Cisco Aironet AIR-ANT2460P-R User manual

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Cisco Aironet 6-dBi Patch Antenna
(AIR-ANT2460P-R)
This document outlines the specifications, describes the AIR-ANT2460P 6-dBi patch antenna, and
provides instructions for mounting it. The antenna operates in the 2.4-GHz frequency range and is
designed for use in both indoor and outdoor environments.
The following information is provided in this document.
•Technical Specifications, page 2
•System Requirements, page 3
•Installation Guidelines, page 4
•Installing the Antenna, page 5
•Documentation Feedback, page 8
•Cisco Product Security Overview, page 8
•Obtaining Technical Assistance, page 10
•Obtaining Additional Publications and Information, page 11

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Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Antenna type Single patch
Operating frequency range 2400 – 2484 MHz
Nominal input impedance 50Ω
2:1 VSWR bandwidth 2400 – 2484 MHz
Peak gain 6.0 dBi
Polarization Linear, vertical
E-plane 3-dB beamwidth 73°
H-plane 3-dB beamwidth 75°
Front-to-back ratio 18 dB
Cross-pol discrimination 15 dB
Cable length and type 36 in. (91.4 cm)
Times AA-9303 or
equivalent (plenum
rated)
Connector type RP-TNC
Length 4 in. (10.1 cm)
Width 3.6 in. (9.1) cm)
Height 1 in. (2.5 cm)
Operating temperature range –22°F to 158°F
(–30°C to 70°C)
Storage temperature range –40°F to 185°F
(–40°C – 85°C)
UL2043 compliant Yes
Environment Indoor/outdoor
E-Plane Pattern H-Plane Pattern

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System Requirements
System Requirements
This antenna is designed for use with Cisco Aironet access points and bridges but can be used with any
2.4-GHz Cisco Aironet radio device that utilizes an RP-TNC connector.
Safety Precautions
Translated versions of the following safety warnings are provided in the Safety Warnings for Cisco
Aironet Antennas, which is available at http://cisco.com.
Warning This warning symbol means danger. You are in a situation that could cause bodily injury. Before you
work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be familiar
with standard practices for preventing accidents. Use the statement number provided at the end of
each warning to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings that accompanied this device.
Statement 1071
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Warning In order to comply with RF exposure limits established in the ANSI C95.1 standards, it is recommended
when using a laptop with a PC card client adapter that the adapter’s integrated antenna is positioned
more than 2 inches (5 cm) from your body or nearby persons during extended periods of transmitting
or operating time. If the antenna is positioned less than 2 inches (5 cm) from the user, it is
recommended that the user limit exposure time. Statement 254
Warning Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.
Statement 1001
Warning Do not locate the antenna near overhead power lines or other electric light or power circuits, or
where it can come into contact with such circuits. When installing the antenna, take extreme care
not to come into contact with such circuits, because they may cause serious injury or death. For
proper installation and grounding of the antenna, please refer to national and local codes (for
example, U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, Canada: Canadian Electrical Code,
Section 54). Statement 1052
Each year hundreds of people are killed or injured when attempting to install an antenna. In many of
these cases, the victim was aware of the danger of electrocution, but did not take adequate steps to avoid
the hazard.
For your safety, and to help you achieve a good installation, please read and follow these safety
precautions. They may save your life!
1. If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as others, seek
professional assistance. Your Cisco sales representative can explain which mounting method to use
for the size and type antenna you are about to install.
2. Select your installation site with safety, as well as performance in mind. Remember: electric power
lines and phone lines look alike. For your safety, assume that any overhead line can kill you.

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Installation Guidelines
3. Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans and ask them to come look at your proposed
installation. This is a small inconvenience considering your life is at stake.
4. Plan your installation carefully and completely before you begin. Successful raising of a mast or
tower is largely a matter of coordination. Each person should be assigned to a specific task, and
should know what to do and when to do it. One person should be in charge of the operation to issue
instructions and watch for signs of trouble.
5. When installing your antenna, remember:
a. Do not use a metal ladder.
b. Do not work on a wet or windy day.
c. Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or
jacket.
6. If the assembly starts to drop, get away from it and let it fall. Remember, the antenna, mast, cable,
and metal guy wires are all excellent conductors of electrical current. Even the slightest touch of any
of these parts to a power line complete an electrical path through the antenna and the installer: you!
7. If any part of the antenna system should come in contact with a power line, don’t touch it or try to
remove it yourself. Call your local power company. They will remove it safely.
8. If an accident should occur with the power lines call for qualified emergency help immediately.
Installation Guidelines
Because the antenna transmits and receives radio signals, they are susceptible to RF obstructions and
common sources of interference that can reduce throughput and range of the device to which they are
connected. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:
•Mount the antenna to utilize its propagation characteristics. One way to do this is to orient the
antenna vertically and mount it as high as possible.
•Keep the antenna away from metal obstructions such as heating and air-conditioning ducts, large
ceiling trusses, building superstructures, and major power cabling runs. If necessary, use a rigid
conduit to lower the antenna away from these obstructions.
•The density of the materials used in a building’s construction determines the number of walls the
signal must pass through and still maintain adequate coverage. Consider the following before
choosing the location to install your antenna:
– Paper and vinyl walls have very little affect on signal penetration.
– Solid and pre-cast concrete walls limit signal penetration to one or two walls without degrading
coverage.
– Concrete and wood block walls limit signal penetration to three or four walls.
– A signal can penetrate five or six walls constructed of drywall or wood.
– A thick metal wall causes signals to reflect off, causing poor penetration.
– A chain link fence or wire mesh spaced between 1 and 1 1/2 in. (2.5 and 3.8 cm) acts as a
harmonic reflector that blocks a 2.4-Ghz radio signal.
•Install the antenna away from microwave ovens and 2-GHz cordless phones. These products can
cause signal interference because they operate in the same frequency range as the device your
antenna is connected to.
•Install the antenna in a vertical orientation to maximize signal propagation.

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Installing the Antenna
Site Selection
Before attempting to install your antenna, determine where you can best place the antenna for safety and
performance.
Follow these steps to determine a safe distance from wires, power lines, and trees.
Step 1 Measure the height of your antenna.
Step 2 Add this length to the length of the structure on which you are mounting the antenna and then double
this total for the minimum recommended safe distance.
Caution If you are unable to maintain this safe distance, stop and get professional help.
Generally, the higher an antenna is above the ground, the better it performs. Good practice is to install
your antenna about 5 to 10 ft (1.5 to 3 m) above the roof line and away from all power lines and
obstructions. If possible, find a mounting place directly above your wireless device so that the lead-in
cable can be as short as possible.
Installing the Antenna
You can install the antenna on any indoor or outdoor flat vertical surface. Hardware for mounting the
antenna on drywall is provided. If you intend to install your antenna on another surface, you must
provide the appropriate hardware.
Note Four mounting screws are provided to mount the antenna. To ensure a safe, reliable, and long-standing
installation, you must use all four screws to mount the antenna.
Note If you install the antenna outdoors, follow the instructions printed on the back of the antenna.
Tools and Equipment Required
An installation kit is shipped with the antenna and consists of the following hardware:
•Four #8 x ¾ Phillips head screws
•Four #8 plastic anchors
•Four end caps
You need the following tools and equipment, which are not provided.
•A Phillips screwdriver
•A drill

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Installing the Antenna
•A #29 ((0.136-in (3.45 mm)) drill bit (For drywall installation, other surfaces may require a different
size)
•A small mallet or hammer
Mounting on a Vertical Surface
This procedure describes mounting the antenna on a drywall surface. If you are mounting the antenna on
any other type of surface, your procedure may vary slightly. For indoor installations, you can mount the
antenna so that the antenna cable is pointing up or down.
Follow these steps to mount your antenna on a vertical surface.
Step 1 Determine the location where you will mount the antenna.
Step 2 Use the antenna as a template to mark the locations of the four mounting holes.
Step 3 Use a drill and #29 drill bit to drill four holes at the locations you marked in Step 2.
Step 4 Start a plastic anchor into each hole.
Step 5 Use a mallet or small hamer to seat the anchors into the wall.
Step 6 Align the antenna’s mounting holes with the anchors.
Step 7 Start a #8 x ¾ screw into each antenna mounting hole.
Step 8 Use a Phillips screwdriver to secure the antenna to the wall. Do not overtighten.
Step 9 Install the end caps into the antenna mounting holes.
Step 10 Remove the yellow installation warning label from the antenna radome.
Outdoor Installations
You can mount this antenna outdoors. If you mount the antenna outdoors, you must provide the mounting
hardware. For outdoor installations, Follow the instructions printed on the back of the antenna.
Caution An orientation arrow is printed on the back of the antenna that indicates the orientation for outdoor
installations. You must install the antenna with the orientation arrow pointing up to prevent any water
intrusion and to provide a drain for any moisture that may accumulate inside the antenna.
Suggested Cable
Cisco recommends a high-quality, low-loss cable for use with the antenna.
Note Coaxial cable loses efficiency as the frequency increases, resulting in signal loss. The cable
should be kept as short as possible because cable length also determines the amount of
signal loss (the longer the run, the greater the loss).

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Obtaining Documentation
The antenna terminates with a RP-TNC plug after a short, 3-ft (0.91-m) cable. The mating connector to
the antenna is an appropriate RP-TNC jack. The connector on the opposite end will vary according to
the type of equipment used.
After the cable is attached to the antenna, make sure that the connections are sealed (if outdoors) to
prevent moisture and other weathering elements from affecting performance. Cisco recommends using
a coax seal (such as CoaxSeal) for outdoor connections. Silicon sealant or electrical tape are not
recommended for sealing outdoor connections.
Grounding the Antenna
Follow these steps to ground the antenna in accordance with national electrical code instructions.
Step 1 Use No. 10 AWG copper or No. 8 or larger copper-clad steel or bronze wire as a ground wire.
Step 2 Secure the ground wire to a static discharge unit (lightning arrestor, Cisco Aironet AIR-ACC245LA-R
or equivalent) and then to a suitable building ground. If possible, route the ground wire from the
discharge unit to the ground using stand-off insulators spaced from 4 ft (1.2 m) to 8 ft (2.4 m) apart.
Step 3 Mount the antenna discharge unit as close as possible to where the antenna cable enters the building.
Step 4 Drill a hole in the building’s wall as close as possible to the access point to which you will connect the
antenna cable.
Caution There may be wires in the wall. Make sure your drilling location is clear of any obstructions or other
hazards.
Step 5 Pull the cable through the hole and form a drip loop close to where it enters the building.
Step 6 Thoroughly waterproof the lead-in area.
Step 7 Connect the antenna cable to the access point.
Obtaining Documentation
Cisco documentation and additional literature are available on Cisco.com. This section explains the
product documentation resources that Cisco offers.
Cisco.com
You can access the most current Cisco documentation at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
You can access the Cisco website at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com
You can access international Cisco websites at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/public/countries_languages.shtml

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Documentation Feedback
Product Documentation DVD
The Product Documentation DVD is a library of technical product documentation on a portable medium.
The DVD enables you to access installation, configuration, and command guides for Cisco hardware and
software products. With the DVD, you have access to the HTML documentation and some of the
PDF files found on the Cisco website at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/univercd/home/home.htm
The Product Documentation DVD is created and released regularly. DVDs are available singly or by
subscription. Registered Cisco.com users can order a Product Documentation DVD (product number
DOC-DOCDVD= or DOC-DOCDVD=SUB) from Cisco Marketplace at the Product Documentation
Store at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/docstore
Ordering Documentation
You must be a registered Cisco.com user to access Cisco Marketplace. Registered users may order
Cisco documentation at the Product Documentation Store at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/marketplace/docstore
If you do not have a user ID or password, you can register at this URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do
Documentation Feedback
You can provide feedback about Cisco technical documentation on the Cisco Technical Support &
Documentation site area by entering your comments in the feedback form available in every online
document.
Cisco Product Security Overview
Cisco provides a free online Security Vulnerability Policy portal at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html
From this site, you will find information about how to do the following:
•Report security vulnerabilities in Cisco products
•Obtain assistance with security incidents that involve Cisco products
•Register to receive security information from Cisco
A current list of security advisories, security notices, and security responses for Cisco products is
available at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/go/psirt
To see security advisories, security notices, and security responses as they are updated in real time, you
can subscribe to the Product Security Incident Response Team Really Simple Syndication (PSIRT RSS)
feed. Information about how to subscribe to the PSIRT RSS feed is found at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_psirt_rss_feed.html

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Product Alerts and Field Notices
Reporting Security Problems in Cisco Products
Cisco is committed to delivering secure products. We test our products internally before we release them,
and we strive to correct all vulnerabilities quickly. If you think that you have identified a vulnerability
in a Cisco product, contact PSIRT:
•For emergencies only—[email protected]
An emergency is either a condition in which a system is under active attack or a condition for which
a severe and urgent security vulnerability should be reported. All other conditions are considered
nonemergencies.
•For nonemergencies—[email protected]
In an emergency, you can also reach PSIRT by telephone:
•1 877 228-7302
•1 408 525-6532
Tip We encourage you to use Pretty Good Privacy (PGP) or a compatible product (for example, GnuPG) to
encrypt any sensitive information that you send to Cisco. PSIRT can work with information that has been
encrypted with PGP versions 2.xthrough 9.x.
Never use a revoked encryption key or an expired encryption key. The correct public key to use in your
correspondence with PSIRT is the one linked in the Contact Summary section of the Security
Vulnerability Policy page at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/products_security_vulnerability_policy.html
The link on this page has the current PGP key ID in use.
If you do not have or use PGP, contact PSIRT to find other means of encrypting the data before sending
any sensitive material.
Product Alerts and Field Notices
Modifications to or updates about Cisco products are announced in Cisco Product Alerts and Cisco Field
Notices. You can receive Cisco Product Alerts and Cisco Field Notices by using the Product Alert Tool
on Cisco.com. This tool enables you to create a profile and choose those products for which you want to
receive information.
To access the Product Alert Tool, you must be a registered Cisco.com user. (To register as a Cisco.com
user, go to this URL: http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do) Registered users can access the
tool at this URL: http://tools.cisco.com/Support/PAT/do/ViewMyProfiles.do?local=en

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Obtaining Technical Assistance
Obtaining Technical Assistance
Cisco Technical Support provides 24-hour-a-day award-winning technical assistance. The
Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website on Cisco.com features extensive online support
resources. In addition, if you have a valid Cisco service contract, Cisco Technical Assistance Center
(TAC) engineers provide telephone support. If you do not have a valid Cisco service contract, contact
your reseller.
Cisco Technical Support & Documentation Website
The Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website provides online documents and tools for
troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with Cisco products and technologies. The website is
available 24 hours a day at this URL:
http://www.cisco.com/techsupport
Access to all tools on the Cisco Technical Support & Documentation website requires a Cisco.com
user ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a user ID or password, you
can register at this URL:
http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do
Note Use the Cisco Product Identification Tool to locate your product serial number before submitting a
request for service online or by phone. You can access this tool from the Cisco Technical Support &
Documentation website by clicking the Tools & Resources link, clicking the All Tools (A-Z) tab, and
then choosing Cisco Product Identification Tool from the alphabetical list. This tool offers three search
options: by product ID or model name; by tree view; or, for certain products, by copying and pasting
show command output. Search results show an illustration of your product with the serial number label
location highlighted. Locate the serial number label on your product and record the information before
placing a service call.
Tip Displaying and Searching on Cisco.com
If you suspect that the browser is not refreshing a web page, force the browser to update the web page
by holding down the Ctrl key while pressing F5.
To find technical information, narrow your search to look in technical documentation, not the entire
Cisco.com website. On the Cisco.com home page, click the Advanced Search link under the Search box
and then click the Technical Support & Documentation radio button.
To provide feedback about the Cisco.com website or a particular technical document, click Contacts &
Feedback at the top of any Cisco.com web page.