Cisco Catalyst C-ANT9103 Series User manual

Cisco Systems, Inc.
www.cisco.com
Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz
Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional
Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
First Published: March 13, 2020
Last Updated: April 17, 2020
This document describes the Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse
Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=), and provides electrical specifications and mounting
instructions.
The antenna is an octal DART port polarization-diverse patch antenna that operates over the 2.4 GHz
band and extended 5 GHz band (up to 7.125 GHz), and IoT. It has 8 RF paths and 16 digital lines. It also
has an LED. The antenna ships with an articulating mount for use on flat surfaces and masts, and is
adjustable in both horizontal and vertical planes.
The antenna is designed for use in indoor and outdoor environments with an approved Cisco Catalyst
series access point that requires four dual-band and four 5/6 GHz antennas. The antenna also includes
circuitry to enable self-identification of the antenna by the Cisco Catalyst Series access points.
The following information is provided in this document:
Technical Specifications, page 2
Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns, page 3
Safety Precautions, page 7
Installation Notes, page 8
Contents of the Antenna and Bracket Kit, page 9
Dimensions of the Antenna and Brackets, page 10
Installing the Antenna, page 13
Communications, Services, and Additional Information, page 26

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Technical Specifications
Antenna Type
8-Element MIMO Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Moderately
Directional Patch, Wall/Pole Mount
Operating Frequency Ranges 2.4–2.484 GHz 5.15–7.125 GHz 2.4–2.484 GHz (IoT)
Nominal Input Impedance 50 Ohms 50 Ohms 50 Ohms
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) 2:1 2:1 2:1
Peak Gain 6 dBi 6 dBi 6 dBi
Polarization
Vertical Dual polarized (vertical and
horizontal)
Mixed
Nominal Elevation Plane 3-dB Beamwidth 70° 70° 70°
Nominal Azimuth Plane 3-dB Beamwidth 75° 70° 70°
Front-to-Back Ratio > 15 dB > 15 dB > 15 dB
Port-to-Port Isolation > 20 dB > 20 dB > 20 dB
> or = to 30º Elevation Peak Gain 3 dBi
Connector Type Right angle octal DART
Cable Length 2.5 ft (76 cm)
Length 12 in. (30.48 cm)
Width 12 in. (30.48 cm)
Height 1.2 in. (4.1 cm)
Weight 2.5 lbs. (1.13 kg)
Water/Foreign Body Ingress IP66
Operational Wind 120 MPH
Operating Temperature Range -40° C to 70° C
Storage Temperature Range -60° C to 90° C

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns
Elevation - Port A Azimuth - Port A
Elevation - Port B Azimuth - Port B

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Elevation - Port C Azimuth - Port C
Elevation - Port D Azimuth - Port D

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Elevation - Port E Azimuth - Port E
Elevation - Port F Azimuth - Port F

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Elevation - Port G Azimuth - Port G
Elevation - Port H Azimuth - Port H

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Safety Precautions
Warning Installation of this antenna near power lines is dangerous. For your safety, follow the installation
directions.
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, read and follow these safety precautions. They may save your
life!
If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as that of others, seek professional
assistance. Your Cisco sales representative can explain which mounting method to use for the size and type of
antenna you are about to install.
Select your installation site with safety as well as performance in mind. Remember that electric power lines and
phone lines look alike. For your safety, assume that any overhead line can kill you.
Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans and ask them to come and look at your proposed installation.
This is a small inconvenience considering your life is at stake.
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.
When installing your antenna, remember:
—Do not use a metal ladder.
—Do not work on a wet or windy day.
—Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or jacket.
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!
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.
If an accident occurs with the power lines, call for qualified emergency help immediately.
For a listing of all the warning statements and their translations, see Translated Safety Warnings for Cisco Aironet Access
Points at:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/access_point/warnings/reference/guide/ap_warn1.html

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Installation Notes
Antennas transmit and receive radio signals that are susceptible to RF obstructions and common sources of interference
that can reduce throughput and the range of the device to which they are connected. Follow these guidelines to ensure
the best possible performance:
Install the antenna vertically and mount it with the cables pointing towards the ground.
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.
In an outdoor environment, connect the antenna to a lightning arrestor and ensure proper grounding.
The density of the materials used in a building’s construction determines the number of walls the signal can pass
through and still maintain adequate signal strength. Consider the following before choosing the location for your
antenna:
—Signals penetrate paper and vinyl walls with little change to signal strength.
—Signals penetrate only one or two solid and precast concrete walls without degrading signal strength.
—Signals penetrate three or four concrete and wood block walls without degrading signal strength.
—Signals penetrate five or six walls constructed of drywall or wood without degrading signal strength.
—Signals are likely to reflect off a thick metal wall and may not penetrate it at all.
—Signals are likely to reflect off a chain link fence or wire mesh spaced between 1 and 1 1/2 inch. (2.5 and 3.8
cm). The fence acts as a harmonic reflector that blocks the 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 to which your antenna is connected.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Contents of the Antenna and Bracket Kit
Figure 1 Contents of the Antenna Bracket Kit
1Cap plug. Four are included in the kit. 85/16-18 bolt. Two are included in the kit.
21/4-inch stainless steel flat washer. Four are included in
the kit.
9M5 x 0.8 bolt, 14.2 L. Four are included in the kit.
31/4-inch stainless steel split-lock washer. Four are
included in the kit.
10 0.3125-18 nut. Two are included in the kit.
45/16-inch stainless steel split-lock washer. Two are
included in the kit.
11 #8-18 stainless steel self tap screw. Four are included in
the kit.
55/16-inch stainless steel flat washer. Two are included in
the kit.
12 #6-8, 11/4-inch anchor. Four are included in the kit.
6M8 stainless steel serrated washer. Two are included in
the kit.
13 Worm gear clamp hose. Two are included in the kit.
7Mounting arm. One is included in the kit. 14 Mounting flanges required for installation. Two are
included in the kit.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Dimensions of the Antenna and Brackets
The dimensions noted in the following illustrations are all in mm, unless noted otherwise.
Figure 2 Dimensions of the Antenna with Brackets and Cables

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 3 Locations of Screw Holes and Pressure Vent at the Back of the Antenna

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 4 Locations of the Screw Holes on the Articulating Mount Flange

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Installing the Antenna
You can install the antenna on a wall or ceiling (must be a flat surface), or on a pole with a minimum diameter of 2 inches
(5.08 cm) and a maximum diameter of 5 inches (12.7 cm).
To install the antenna:
Step 1 Decide on a mounting location. See the “Deciding on a Mounting Location” section on page 13.
Step 2 Ensure that you have the requisite tools and fasteners ready. See the “Tools and Equipment Required”
section on page 14.
Step 3 Proceed with mounting the antenna. When mounting the antenna, assemble the bracket hardware,
connect the antenna and bracket to the mounting surface, and adjust the antenna orientation.
The mounting options available are:
a. Mounting on a Wall or Ceiling Using Articulating Bracket, page 15
b. Mounting Directly on a Wall Through Mounting Holes on the Antenna, page 21
c. Mounting on a Pole or Mast, page 22
d. Mounting on a Wall, Ceiling or Mast with AP Mounted Directly on Antenna, page 24
Step 4 (Optional) Paint the antenna. See the “Painting the Antenna” section on page 26.
Deciding on a Mounting Location
The antenna should be mounted clear of any obstructions to the side or front of the enclosure, which contains the
radiating elements. Keep in mind that this antenna should be aimed at the intended coverage area. Therefore, you should
mount the antenna such that the desired mechanical tilt is achieved. If possible, mount the antenna near the access point
so that you can use the shortest possible connecting cables.
Caution For outdoor installations, install the antenna with cables exiting downward. This will help prevent water
from accumulating around the cable exit points.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Tools and Equipment Required
Warning IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Before you work on any equipment, be aware of the hazards involved with electrical circuitry and be
familiar with standard practices for preventing accidents. Read the installation instructions before
using, installing, or connecting the system to the power source. Use the statement number provided
at the end of each warning statement to locate its translation in the translated safety warnings for this
device.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
Statement 1071
Warning Instructed person is someone who has been instructed and trained by a skilled person and takes the
necessary precautions when working with equipment.
Skilled person/Qualified personnel is someone who have training or experience in the equipment
technology and understand potential hazards when working with equipment.
Statement 1089
Warning Only skilled person should be allowed to install, replace, or service this equipment. Refer to Statement
1089
for description of skilled person. Statement 1090
Warning To reduce the risk of electric shock, refer to national and local codes for proper installation and
grounding of antennas.
Statement 1052
Caution The fasteners and the mounting surface should be capable of maintaining a minimum pullout force of
150 pounds (68 kg) to support the weight of the antenna and bracket along with the potential wind
loading on the antenna.
Caution The pole or mast must be rigid enough to hold the weight of the antenna along with the associated forces
produced by wind loads. Also, the pole or mast must be structurally strong enough to withstand the
clamping force of the hose clamps.
Before you start with mounting the antenna, go through the mounting procedure for each kind of installation and ensure
that you have all tools and fasteners mentioned therein ready. The following is a general list of fasteners and tools which
are not included in the antenna and brackets kit.
To mount the antenna on a wall or ceiling, you need four mounting 4 mm or #8 screws or bolts and wall anchors.
To mount the antenna on a pole or mast, you will need either or both of these supplies:
—Slotted screwdriver to tighten the screws on the hose clamps
—A 5/16 inch (8mm) socket or box wrench
You may also need the following tools and equipment, which are not provided as part of the kit:
—A drill and drill bit
—A pencil
—A small mallet or hammer, to hammer

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Mounting on a Wall or Ceiling Using Articulating Bracket
Note The fasteners and mounting surface should be capable of maintaining a minimum pullout force of 150
pounds (68 kg) to support the weight of the antenna along with the potential wind loading on the antenna.
Step 1 Determine the mounting location for the antenna.
Step 2 Attach the free articulating mount flange to the wall or ceiling using four 4mm or #8 screws and
fasteners, through the holes on the bracket.
Use one of the two articulating mount flange brackets (see Figure 1) that is included in the mounting kit.
Step 3 Assemble the bracket hardware, as shown in Figure 5. Use a wrench to tighten the 1/420 x 1.25" screws
on the brackets.
Step 4 Orient the antenna correctly so that the antenna cable exits downwards. Use a wrench to loosen or tighten
the fasteners at the azimuth and elevation- adjustment pivots.
Step 5 Adjust the azimuth (side-to-side position) and elevation (up-and-down position) of the antenna. Loosen
the adjustment pivot bolts slightly to allow for adjustment.
The azimuth angle can be adjusted ±60 degrees (Figure 8) and elevation can be adjusted ±60 degrees
(Figure 9). Use the azimuth and elevation markings on the articulating mounting arm and the flange
brackets as a guide. See Figure 7.
Step 6 After adjusting the antenna position, tighten the pivot bolts. Tighten all the bolts to not more than
30 lbf.in. (3.4 Nm).
Step 7 Connect the antenna’s 8-DART plug to the access point.
For the recommended cable type, see the “Recommended Cable” section on page 26.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 5 Exploded View of Antenna and Bracket Hardware Assembly
1Antenna 7Mounting arm. One is included in the kit.
21/4-inch stainless steel flat washer. Four are included in
the kit.
85/16-18 bolt. Two are included in the kit.
31/4-inch stainless steel split-lock washer. Four are
included in the kit.
9M5 x 0.8 bolt. Four are included in the kit.
45/16-inch stainless steel split-lock washer. Two are
included in the kit.
10 5/16-18 nut. Two are included in the kit.
55/16-inch stainless steel flat washer Two are included in
the kit.
11 Octal DART antenna cable.
6M8 stainless steel serrated washer. Two are included in
the kit.
12 The articulating mount flange bracket. Two are included in
the kit.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 6 Cable Restraint on the Back of the Antenna
1Cable restraint.12Stainless steel screw
1. Remove cable restraint when perpendicular cable routing is required.

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 7 Close-Up View of the Azimuth and Elevation-Adjustment Pivots

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 8 Azimuth Adjustment

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Cisco Catalyst 2.4 GHz and 5/6 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Patch Antenna (C-ANT9103=)
Figure 9 Elevation Adjustment