Cisco Mesh Access Points User Manual

the child AP because it is not allowed to transmit during the silent period. In this case, the child AP
dissociates and goes back to scan mode, rediscovers the parent on the new channel and then joins back,
which causes a slightly longer (approximately 3 minutes) downtime.
• For a RAP, the channel for the downlink radio is always selected from within the DCA list, irrespective
of whether the backhaul channel deselection feature is enabled or not. The behavior is different for a
MAP because the MAP can pick any channel that is allowed for that domain, unless the backhaul channel
deselection feature is enabled. We recommend that you have quite a few channels added to the 802.11a
DCA channel list to prevent any radios getting shut down because of a lack of channels even if the
backhaul channel deselection feature is not in use.
• Because the DCA list that was used for the RRM feature is also used for mesh APs through the backhaul
channel deselection feature, keep in mind that any addition or deletion of channels from the DCA list
will affect the channel list input to the RRM feature for nonmesh access points as well. RRM is off for
mesh.
• For -M domain APs, a slightly longer time interval (25 to 50 percent more time than usual) may be
required for the mesh network to come up because there is a longer list of DFS-enabled channels in the
-M domain, which each AP scans before joining the parent.
Configuring Dynamic Channel Assignment
Using the controller GUI, follow these steps to specify the channels that the dynamic channel assignment
(DCA) algorithm considers when selecting the channels to be used for RRM scanning. This functionality is
helpful when you know that the clients do not support certain channels because they are legacy devices or
they have certain regulatory restrictions.
The steps outlined in this section are only relevant to mesh networks.
Step 1
To disable the 802.11a/n or 802.11b/g/n network, follow these steps:
a) Choose Wireless > 802.11a/n or 802.11b/g/n > Network to open the 802.11a (or 802.11b/g) Global Parameters
page.
b) Deselect the 802.11a (or 802.11b/g) Network Status check box.
c) Click Apply to commit your changes.
Step 2
Choose Wireless > 802.11a/n or 802.11b/g/n > RRM > DCA to open the 802.11a (or 802.11b/g) > RRM > Dynamic
Channel Assignment (DCA) page.
Step 3
Choose one of the following options from the Channel Assignment Method drop-down list to specify the controller’s
DCA mode:
• Automatic—Causes the controller to periodically evaluate and, if necessary, update the channel assignment for
all joined mesh access points. This is the default value.
• Freeze—Causes the controller to evaluate and update the channel assignment for all joined mesh access points, if
necessary, but only when you click Invoke Channel Update Once.
The controller does not evaluate and update the channel assignment immediately after you click Invoke
Channel Update Once. It waits for the next interval to elapse.
Note
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Connecting the Cisco 1500 Series Mesh Access Points to the Network
Configuring Dynamic Channel Assignment

Cisco Mesh Access Points Specifications

General

Brand	Cisco
Model	Mesh Access Points
Category	Wireless Access Point
Language	English

Summary

Preface

Audience

Describes the target audience for this guide, focusing on network administrators.

Organization

Outlines the chapter structure of the guide for easy navigation.

Conventions

Explains the document's formatting and typographical conventions.

Related Documentation

Lists supplementary Cisco documentation for further information.

Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request

Provides instructions on how to get Cisco documentation and request support.

CHAPTER 1 Mesh Network Components

Mesh Network Components

Details the core components of a Cisco wireless mesh network.

Mesh Access Points

Overview of Cisco mesh access point hardware and models.

Access Point Roles

Defines the Root Access Point (RAP) and Mesh Access Point (MAP) roles.

Network Access

Explains how mesh access points connect to the network and authentication methods.

Cisco Indoor Mesh Access Points

Details supported Cisco indoor mesh access point models.

Cisco Outdoor Mesh Access Points

Details supported Cisco outdoor mesh access point models.

CHAPTER 2 Mesh Deployment Modes

Mesh Deployment Modes

Describes the different ways Cisco mesh networks can be deployed.

Wireless Mesh Network

Describes the basic architecture of a Cisco wireless outdoor mesh network.

Wireless Backhaul

Explains how traffic is bridged between mesh access points for backhaul.

Point-to-Multipoint Wireless Bridging

Details the scenario where a RAP connects multiple MAPs.

CHAPTER 3 Design Considerations

Design Considerations

Key factors and challenges for designing wireless mesh networks.

Wireless Mesh Constraints

Discusses system characteristics affecting mesh network design.

ClientLink Technology

Explains Cisco's ClientLink technology for optimizing 802.11a/g client performance.

Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol

Details the AWPP for determining optimal routes in mesh networks.

CHAPTER 4 Site Preparation and Planning

Site Preparation and Planning

Covers essential steps for preparing and planning mesh network deployments.

Site Survey

Recommends performing a radio site survey before installing mesh equipment.

Outdoor Site Survey

Covers considerations for outdoor wireless deployments like weather and security.

Determining a Line of Sight

Explains how to assess link suitability based on clear line of sight.

Fresnel Zone

Describes the Fresnel zone and its impact on signal propagation.

Hidden Nodes Interference

Discusses interference issues caused by hidden nodes in mesh backhaul.

Cell Planning and Distance

Offers recommendations for cell planning and distance in mesh networks.

CHAPTER 5 Connecting the Cisco 1500 Series Mesh Access Points to the Network

Connecting the Cisco 1500 Series Mesh Access Points to the Network

Guides on connecting Cisco mesh APs to the wired network.

Adding Mesh Access Points to the Mesh Network

Steps to add mesh APs to the network, assuming controller is active.

Defining Mesh Access Point Role

How to configure APs as RAP or MAP, with GUI and CLI methods.

Backup Controllers

Explains configuring primary, secondary, and tertiary backup controllers.

Configuring Global Mesh Parameters

Instructions for configuring global mesh parameters affecting AP connections.

Universal Client Access

Enables client association over the backhaul radio.

Configuring Ethernet VLAN Tagging

Details how to segment traffic using VLAN tags for Ethernet ports.

Workgroup Bridge Interoperability with Mesh Infrastructure

Covers WGB integration with mesh networks.

Configuring Voice Parameters in Indoor Mesh Networks

How to configure CAC and QoS for voice quality.

CHAPTER 6 Checking the Health of the Network

Show Mesh Commands

Lists commands to view mesh network health and status.

Viewing Mesh Statistics for a Mesh Access Point

Provides detailed statistics on mesh AP performance and health.

Viewing Neighbor Statistics for a Mesh Access Point

Shows statistics for mesh AP neighbors and link tests.

CHAPTER 7 Troubleshooting

Installation and Connections

Basic troubleshooting for initial setup and connectivity.

Debug Commands

Helpful commands to view messages between APs and controllers.

AP Console Access

How to access AP console for debugging and configuration.

Mesh Access Point CLI Commands

Lists direct CLI commands for mesh access points.

Dynamic Frequency Selection

Explains DFS functionality for RAPs and MAPs in radar environments.

Bridge Group Name Misconfiguration

Troubleshooting steps for incorrect BGN assignments leading to stranded APs.

CHAPTER 8 Managing Mesh Access Points with Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Managing Mesh Access Points with Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Overview of managing mesh APs using Cisco Prime Infrastructure.

Adding Campus Maps, Outdoor Areas, and Buildings with Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Steps to add geographical maps and buildings in Prime Infrastructure.

Monitoring Mesh Access Points Using Google Earth

How to launch and use Google Earth for mesh AP visualization.

Adding Indoor Mesh Access Points to Cisco Prime Infrastructure

Process for adding indoor APs to Prime Infrastructure after mesh configuration.

Monitoring Workgroup Bridges

How to monitor Workgroup Bridge (WGB) clients separately.

Viewing AP Last Reboot Reason

Explains how to check the cause of the last AP reboot.