas that can be used with a transmitter. To use a larger antenna, the transmitter power must be reduced so that the overall gain of the transmitter, plus the antenna gain, less any losses in coax, is equal to or less than +20 dBm. This drastically reduces the overall distance an outdoor link can operate.

    • Amplifiers-Since the ETSI regulation has such a low EIRP, the use of amplifiers is typically not permitted in any ETSI system.

    FREQUENCIES AND CHANNEL SETS

    IEEE 802.11b/g Direct Sequence Channels

    Fourteen channels are defined in the IEEE 802.11b/g Direct Sequence (DS) channel set. Each DS channel as transmitted is 22 MHz wide; however, the channel center separation is only 5 MHz. This leads to channel overlap such that signals from neighboring channels can interfere with each other. In a 14-channel DS system (11 usable in the US), only three non-overlapping (and hence, non-interfering channels, 25 MHz apart, are possible (for example, channels 1, 6, and 11).

    This channel spacing governs the use and allocation of channels in a multi-access point environment such as an office or campus. Access points are usually deployed in "cellular" fashion within an enterprise where adjacent access points are allocated non-overlapping channels. Alternatively, access points can be collocated using channels 1, 6, and 11 to deliver 33 Mbps bandwidth to a single area (but only 11 Mbps to a single client). The channel allocation scheme is illustrated in Figure 9, and the available channels in the different regulatory domains are defined in Table 4 on the following page.

    Figure 9. IEEE 802.11b/g DSSS Channel Allocations

    Table 4 exhibits the channels permitted in the corresponding approval areas.

    Table 4. DSSS PHY Frequency Channel Plan

    Channel ID Frequency (MHz) Regulatory Domains (Maximum Conducted Average Power Levels in dBm
    -A -C -E -I -J -K -N -P -S -T
    2400-2484 MHz
    Mode B G B G B G B G B G B G B G B G B G B G
    1 2412 X X X X X X     X X X X X X X X X X X X
    2 2417 X X X X X X     X X X X X X X X X X X X
    3 2422 X X X X X X     X X X X X X X X X X X X
    4 2427 X X X X X X     X X X X X X X X X X X X
    5 2432 X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17 X X X X X X
    6 2437 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
    7 2442 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
    8 2447 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
    9 2452 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 17
    10 2457 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
    11 2462 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X
    12 2467     X X X X X X X X X X     X X X X    
    13 2472     X X X X X X X X X X     X X X X    
    14 2484                 X           X          

    IEEE 802.11a Channels

    The 802.11a specification today specifies 4 channels for the UNII1 band, 4 channels for the UNII@ band, and 4 channels for the UNII3 band. These channels are spaced at 20 MHz apart and are considered non-interfering, however they do have a slight overlap in frequency spectrum. It is possible to use adjacent channels in adjacent cell coverage, but it is recommended when possible to separate adjacent cell channels by at least 1 channel. Figure 10 shows the channel scheme for the 802.11 bands, and table 9 lists the North American frequency allocations.

    Figure 10. 802.11a Channel Allocation

    Table 5. 802.11a Frequency Plan

    Regulatory Domain Frequency Band Channel Number Centre Frequencies
    USA UNII lower band5.15-5.25 GHz 36 5.180 GHz
    40 5.220 GHz
    44 5.230 GHz
    48 5.240 GHz
    USA UNII middle band5.25-5.35 GHz 52 5.260 GHz
    56 5.280 GHz
    60 5.300 GHz
    64 5.320 GHz
    USA UNII upper band5.725-5.825 GHz 149 5.745 GHz
    153 5.795 GHz
    157 5.785 GHz
    161 5.805 GHz
    USA ISM band5.725-5.825 GHz 149 5.745 GHz
    153 5.795 GHz
    157 5.785 GHz
    161 5.805 GHz
    165 5.825 GHz

    CISCO AIRONET ANTENNA DESCRIPTIONS

    Table 6 below defines the various 2.4 GHz antennas that are offered by Cisco for the Cisco Aironet product line, and Table 7 lists the available antennas for the Cisco Aironet 5 GHz bridge products.

    Table 6. 2.4 GHz Antennas

    Cisco Part Number Antenna Type Description Gain
    AIR-ANT5959 Diversity Omnidirectional Ceiling-mount diversity indoor antenna with RP-TNC connectors-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications for frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omnidirectional and has a nominal gain of 2.2 dBi. Its low profile allows it to remain unnoticed in the ceiling. It comes with a clip that permits it to be mounted to a drop-ceiling cross member. 2 dBi
    AIR-ANT3351 Diversity Omnidirectional POS diversity dipoles for use with LMC radio cards with two MMCX connectors-This antenna contains two standard 2.2 dBi dipoles and 59" of cable terminating in two MMCX connectors. It has a platform with an adhesive backing to raise the antennas above obstructions. 2.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT4941 Omnidirectional Single black dipole antenna with an RP-TNC connector. The antenna provides indoor omnidirectional coverage and is designed for use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. It has a 90-foot articulation radius. It can be used with all radios that utilize an RP-TNC antenna connector. 2.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT2422DW-R Omnidirectional Single white dipole antenna with an RP-TNC connector. The antenna provides indoor omnidirectional coverage and is designed for use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. It has a 90-foot articulation radius. It can be used with all radios that utilize an RP-TNC antenna connector. 2.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT1728 Omnidirectional Ceiling-mount indoor antenna with RP-TNC connector-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications with frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omni directional and has a nominal gain of 5.2 dBi. It comes with a clip that allows it to be mounted to a drop-ceiling cross member. 5.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT2506 Omnidirectional Mast-mount indoor/outdoor antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications for frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omnidirectional and has a nominal gain of 5.2 dBi. It is designed to be mounted on a round mast. 5.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT3213 Diversity Omnidirectional Pillar-mount diversity, indoor antenna with two RP-TNC connectors-Cosmetic antenna is ideal for the retail or hospital environment. Includes 36 in. of white RG-58 cable with a separation of coaxial cables that are joined together to form a 10 in. length. Has a tan cloth covering in a 12 x 5 rectangle. Included are two mounting brackets that will keep the antenna 6 in. off the wall. 5.2 dBi
    AIR-ANT2460P-R Patch Wall mount, indoor/outdoor directional patch antenna. Designed for use with any radio that features an RP-TNC antenna connector. For use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. The pigtail cable is plenum rated, 36" long. 6 dBi
    AIR-ANT2465P-R Diversity Patch Wall-mount indoor/outdoor antenna with two RP-TNC connectors-Similar to the above patch, but providing diversity antennas in the same package for areas where multipath problems exist. The pigtail cable is plenum rated and 36" long. 6.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT2485P-R Patch Wall mount indoor/outdoor antenna with a RP-TNC connector-Designed for use with any radio that features a RP-TNC connector. For use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. The plenum rated pigtail cable is 36" long. 8.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT24120 Omnidirectional Mast mount outdoor high gain antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications for frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omni directional and has a nominal gain of 12 dBi. This design uses an elevated center-feed to produce an elevation pattern with very little "squint" or beam-tilt. It is designed to be mounted on a round mast. 12 dBi
    AIR-ANT1729 Patch Wall mount, indoor/outdoor directional patch antenna. Designed for use with any radio that features an RP-TNC antenna connector. For use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. The pigtail cable is 30" long. 6 dBi
    AIR-ANT2012 Diversity Patch Wall-mount indoor/outdoor antenna with two RP-TNC connectors-Similar to the above patch, but providing diversity antennas in the same package for areas where multipath problems exist. 6 dBi
    AIR-ANT2410Y-R Yagi High-gain outdoor directional antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This WLAN antenna is a completely enclosed yagi. It is designed to be used as a bridge antenna between two networks or for point-to-point communications. It has a nominal VSWR of 1.5:1 and is less than 2:1 over the entire frequency band. The gain is 10 dBi and the half-power beamwidth is 55 degrees. This antenna is normally mounted on a mast and is vertically polarized. 10 dBi
    Integrated BR1310G Patch Antenna Patch 2402-2497 MHz Patch Array Antenna. When the captured antenna version is ordered, this antenna is attached to the 1300 AP/Bridge and provides an integrated solution with exceptional gain. This antenna can not be removed for use with other radios. 13 dBi
    Integrated AP1120 Antenna Omni Diversity antenna package for 2.4 GHz designed for high performance in ceiling, wall and cubicle mount applications. Antennas provide omnidirectional coverage and can not be removed from the Access Point. No connectors are offered for additional external antennnas. 2.4 GHz: 2 dBi
    AIR-ANT1949 Yagi High-gain outdoor directional antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This WLAN antenna is a completely enclosed 16-element yagi. It is designed to be used as a bridge antenna between two networks or for point-to-point communications. It has a nominal VSWR of 1.5:1 and is less than 2:1 over the entire frequency band. The gain is 13.5 dBi and the half-power beamwidth is 30 degrees. This antenna is normally mounted on a mast and is vertically polarized. 13.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT2414S-R Sector Mast mount outdoor sector antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications for frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is directional and has a nominal gain of 14 dBi. Its flexible mounting bracket allows for either mast or wall mounting options. 14 dBi
    AIR-ANT3338 Dish Very high-gain outdoor antenna with a RP-TNC connector-This WLAN antenna is a parabolic dish designed to be used as a bridge antenna between two networks or for point-to-point communications. It consists of an aluminum parabolic reflector and feed antenna. The antenna features a rugged mount. It also offers 20 degree fine adjustment for both horizontal and vertical planes. The antenna is provided with hardware for mast mounting. 21 dBi

    Table 7. 5 GHz Antennas

    Cisco Part Number Antenna Type Description Gain
    Integrated RM21A Antenna Omnidirectional/Patch This articulating antenna is a dual function, diversity omni or patch antenna. It is permanently attached to the RM-21A 5 GHz Cardbus radio module used with the 1200 Series access point and operates between 5150-5825 MHz. When folded flat to the AP housing, it is in a 9 dBi patch mode, and when moved to any other position, it switches to a 5 dBi omni mode. In both cases it provides diversity antenna performance. 5 dBi/9 dBi
    AIR-ANT5135D-R Omnidirectional Indoor-only black dipole like omnidirectional antenna for 5 GHz. Used with the 802.11a radio (AIR-RM22A) and the 1200 Series access point. 3.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT5135DW-R Omnidirectional Indoor-only white dipole like omnidirectional antenna for 5 GHz. Used with the 802.11a radio (AIR-RM22A) and the 1200 Series access point. 3.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT5145V-R Diversity Omnidirectional Indoor-only diversity omnidirectional 5 GHz antenna for use with the 1200 Series and the 802.11a module (AIR-RM22A). 4.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT5160V-R Omnidirectional Indoor or outdoor use omnidirectional 5 GHz antenna for use with the 1200 Series and the 802.11a module (AIR-RM22A). Can be mast or ceiling mounted. 6 dBi
    AIR-ANT5170P-R Diversity Patch Wall Mount diversity patch antenna with RP-TNC Connectors-Designed for use in both indoor and outdoor applications. It comes with wall mount hardware, and has a gain of 7 dBi. It has a plenum rated pigtail cable of 36". 7 dBi
    AIR-ANT5195P-R Patch Wall or Mast Mount patch antenna-Designed for use indoor or outdoors, this antenna comes with both wall mount and articulating mast mount hardware. It has a plenum rated pigtail cable of 36". 9.5 dBi
    2.4 GHZ AND 5 GHZ ACCESS POINT AND BRIDGE ANTENNAS WITH N TYPE CONNECTORS
    AIR-ANT58G9VOA-N Omnidirectional An omnidirectional antenna, for use with the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge. This non-diversity, vertically polarized antenna operates in the UNII-3 band (5725 to 5825 MHz). The antenna is designed to be mast mounted in an outdoor environment. The antenna is not compatible with other Cisco Aironet radio products operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. 9 dBi
    AIR-ANT58G10SSA-N Sector A sector antenna for use with the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge. This non-diversity symmetric antenna operates in the UNII-3 band (5725-5825 MHz). The antenna is designed to be mounted outdoors on a mast or a suitable vertical surface. The antenna is not compatible with other Cisco Aironet radio products operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. 9.5 dBi
    Integrated BR1410 Patch Antenna Integrated Patch 5.8 GHz UNII-3 Patch antenna. When the captured antenna version is ordered, this antenna is attached to the BR1410 bridge and provides for an integrated solution with exceptional gain. The antenna is not compatible with other Cisco Aironet radio products operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. 22.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT58G28SDA-N Dish A parabolic dish antenna for use with the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge. This non-diversity parabolic antenna operates in the UNII-3 band (5725-5825 MHz). The antenna is designed to be mounted outdoors on a mast. The antenna is designed to be used at the hub or client site of a point-to-point installation, or point-to-multipoint client sites, providing extended range. The antenna is not compatible with other Cisco Aironet radio products operating in the 5 GHz frequency band. 28 dBi
    AIR-ANT5175V-N Omni A 7.5 dBi antenna which supports 4900-5825 MHz. It has a 12" pigtail cable and a N-type connector. 7.5 dBi
    AIR-ANT2455V-N Omni A 5.5 dBi antenna for use in the 2400-2484 MHz frequency band which utilizes a N-type connector. This antenna directly mounts onto the unit, and has no cable attachments. 5.5 dBi

    Table 8. 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Access Point Integrated Antennas

    Cisco Part Number Antenna Type Description Gain
    Integrated AP1130AG Antenna Omni Diversity antenna package for both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz designed for high performance in both ceiling and wall mount applications. Antennas provide hemispherical coverage and can not be removed from the Access Point. No connectors are offered for additional external antennnas. 2.4 GHz: 3 dBi
    5 GHz: 4.5 dBi
    Integrated AP1000 Antenna Bi-Directional 2.4 GHz offers diversity patch antennas to provide bi-directional while 5 GHz is a bi-directional antenna. The AP can be mounted on the ceiling or in wall mount applications. The AP1010 offers integrated antennas only, while the AP1020 and AP1030 offers both integrated antennas and (2) RP-TNC, 2.4 GHz connectors and (1) 5 GHz RP-TNC connector. 2.4 GHz: 5.5 dBi
    5 Ghz: 5 dBi

    CISCO AIRONET CABLE DESCRIPTIONS

    Table 9 below defines the cables available for interconnecting the antennas and the radio devices for the Cisco Aironet product line.

    Table 9. Cisco Cables

    Cisco Part Number Type of Cable Description Loss (2.4 GHz)
    AIR-CAB020LL-R Interconnect 20 ft. low-loss cable with RP-TNC connectors 1.3 dB
    AIR-CAB050LL-R Interconnect 50 ft. low-loss cable with RP-TNC connectors 3.4 dB
    AIR-CAB100ULL-R Interconnect 100 ft. ultra-low-loss cable with RP-TNC connectors 4.4 dB
    AIR-CAB150ULL-R Interconnect 150 ft. ultra-low-loss cable with RP-TNC connectors 6.6 dB
    AIR-420-002537-060 Bulkhead Extender 60" RG58 type cable with RP-TNC connectors 2 dB

    Table 10. Accessories

    Cisco Part Number Name Description
    AIR-ACC2662 Yagi Articulating Mount This mount permits the Yagi antenna to be mounted to a flat surface or a mast, and then be adjusted in both horizontal and vertical angles.
    AIR-ACC245LA-R Lightning Arrestor Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation. Provides lightning and related energy surges at the antenna from reaching the radio circuitry. A ground ring is included.

    CISCO AIRONET ANTENNA SPECIFICATIONS

    The following section provides detailed descriptions, including physical and electrical specifications for the antennas offered by Cisco for the CiscoAironet product line.

    2.0 dBi CEILING MOUNT DIVERSITY PATCH

    AIR-ANT5959

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Left Antenna Patterns Right Antenna Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR 1.7:1
    Power 5 watts
    Gain 2.0 dBi
    Polarization Vertical linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 80 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.3 x 2.8 x 0.9 in.
    Mounting Drop ceiling cross member mount

    2.2 dBi POS DIVERSITY DIPOLE (FOR USE WITH LMC CARDS)

    AIR-ANT3351

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.483 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Gain 2.2 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 70 degrees
    Antenna Connector MMCX (2)
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 6.5 x 7.0 x 2.12 in.

    2 dBi DIPOLE

    AIR-ANT4941

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.484 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Power 5 watts
    Gain 2 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 70 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H) 4.5 in.
    Mounting To RP-TNC Connector

    2 dBi DIPOLE

    AIR-ANT2422DW-R
    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.484 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Power 5 watts
    Gain 2 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 70 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H) 4.5 in.
    Mounting To RP-TNC Connector

    5.2 dBi CEILING MOUNT OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT1728

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1, 1.5:1 Nominal
    Gain 5.2 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional 360 degrees
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 36 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 9 x 1.25 in.
    Mounting Drop ceiling cross member-indoor only

    5.2 dBi MAST MOUNT OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT2506

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1, 1.5:1 Nominal
    Gain 5.2 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional 360 degrees
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 36 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 11.5 x 1.125 in.
    Mounting Mast mount-indoor/outdoor

    5.2 dBi PILLAR MOUNT DIVERSITY OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT3213

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Left Antenna Radiation Patterns Right Antenna Radiation Patterns
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 Nominal
    Gain 5.2 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional 360 degrees
    Elevation 3dB BW 25 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 12 x 5 x 1 in.

    6 dBi WALL MOUNT DIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT2460P-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Gain 6 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 75 degrees
    Elevation Plan (3dB BW) 73 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 4.1 x 3.9 x .9 in.
    Mounting Wall Mount

    6.5 dBi WALL MOUNT

    AIR-ANT2465

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Left Antenna Radiation Patterns Right Antenna Radiation Patterns
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR 1.7:1 Nominal
    Gain 6.5 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 75 degrees
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 57 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 5 x 6.7 x .1 in.
    Mounting Wall Mount

    8.5 dBi WALL MOUNT

    AIR-ANT2485P-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 Max, 1.5:1 Nominal
    Gain 8.5 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 66 degrees
    Elevations 3dB BW 56 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.3 x 5.3 x .75 in.
    Mounting Wall Mount

    12 dBi MAST MOUNT OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT24120

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2400-2500 MHz
    VSWR 1.5:1
    Gain 12 dBi
    Polarization Linear, Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional 360 degrees
    Elevation (3dB BW) 7 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 42 x 1.25 in.
    Wind Rating 125 MPH
    Mounting Mast Mount

    6 dBi WALL MOUNT PATCH

    AIR-ANT1729

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Gain 6 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW 65 degrees
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 70 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 5.5 x 3.75 x 0.5 in.
    Mounting Wall Mount

    6 dBi WALL MOUNT DIVERSITY PATCH

    AIR-ANT2012

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Left Antenna Patterns Right Antenna Patterns
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR 1.7:1 Nominal
    Gain 6 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 80 degrees
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 55 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 6.65 x 4.78 x .82 in.
    Mounting Wall Mount

    10 dBi WALL/MAST MOUNT YAGI

    AIR-ANT2410Y-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.483 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1
    Gain 10 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 55 degrees
    Elevations Plan 3dB BW 40 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 3 x 7.25 in.
    Mounting Wall/Mast Mount

    Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Integrated Antenna

    Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    Antenna Type 2 x 2 Patch Array
    Front to Back Gain 13 dBi
    Polarization Linear Vertical
    VSWR 1.5:1 VSWR Nominal
    E-Plane 3 dB Beamwidth 36 degrees
    H-Plane 3 dB Beamwidth 38 degrees

    Cisco Aironet 1100 Series Integrated Antenna

    Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5GHz
    Gain 2 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omni
    Elevations 3dB BW 50 degrees
    Antenna Connector Integrated
    Mounting Integrated
    Antenna Type Omni

    13.5 dBi MAST/WALL MOUNT YAGI

    AIR-ANT1949

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR Less than 2:1, 1.5:1 Nominal
    Gain 13.5 dBi
    Front to Back Ratio Greater than 30 dB
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 30 degrees
    Elevations 3dB BW 25 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 18 x 3 in.
    Wind Rating 110 MPH
    Mounting Mast/Wall Mount

    14 dBi MAST MOUNT SECTOR

    AIR-ANT2414S-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5 GHz
    VSWR 1.5:1
    Gain 14 dBi
    Polarization Linear, Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 90 degrees
    Elevations 3dB BW 8.5 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 36 x 6 x 4 in.
    Mounting Mast Mount

    21 dBi MAST MOUNT PARABOLIC DISH

    AIR-ANT3338

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR Less than 1.8:1, 15:1 Nominal
    Power 5 watts
    Gain 21 dBi
    Front to Back Ratio Greater than 25 dB
    Maximum Side Lobe -17 dB
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 12 degrees
    Elevation 3dB BW 12 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W) 24 x 15.5 in.
    Wind Rating 110 MPH
    Mounting Mast Mount

    9 dBi PATCH/5 dBi OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    Integrated Antenna-Part of AP1200 5-GHz Radio Module (Part Number AIR-RM21A)

    5 dBi Omni Mode Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    9 dBi Patch Mode Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    5 dBi Omni Mode Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    9 dBi Patch Mode Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 5.15-5.35 GHz
    VSWR 1.5:1 Nominal
    Gain 5 dBi Omnidirectional

    9 dBi Patch

    Polarization Vertical
    Omni-Directional Azimuth Plane-5 dBi 360 degrees
    Omni-Directional Elevation Plane-5 dBi 36 degrees
    Patch Azimuth Plane-9 dBi 100 degrees
    Patch Elevation Plane-9 dBi 45 degrees
    Antenna Connector Integrated-none available

    3.5 dBi DIPOLE

    AIR-ANT5135D-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.15-5.85 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 3.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 40 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H) 5.3 in.
    Mounting RP-TNC Connector

    3.5 dBi DIPOLE

    AIR-ANT5135DW-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.15-5.85 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 3.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 40 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H) 5.3 in.
    Mounting RP-TNC Connector

    4.5 dBi DIVERSITY OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT5145V-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.15-5.85 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 4.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth 3dB BW Diversity Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 50 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 6.75 x 4.1 x 1 in.
    Mounting Drop ceiling cross member mount

    6 dBi OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT5160V-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.15-5.85 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 6 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional 360 degrees
    Elevation 3dB BW 17 degrees
    Antenna Connector RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 12 x 1 in.

    7 dBi DIVERSITY PATCH WALL MOUNT

    AIR-ANT5170P-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Left Antenna Radiation Pattern Right Antenna Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.1-5.8 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 7 dBi
    Polarization Linear and vertical
    Azimuth Plane 70 degrees
    Elevation Plane 50 degrees
    Connectors RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 14.5 cm x 10.9 cm x 1.8 cm
    Mounting Wall mount

    9.5 dBi PATCH WALL OR ARTICULATING MAST MOUNT

    AIR-ANT5195P-R

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.1-5.8 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 9.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear and vertical
    Azimuth Plane 50 degrees
    Elevation Plane 43 degrees
    Connectors RP-TNC
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 12.9 cm x 12.9 cm x 2.5 cm
    Mounting Wall mount or articulating mast mount

    9 dBi MAST MOUNT OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT58G9VOA-N

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.725-5.825 GHz
    Antenna Connector N-Male
    VSWR 1.5:1 Nominal
    Maximum Power 4 watts
    Gain 9 dBi
    Polarization Vertical
    Dimensions 17 x 1.25 in.
    Mounting 1.5-2.5 in. Mast mount
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Wind Speed (operational) 100 MPH
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 6 degrees
    Wind Speed (survival) 125 MPH
    Beamtilt 0 degrees

    9.5 dBi MAST MOUNT SECTOR

    AIR-ANT58G10SSA-N

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications

    Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 5.725-5.825 GHz Antenna Connector N-Male
    VSWR 1.5:1 Nominal Maximum Power 4 watts
    Gain 9.5 dBi Temperature (operating -20°F Min, +60°C Max
    Polarization H or V Mounting 1.5-2.5 in. Mast mount
    Azimuth 3dB BW 60 degrees Wind Speed (operational) 100 MPH
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 60 degrees Wind Speed (survival) 125 MPH

    28 dBi MAST MOUNT DISH-5.8 GHZ

    AIR-ANT58G28SDA-N

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 5.725-5.825 GHz
    Wind Speed (survival) 125 MPH
    VSWR 1.5:1 Nominal
    Antenna Connector N-Male
    Gain 28 dBi
    Maximum Power 4 watts
    Polarization V or H
    Azimuth 3dB BW 4.75 degrees
    Mounting 1.5-2.5 in. Mast mount
    Elevations Plan (3dB BW) 4.75 degrees
    Wind Speed (operational) 100 MPH
    Dimensions 24 in. Diameter

    7.5 dBi OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT5175V-N

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 4.9-5.8 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 7.5 dBi for 5GHz bands. 6 dBi for 4.9GHz bands.
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth Plane Omnidirectional
    Elevation Plane 50 degrees
    Connectors N
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 31.75 cm x 2.54 cm
    Mounting Direct mount

    5.5 dBi OMNIDIRECTIONAL

    AIR-ANT2455V-N

    Dimensions and Mounting Specifications Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern
    Frequency Range 2.4-2.83 GHz
    VSWR 2:1 or better
    Gain 5.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear
    Azimuth Plane Omnidirectional
    Elevation Plane 25 degrees
    Connectors N
    Dimensions (H x W x D) 30.48 cm x 2.54 cm
    Mounting Direct mount

    CISCO AIRONET 1130 SERIES INTEGRATED ANTENNA

    2.4 GHz, 3 dBi Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    5 GHz, 4.5 dBi Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    2.4 GHz, 3 dBi Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    5 GHz, 4.5 dBi Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5GHz5.15-5.8 GHz
    Gain 2.4 GHz: 3 dBi5 GHz: 4.5 dBi
    Polarization Linear, Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW Omnidirectional
    Elevations 3dB BW 50 degrees
    Antenna Connector Integrated
    Mounting Integrated
    Antenna Type Omnidirectional

    CISCO AIRONET 1000 SERIES INTEGRATED ANTENNA

    2.4 GHz, 6 dBi Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    5 GHz, 5 dBi Azimuth Plane Radiation Pattern

    2.4 GHz,6 dBi Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    5 GHz, 5 dBi Elevation Plane Radiation Pattern

    Frequency Range 2.4-2.5GHz

    5.15-5.8 GHz

    Gain

    2.4 GHz: 6 dBi

    5 GHz: 5 dBi

    Polarization Linear, Vertical
    Azimuth 3dB BW 2.4 GHz: 70 degrees

    5 GHz: 55 degrees

    Elevations 3dB BW 2.4 GHz: 60 degrees

    5 GHz: 35 degrees

    Antenna Connector Integrated
    Mounting Integrated
    Antenna Type Bi-directional