Appendix A: Case Study of a Plethora of Antenna Types from Cisco

This appendix offers a case study of antenna products by Cisco Systems.

Cisco Aironet Antennas and Accessories - Complete the Wireless Solution

Cisco offers a complete range of antennas for client adapter, access point (AP), and bridge equipment that provide a customized wireless solution for almost any installation.

Cisco Aironet Antennas and Accessories

Every wireless local area network (WLAN) deployment is different. When engineering an in-building solution, varying facility sizes, construction materials, and interior divisions raise a host of transmission and multipath considerations. When implementing a building-to-building solution, distance, physical obstructions between facilities, and number of transmission points involved must be accounted for. Cisco is committed to providing not only the best APs, client adapters, and bridges in the industry, but it is also committed to providing a complete solution for any WLAN deployment. This is why Cisco has the widest range of antennas, cables, and accessories available from any wireless manufacturer.

With the Cisco FCC-approved directional and omnidirectional antennas, low-loss cable, mounting hardware, and other accessories, installers can customize a wireless solution that meets the requirements of even the most challenging applications.

Client Adapter Antennas

Cisco Aironet wireless client adapters come complete with standard antennas that provide sufficient range for most applications at 11 Mbps. To extend the transmission range for more specialized applications, a variety of optional, higher-gain antennas are provided that are compatible with selected client adapters. (See Table A-1.)

Figure A-1: Cisco offers a complete range of antennas for client adapter, AP, and bridge equipment that enable a customized wireless solution for almost any installation.

Table A-1. Cisco Aironet client adapter antenna features

Feature	AIR-ANT3351
Description	Packet over SONET (PoS) diversity dipole
Application	Indoor diversity antenna to extend the range of Aironet LMC client adapters
Gain	2.2 dBi
Approximate indoor range	350 ft. (107 m) at 1 Mbps
Approximate indoor range	100 ft. (51 m) at 11 Mbps
Beam width	360° H 75° V
Cable length	5 ft. (1.5 m)
Dimensions	Base: 7x2 in. (18x5 cm) Height: 8 in. (20 cm)
Weight	9.2 oz. (261 g)

AP Antennas

Cisco Aironet AP antennas are compatible with all Cisco Reverse Polarity Threaded Nut Connector (RP-TNC)-equipped APs. The antennas are available with different gain and range capabilities, beam widths, and form factors. Coupling the right antenna with the right AP provides efficient coverage in any facility as well as better reliability at higher data rates. (See Figure A-2 and Table A-2.)

Figure A-2: Optional, higher-gain antennas can be used to extend the range of APs.

Table A-2: Cisco Aironet AP antenna features

All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated client adapter antenna under ideal indoor conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.

Bridge Antennas

Cisco Aironet bridge antennas provide extraordinary transmission distances between two or more buildings. Cisco has a bridge antenna for every application. They are available in directional configurations for point-to-point transmission and omnidirectional configuration for point-to-multipoint implementations. (See Table A-3.)

Table A-3: Cisco Aironet bridge antenna features

All range estimations are based on use of 50 ft. (15 m) low-loss cable and the same type of antenna at each end of the connection under ideal outdoor conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.

Low-Loss/Ultralow-Loss Cables

Low-loss cable extends the length between any Cisco Aironet bridge and the antenna. With a loss of 6.7 dB per 100 feet (30 m) for the low-loss cable and 4.4 dB for the ultralow-loss cable, this provides installation flexibility without a significant sacrifice in range. (See Figure A-3 and Table A-4.)

Figure A-3: With Cisco Aironet bridge antennas, the correct mounting hardware, and qualified installation, wireless links over great distances and obstacles are possible.

Table A-4. Cisco Aironet low-loss antenna cable features

Feature	AIR-CAB020LL-R	AIR-CAB050LL-R	AIR-CAB100ULL-R	AIR-CAB150ULL-R
Cable length	20 ft. (6 m)	50 ft. (15 m)	100 ft. (30 m)	150 ft. (46 m)
Transmission	1.3 dB	3.4 dB	4.4 dB	6.6 dB loss

Accessories

To complete an installation, Cisco provides a variety of accessories that offer increased functionality, safety, and convenience. (See Figure A-4 and Table A-5.)

Figure A-4: Cisco Aironet antenna accessories

Table A-5. Cisco Aironet accessory features

Feature	AIR-ACC2537-060	AIR-ACC3354	AIR-ACC2662
Description	60 in. (152 cm) bulkhead extender	Lightning arrestor	Yagi articulating mount
Application	Flexible antenna cable that extends AP cabling typically within an enclosure	Helps prevent damage due to lightning induced surges or static electricity	Adds swiveling capability to mast-mounted yagi antennas