Cisco Aironet 3700 Series User Manual

Cisco Systems, Inc.
www.cisco.com
Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points
Deployment Guide
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.
• 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 3700 Series Specifications

General

Category	Wireless Access Point
Wi-Fi Standards	802.11a/b/g/n/ac
Model	Cisco Aironet 3700 Series
Frequency Bands	2.4 GHz, 5 GHz
Max Data Rate	1.7 Gbps
Ethernet Ports	1 x Gigabit Ethernet
PoE Support	802.3af/at
Operating Temperature	0°C to 40°C (32°F to 104°F)
Mounting	Wall, ceiling
Security	WPA2, 802.1X, AES, TKIP
Management	Cisco Prime Infrastructure
MIMO	4x4:4

Summary

Choosing the Right Cisco Access Point

Models

Details available access point models and their classifications for different environments.

AP 3700 vs. AP 3600 Differences

Identifying APs Physically

Feature Module Support

Beamforming: Understanding ClientLink

Access Point Hardware and Mounting Options

Cisco Access Point Bracket Options

Details different bracket options available for mounting access points, including their specific use cases.

Ceiling Channel Rail Adapters

Describes the use of an optional channel adapter for mounting APs to ceiling channel rails.

AP Ceiling Tile Mounting Options

Cisco Access Point Wall Mounting Guide

Specialized Access Point Installations

Clean Room AP Installation (Healthcare)

Details AP design considerations for clean room environments, including plenum rating and vent-less enclosures.

Access Point Installation Above Ceiling Tiles

AP Installation in Stadium/Harsh Environments

Ceiling Tile Installation: Avoid Obstructions

AP Installation in High Vibration Areas

Warehouse and Factory AP Deployment

Recommended Ethernet Cabling for APs

Best Practices for Antenna Cabling

Optimal Access Point Spacing Guidelines

AP Installation in IDF Closets

Wi-Fi over DAS Deployments

External Antenna Options and Radiation Patterns

Recommended Antennas for Outdoor APs

Antenna Radiation Pattern Analysis

AIR-ANT2524Dx-R Antenna Specs

Provides detailed technical specifications for the AIR-ANT2524Dx-R dual-band dipole antenna.

AIR-ANT2566P4W-R Antenna Specs

Details technical specifications including gain, beamwidth, and environment for the patch antenna.

AIR-ANT2544V4M-R Antenna Specs

Provides specifications for the omni-directional antenna, including gain, polarization, and operating temperature.

AP 3702p Stadium Antenna Option

Integrated AP Antenna Patterns (3700i, 3600i, 2600i, 1600i)

External Antenna Deployment Guidance

Best Practices for Antenna Placement

802.11n Spatial Streams Explained

Clients Supporting 3 Spatial Streams

Beamforming: ClientLink 1.0 vs 2.0

Cisco ClientLink vs. IEEE ECBF

Importance of Site Surveys for AP Deployment

General AP Installation Guidelines

802.11ac vs. 802.11n: Key Differences

802.11ac Wave-1 Key Elements

The Importance of Channel Bonding in 802.11ac

802.11ac Wave-1 Module Explained

AP 3600 Module Powering via Cisco Switches

AC Radio Module PoE Powering

Optimizing Client Performance with Band Steering

AP 3600 Radio Interfaces and Client Associations

Troubleshooting the AP 3600 Option Module

Module Not Found Troubleshooting Steps

Client Connection Caveats for AP 3600 Module

802.11ac Wave-1 on the AP 3700

PoE Powering for the AP 3700

Wi-Fi Deployment Best Practices

Future Spectrum Allocation for Wi-Fi

Channels and Client Connectivity

802.11ac and Legacy Client Interoperability

Current 802.11ac Devices

Factors Impacting Wi-Fi Performance

Checking for Spectrum Interference

Client Impact on Wi-Fi Performance

Channel Selection for Optimal Performance

Client Distance and 802.11ac Performance

Examples of Non-Optimal AP Installations

Introduction to the Cisco Aironet 2700 AP

AP 2700 Auxiliary Ethernet Port

AP 2700 PoE Powering Requirements

Cisco AP Mounting Bracket Options

AP 2700e Supported Antennas

AP 2700i Antenna Radiation Patterns

Access Point FAQ - Selection and Environment

Access Point FAQ - Interference and 802.11ac

Cisco Wireless Deployment Resources

Additional Cisco Wireless Documentation