Cisco Aironet AIR-ANT2588P3M-N Instruction sheet

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Cisco Systems, Inc. www.cisco.com
Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi
Directional Antenna
(AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
This describes the Cisco Aironet AIR-ANT2588P3M-N 2.4/5-GHz 8-dBi 3-port directional antenna with N-connectors,
and provides specifications and mounting instructions. The antenna operates in both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency
bands and is designed for outdoor use.
These topics are discussed:
Technical Specifications, page 1
Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns, page 3
System Requirements, page 4
Safety Precautions, page 4
Installation Guidelines, page 5
Installing the Antenna, page 6
Technical Specifications

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Technical Specifications
Antenna type 3-element dual-polarized patch
Operating frequency range 2400–2500 MHz
5150–5900 MHz
Nominal input impedance 50 Ohms
VSWR 2:1 or less
Peak gain 8 dBi (both bands)
Polarization Linear, Dual
Elevation Plane 3-dB Beamwidth 30°
Azimuth Plane 3-dB Beamwidth 120°
Sidelobe level < –20 dBc
Front-to-back ratio > 10 dB
Length 12 in. (30.48 cm)
Width 7 in. (17.78 cm)
Height 1.1 in. (2.79 cm)
Weight 16 oz. (0.45 kg)
Connector type N-Female Bulkhead (x3)
Operating temperature range -40–131° F
(-40–55° C)
Environment rating IP67
334574

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns
Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns
2.4 GHz Band - Horizontal Polarization 5 GHz Band - Horizontal Polarization
2.4 GHz Band - Vertical Polarization 5 GHz Band - Vertical Polarization

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
System Requirements
System Requirements
This antenna is designed for outdoor use with any Cisco Aironet access point that requires three (3) dual-band antennas.
Safety Precautions
Translated versions of the following safety warnings are provided in the Safety Warnings for Cisco Aironet Antennas,
which is available at http://www.cisco.com.
Warning: Installation of this antenna near power lines is dangerous. For your safety, follow the installation
directions.
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.
Warning: In order to comply with international radio frequency (RF) exposure limits, dish antennas should be
located at a minimum of 8.7 inches (22 cm) or more from the bodies of all persons. Other antennas should be
located a minimum of 7.9 inches (20 cm) or more from the bodies of all persons.
Warning: Do not work on the system or connect or disconnect cables during periods of lightning activity.
Warning: This equipment must be grounded. Never defeat the ground conductor or operate the equipment in the
absence of a suitably installed ground conductor. Contact the appropriate electrical inspection authority or an
electrician if you are uncertain that suitable grounding is available.
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, as they may cause serious injury or death. For proper installation and grounding of the antenna,
please refer to national and local codes (e.g. U.S.:NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, Article 810, in Canada:
Canadian Electrical Code, Section 54).
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.
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 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: wear shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or jacket.

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installation Guidelines
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
completes 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, do not touch it or try to remove it
yourself. Call your local power company. They will remove it safely.
8. If an accident occurs with the power lines, call for qualified emergency help immediately.
Installation Guidelines
Because the antennas transmit and receive 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 as high as possible to take advantage of its propagation characteristics.
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 in which 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, causing poor penetration.
Install the antenna away from 5 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.
Site Selection
Before attempting to install your antenna, determine where you can best place the antenna for safety and performance.
To determine a safe distance from wires, power lines, and trees:
1. Measure the height of your antenna.
2. Add this length to the length of your tower or mast 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.

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installing the Antenna
Installing the Antenna
You can install the antenna on a pole from 1.63" to 2.3" pipe O.D. The mounting options allow the antenna to be vertically
or horizontally polarized.
Tools and Equipment Required
Antenna mount bracket
Elevation adjustable bracket
Azimuth adjustable bracket
Two 1/4 in. 20 azimuth and elevation adjustment bolts and nuts with 1/4 in. flat washers and lock washers
Two pipe clamps
The following tools and equipment are not provided:
5/16 in wrench
1/4 in flat head screwdriver
5/16 in nut driver or flat head screwdriver for pipe clamps
Mounting on a Pole
To mount your antenna on a pole:
1. Remove antenna and mount kit from packaging.
2. Attach antenna mount bracket to the back of the antenna as shown applying a maximum nut-tightening torque of 12
in lbf (1.1 Nm).

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installing the Antenna
Figure 1 Attaching Antenna Mount Bracket
3. Attach elevation adjustable bracket as shown and loosely secure hardware.
1Antenna 3Antenna mount bracket
2Stud nut
1
3
2
2
2
2
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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installing the Antenna
Figure 2 Attach elevation adjustable bracket
4. Attach azimuth adjustable bracket to pipe routing band clamps as shown. Tighten the pipe clamps to a torque of
35–45 in lbf (4.0–5.1 Nm).
1Elevation adjustable bolt 4Elevation adjustable bracket
2Lock washer 5Hex nut
31/4-in. flat washer
4
5
1
2
3
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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installing the Antenna
Figure 3 Attaching Azimuth Adjustable Bracket
5. Attach the antenna assembly to the azimuth adjustable bracket on pipe.
1Pipe clamps 2Azimuth adjustable bracket
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1
2
1

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Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz/5-GHz 8-dBi Directional Antenna (AIR-ANT2588P3M-N)
Installing the Antenna
Figure 4 Attaching Antenna Assembly
6. Adjust the position of the antenna to the desired azimuth and elevation angles and tighten all pivot hardware (2
places) to a maximum torque of 30 in-lbf (3.4 Nm). The bracket allows the antenna position to be adjustable to +/–45
degrees azimuth and +/–60 degrees elevation.
Note: Cisco recommends grounding the antenna. See Grounding the Antenna, page 12.
Mounting on a Vertical Surface
The antenna can be wall mounted. Hardware is not included for wall-mount installation.
To mount your antenna on a vertical surface:
1. Remove antenna and mount kit from packaging.
2. Attach antenna mount bracket to the back of the antenna as shown in Figure 1, applying a maximum nut-tightening
torque of 12 in. lbf (1.1 Nm).
3. Attach elevation adjustable bracket as shown in Figure 2 and loosely secure hardware.
4. Using the appropriate customer-supplied anchors and screws, attach the azimuth adjustable bracket to the wall as
shown:
1Azimuth adjustment bolt 31/4-in. flat washer
2Lock washer 4Hex nut
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1
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