Cisco Aironet 3800 Series - FRA System Details

Flexible Radio Architecture (FRA) System
In addition to the dedicated 5–GHz radio, FRA enabled APs like the AP2800 and AP 3800 contain an additional
integrated 2.4/5–GHz XOR "selectable radio" for additional flexibility.
An FRA system uses a special XOR radio that consists of the following:
• 2.4–GHz and 5–GHz on the same silicon
• Allows selection of 2.4–GHz or 5–GHz for serving clients (default is 2.4–GHz)
• Allows serial scanning of all 2.4–GHz and 5–GHz channels (in monitor “WSM” mode)
• Role selection is manual or Automatic–RRM
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Previous WSSI or WSM modules for 3700 were XOR in design
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This feature is now integrated into AP 2800 and AP 3800
The benefits of an FRA system are many and address the following issues:
• Solves the problem of 2.4–GHz over-coverage
• Creating 2 diverse 5–GHz cells doubles the airtime available
• Permits one AP with one Ethernet drop to function like two 5–GHz APs
•
Introduces concept of Macro/Micro cells for airtime efficiency
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Allows more bandwidth to be applied to an area within a larger coverage cell
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Can be used to address non-linear traffic
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Enhances the High Density Experience(HDX) with one AP
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XOR radio can be user selected in either band servicing clients or in monitor mode
When using FRA with the internal antenna ("I" series models), two 5–GHz radios may be used in a Micro/Macro
cell mode. When using FRA with external antenna ("E/P" models) the antennas may be placed to enable the
creation of two completely separate Macro (wide area cells) or two Micro cells (small cells) for HDX or any
combination.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Understanding Flexible Radio Assignment (software overview)
Flexible Radio Architecture (FRA) System