Cisco Aironet 1700 User Manual

Cisco Systems, Inc.
www.cisco.com
Cisco Aironet Series 1700/2700/3700 Access Point
Deployment Guide
Last Updated: October, 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 (AP).
• Differences between AP 3700 and AP 3600.
• Feature module and ClientLink support.
• Physical/Hardware details, mounting options, bracket choices, and installation considerations.
• Antenna options, radiation patterns, and external antenna deployments.
• Understanding spatial streams, MCS rates and beam-forming (802.11n Primer).
• Review of 802.11ac and Wave-1 module for AP 3600.
• Understanding 802.11ac and Wave-1 for the AP 3700.
• Best Practices–Understanding Channel usage, 80 MHz, and available 11ac clients.
• 802.11ac performance considerations.
This document is intended for trained and experienced technical personnel familiar with the existing Cisco Wireless
Networking Group (WNG) product line and features.

Cisco Aironet 1700 Specifications

General

Frequency Band	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Antenna Type	Internal
Power Options	PoE, Power Adapter
PoE Support	802.3af
Mounting	Ceiling, Wall
Wireless Standards	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Ethernet Ports	1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T (RJ-45)
Form Factor	Ceiling mount, Wall mount
Wi-Fi Generation	Wi-Fi 5
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C
Security	WPA2, 802.1X
Data Rate	Up to 867 Mbps

Summary

Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point

Choosing the Right Access Point (AP)

Guidance on selecting the appropriate Cisco Access Point model for specific needs.

Feature Module and ClientLink Support

Details on optional modules and ClientLink technology for enhanced performance.

Physical/Hardware Details and Installation

Covers physical aspects, mounting hardware, and installation guidelines for APs.

Antenna Options and Deployments

Explores antenna choices, their radiation patterns, and external deployment strategies.

802.11n Primer: Spatial Streams and Beamforming

802.11ac Wave-1 Overview

Details on 802.11ac and Wave-1 features for AP 3700 and AP 3600.

Best Practices: Channel Usage and 80 MHz

802.11ac Performance Considerations

Choosing the Right Access Point

Differences between the AP 3700 and AP 3600

Feature Module Support

Beamforming – Understanding ClientLink

AP 3600 vs. AP 3700 Feature Comparison

APs Physical Hardware and Mounting Options

Access Point Bracket Choices

Ceiling Grid Clips

Channel Rail Adapters

Mounting AP Directly into Ceiling Tile

Wall Mounting the AP

Above Ceiling Tile Installations

Handling High Vibration Areas

Warehouse and Factory Installation

Mounting on Electrical Conduit Box

Access Point Spacing Guidelines

Installations in IDF Closets

External Antenna Options

Outdoor Antenna Deployments

External Antenna Deployment

External Antenna Spacing Best Practices

Site Survey in High Metal Areas

802.11n Spatial Streams Primer

2SS Channel Bonding Data Rates

AP 3600 Radio Configuration

AP Data Rate and MCS Rate Comparison

Clients Supporting 3 Spatial Streams

Legacy ClientLink 1.0 and 2.0

Beamforming and Interference

Cisco TxBF vs. IEEE ECBF

Site Survey Best Practices

Site Survey Sensitivity and SNR

RSSI/SNR Guidelines for Data Rates

General AP Installation Considerations

802.11ac vs. 802.11n Differences

802.11ac Wave-1: 256-QAM Introduction

Channel Bonding for Bandwidth

Wave-1 Data Rates (2 & 3 Spatial Streams)

AP 3600 Feature Module Details

AP 3600 Powering Options

Module Powering with 802.3af

Optimized Ceiling Placement Coverage

Client Band Steering Explained

AP 3600 Radio Interfaces and Associations

Troubleshooting AP Modules

Understanding 802.11ac and the AP 3700 (Wave-1)

AP 3700 Power Over Ethernet

AP 3700: 802.3af (15.4W) Mode

AP 3700: Full Power Mode (>18W)

AP 3700 Powering via Cisco Switches

Best Practices: Channels and Clients

Channels and Client Relatability

80 MHz Client Bonding Example

Configuring 80 MHz Channel on AP 3700

802.11ac and Legacy Client Recommendations

Factors Impacting Wireless Performance

Client Impact on Performance

Channel Selection for Performance

Client Distance and Data Rates

AP Mounting Best Practices

Poor Installation: Metal and Clutter Example

Secure AP Mounting Requirements

Dipole Antenna Orientation

Outdoor Antenna Mounting Tip

Cisco Aironet Series 2700 Access Point

Key Features of Cisco Aironet 2700 AP

AP 2700 Modes of Operation

AP 2700 Auxiliary Ethernet Port

AP 2700 Power Requirements

AP Mounting Options

Supported Antennas for AP 2700e

Cisco Aironet Series 1700 Access Point

Features and Caveats of Cisco Aironet 1700 AP

Differences Between the AP 1700 and AP 2700

Changing AP to Autonomous Mode

CleanAir vs. CleanAir Express Comparison

AP 1700 PoE Requirements