Cisco Aironet 1700 Quick reference guide

Cisco Systems, Inc.
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Cisco Aironet Series 1700/2700/3700 Access Point
Deployment Guide
Last Updated: October, 2014
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point
Abstract
This section covers the Cisco 3700 Series Access Points theory of operation and installation as part of a Cisco wireless LAN
(WLAN) solution. Subjects related include:
•Choosing the right Access Point (AP).
•Differences between AP 3700 and AP 3600.
•Feature module and ClientLink support.
•Physical/Hardware details, mounting options, bracket choices, and installation considerations.
•Antenna options, radiation patterns, and external antenna deployments.
•Understanding spatial streams, MCS rates and beam-forming (802.11n Primer).
•Review of 802.11ac and Wave-1 module for AP 3600.
•Understanding 802.11ac and Wave-1 for the AP 3700.
•Best Practices–Understanding Channel usage, 80 MHz, and available 11ac clients.
•802.11ac performance considerations.
This document is intended for trained and experienced technical personnel familiar with the existing Cisco Wireless
Networking Group (WNG) product line and features.

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Choosing the Right Access Point
Models
The Cisco 3700 Series Access Point (AP 3700) targets customers requiring support for mission-critical applications. The AP
3700 embodies ClientLink 3.0, an innovative antenna technology comprising four transmit radios and four receive radios called
4X4 in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration supporting 3 spatial streams (3SS) together referenced as
4x4:3. Using this type of antenna system along with additional Modulation Coding Schemes (MCS rates supporting up to 256
QAM) and 80 MHz channel bonding, rates of up to 1.3 Gbps can be supported.
ClientLink 3.0–using these features along with an additional antenna (N+1)–allows for beam-forming for all 802.11a/g/n
clients (like ClientLink 2.0) and now beamforms to 11ac 3 spatial streams clients.
Figure 1 Access Point Portfolio Placement
Access Points are available in three models:
•Internal antennas version labeled “i” have captured antennas (part of the housing and not removable). The “i” series is
designed for indoor Enterprise installations, where office aesthetics are a primary concern.
•External antennas version labeled “e” are more rugged and designed for industrial use in locations, such as hospitals,
factories, warehouses, and anywhere a need exists for external antennas and/or extended operating temperatures. The “e”
version also supports mounting inside NEMA enclosures for use in the most demanding environments.
•Access Points for Professional Installations are labeled “p” series and may be used in outdoor applications.

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Figure 2 AP 3700 Models and Eco-Packs
Figure 3 AP 3600 Models and Eco-Packs

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Differences between the AP 3700 and AP 3600
The mechanical front of the AP 3700 and AP 3600 are similar in physical appearance with the exception of the “industrial cuts”
along the edges of the 3700 (left) and the deeper recess around the logo area. This allows for easy visual identification of the
different AP device types.
Figure 4 AP 3700 vs. AP 3600 (External Antenna Models)
Figure 5 AP 3700 and AP 3600 (Backside Identical)
The AP 3700e supports 802.11ac (Wave-1) native. This frees the feature module slot for additional functionality while also
permitting external antenna connections for 802.11ac data rates (w/AP 3700e).

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Figure 6 Identifying APs Physically
Feature Module Support
AP 3700 and AP 3600 have integrated support for option modules. The goal in supporting a modular design is to offer a product
that can provide longevity and true flexibility as technology changes. This provides a real value protection for customers. It
also provides Cisco with an opportunity to introduce new features and functionality into a current stable platform.
The Wireless Security and Spread Spectrum Intelligence (WSSI) module adds new functionality to the AP to future-proof
customers' investment. This module provides a dedicated monitor radio to scan the full spectrum (not just the channel on which
the AP is operating). It will offload complete monitoring and security services to the monitor module including CleanAir,
WIDS/WIPS, Context-aware Location, Rogue Detection, and Radio Resource Management (RRM). This module allows for
full spectrum analysis on all channels on both the 2.4 and 5 GHz bands.
Having a WSSI module avoids having the need to deploy a separate, dedicated overlay network for full spectrum monitoring
and eliminates the need for an extra cable pull and additional infrastructure costs (Figure 7).
There is also an option module for the AP 3600 that provides 802.11ac (Wave-1) functionality. This option cannot be used on
the AP 3700 because it already has 802.11ac (Wave-1) integrated. This option module for the AP 3600 will operate at 5GHz
and allow the AP 3600 to fully support 802.11a/n along with 802.11ac clients. Wave-1 functionality supports a 1.3 Gbps PHY
/ ~1 Gbps MAC (throughput) using 3 spatial streams, 80 MHz, and 256 QAM. The option module does not support ClientLink
2.0 but rather supports the Explicit beamforming specification that is part of the 802.11ac standard.
Look out for additional modules for 3/4G support and 802.11ac Wave-2.
Use of option modules may require local power supply, Cisco power injector, .3at PoE+, or the use of Cisco Enhanced PoE, as
the module typically increases the power draw to greater than 15.4 W (.3af).
Note Cisco Enhanced PoE was created by Cisco and is the forerunner to 802.3at PoE+.

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Figure 7 Feature Module of the Bottom of the AP 3700 and AP 3600
Beamforming – Understanding ClientLink
The AP 3700 supports the new “ClientLink 3.0” and is able to beamform to 802.11ac clients including 1, 2, and 3 spatial
streams. It also supports all ClientLink 2.0 functionality with legacy 11a/g clients and 802.11n 1, 2, and 3 spatial stream clients.
The AP 3600 supports ClientLink 2.0 which beamforms to legacy 11a/g clients and 11n 1, 2, 3 spatial stream but does not
support ClientLink 3.0 (Cisco beamforming method to 11ac clients).
Both the AP 3700 and AP 3600 with module supports the 802.11ac beamforming standard known as ECBF (Explicit
Compressed Beam Forming)–a new IEEE method of beamforming that is emerging but not yet fully supported in 11ac clients.
Cisco ClientLink is similar but can work with all clients today including 11a/g/n as well as 11ac clients. ClientLink also takes
advantage of the extra transceiver in the AP, so it beamforms to clients with 3 spatial streams.

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Figure 8 ClientLink Feature Comparison
Both AP 3700 and AP 3600 support a 4x4:3 architecture. However, AP 3600 only supports 11ac in a 3x3:3 mode and lacks the
ability to beamform AC clients beyond 7 clients at a time. But, AP 3700 can beamform 128 clients per radio interface.
Table 1 Feature Comparison between AP 3600 and AP 3700
Feature Comparison AP 3600 AP 3700
Max. Data Rate 450 Mbps
1.3 Gbps – 11ac Module
1.3 Gbps
Radio Dual Radio, 2.4 and 5 GHz Dual Radio, 2.4 and 5 GHz
RF Design (MIMO:SS) 4×4:3 – Integrated Radios
3×3:3 – 11ac Module
4×4:3
Power Draw 4×4:3 + 3×3:3 = 802.3at
5 GHz only = 802.3af
4×4:3 = 802.3at
3×3:3 = 802.3af
Client Count 200 – per integrated radio
50 – 11ac Module
200 – per integrated radio
Beamforming ClientLink 2.0a/g/n – AP
ECBF with 11ac Module
ClientLink 3.0a/g/n/ac
and ECBF with 11ac
Beamforming Client Count 128 – per integrated radio
7 – 11ac Module\
128 – per integrated radio
Spectrum Intelligence CleanAir CleanAir

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APs Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
AP 1600, 2600, 3600, and 3700 have similar physical dimensions with a few differences in physical appearance, most of which
are cosmetic changes to distinguish the different models. The mounting options and bracket configurations are identical and
interchangeable.
Figure 9 Mechanical Drawing of APs 1600, 2600, and 3600
RRM Available Available
Modules WSSI
802.11ac Wave1
3G Small Cell
802.11ac Wave2
WSSI
3G Small Cell
802.11ac Wave2
Table 1 Feature Comparison between AP 3600 and AP 3700 (continued)
Feature Comparison AP 3600 AP 3700

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Figure 10 3700 Mechanical Drawing
There are many different installation options available depending upon the requirements of the customer. Brackets are available
from Cisco as well as third-party companies. During the ordering process, the customer may choose one of two brackets (but
not both). Each bracket is a zero-dollar ($0) option at the time of configuration. If the customer does not choose a bracket, the
selection default is AIR-AP-BRACKET-1, which is the most popular for ceiling installations. The other choice is a universal
bracket that carries part number AIR-AP-BRACKET-2 (Figure 11).
Figure 11 Access Point Bracket Choices - If You Are Using the AP 3600 Module, We Recommend AIR-AP-Bracket-2
If the AP needs to be mounted directly to a ceiling on the gridwork, then AIR-AP-BRACKET-1 is mounted flush and has the
lowest profile. However, if the AP is mounted to an electrical box or other wiring fixture, or inside a NEMA enclosure or
perhaps wall mounted, then AIR-AP-BRACKET-2 is a better choice. The extra space in the bracket allows for wiring, and the
extra holes line up with many popular electrical boxes. When mounting the bracket to the ceiling gridwork, some ceiling tiles
are recessed. For this reason, two different styles of ceiling clips, recessed and flush rails, are available (Figure 12).

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Figure 12 Different Clips are Available for Attaching to Ceiling Grid Work
Channel Rail Adapters - Cisco Part Number AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER
When mounting APs to ceiling channel rails such as the ones shown in Figure 13, an optional channel adapter is used,
AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER. It comes in a two-pack and attaches to the ceiling grid clip shown above. Refer to Figure 13 and
Figure 14.
Figure 13 Example of Channel Rails

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Figure 14 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER (left) Slides Onto the Rails
Figure 15 AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER Mounted to Rail Clip (left) and Finished Installation (right)
Mounting an AP Directly Into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3
Many hospitals and other carpeted enterprise environments prefer a more streamlined look and wish to install the AP directly
into the tile. This can be done using the optional Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 (Figure 16).
When using this bracket, the “beauty ring” is used as the template to cut the tile, which can be cut using a carpet knife or an
electric tool such as a rotary cutting tool, e.g., Dremel™ or Rotozip™. Cisco does not offer custom cut tiles because there are
simply too many different styles and the tiles are easy to cut.
The AP is fully supported above the tile with a metal rail that extends the length of the tile. This supports the AP should the
tile become wet or otherwise fail. A mechanical set screw pulls the AP tight to the ceiling and locks it into the bracket.
Additionally, physical security of the AP can be maintained by the use of a Kensington style lock, but once installed it is
difficult to remove the AP without removing the tile because the AP will not slide out from the front side of the tile.

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Figure 16 Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 Used to Install the AP Directly Into the Tile
Note This bracket will fit the 1040, 1140, 1260, 1600, 2600, 2700, 3500, 3600, and 3700 series APs.
Wall Mounting the AP
When wall mounting is desired, the installer should understand that walls can be a physical obstacle to the wireless signal;
therefore, maintaining 360 degree coverage may be compromised by the wall. If the wall is an outside wall and/or the goal is
to send the signal in a 180-degree pattern instead, a directional antenna often referred to as a “patch” antenna may be a better
choice assuming that the AP 3600e is used.
Avoid wall-mounting APs with internal antennas, such as the AP 3600i, unless you use the optional Oberon right-angle mount
(Figure 17). The internal antenna model was designed to mount to a ceiling to provide 360-degree coverage. If wall-mounted
in a non-ceiling orientation, the signal may penetrate the floor above and below causing unintended coverage that could result
in additional and needless roaming access when a mobility client, e.g., a user with Wi-Fi phone, walks by on an adjacent floor.
Instead, use the AP 3600e (with dipoles or patch antennas) or use an optional wall mount that puts the AP 3600i or AP 3500e
into a ceiling type orientation when mounted to a wall.
Note APs with internal antennas such as the AP 3600i and AP 3700i that are wall mounted should use the
Oberon mounting bracket unless roaming is not an issue, for example, hotspot, kiosk, or small venue
scenario.

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Figure 17 Wall-Mounting APs Antennas Should be Vertical (Up/Down) or Use the Oberon Right-Angle Mounting
Structure - Ideal for the “I” series such as 3600i and 3700i. Oberon P/N 1029-00)
Changing the Color of an AP
If there is a desire to change the color of an AP, rather than painting the AP which would void the warranty, consider using
colored vinyl tape or a colored plastic cover from Oberon (Figure 18).
Figure 18 Third-Party Option for Changing AP Color, Adding Custom Logo, or Hiding the LED

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Unique Installations
Clean Rooms (Healthcare)
Many hospitals and factories have requirements to wipe down or gently spray the environment with a chemical (often diluted
material that has cleaning / disinfectant properties). The Cisco AP 3600 is designed with a purpose guild Wi-Fi chipset with
enterprise and industrial class components (Figure 19). This enables the AP enclosure to have a Plenum rating and is vent-less,
so the unit is ideal for these types of applications.
Figure 19 Inside the AP 3600 - Cover Removed (No Vents or Fans, Everything is Industrial Quality)
Note AP 2600 and AP 3700 is also made of a similar construction and designed for clean room deployments.
If the clean room environment requires metal ceilings or areas where tile is not practical, a metal enclosure from Oberon can
be used (Figure 20).

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Figure 20 Oberon Metal Enclosure Protects and Secures the AP in Clean Room Areas
Above the Ceiling Tiles
The AP 3600 and 3700 are rated for installation in the Plenum area (UL-2043). Many customers prefer to locate the AP so that
nothing can be visible on the ceiling. In some cases this is preferred for aesthetic reasons, so customers may install the AP
above a drop ceiling. This also may be preferred in high theft areas such as classrooms or in areas where policy dictates that
nothing can be visible on the ceiling.
When this is a hard requirement, optional T-Bar hangar accessories from third-party companies, such as Erico and Cooper, can
be used (Figure 21). The Erico Caddy 512a, the Cooper B-Line BA50a, or similar T-Bar Grid T-Bar hangars can be used.
For more information see:
www.erico.com
www.cooperindustries.com

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Figure 21 Example of How to Hang an AP Above the Ceiling Tiles
Note Installing APs above the ceiling tiles should only be done when mounting below the ceiling is not an
option. The tiles must not be conductive; such installations can certainly degrade advanced RF features
such as voice and location, so verify coverage and performance. Always try to mount the AP as close to
the inside middle of the tile as possible, and avoid areas with obstructions (Figure 22).
Figure 22 Installing AP Above Ceiling Tiles: Pick An Area Clear of Obstructions and Avoid Ceiling Clutter
Stadium/Harsh Environments
Customers wishing to install the AP in harsh environments where it may be exposed to weather, such as sporting areas,
stadiums, open garden areas, or warehouse freezers, may wish to use a NEMA type enclosure.

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Note Some APs may not be certified for outdoor deployments in a NEMA enclosure. This varies around the
world, for example some regulatory agencies permit AP outdoor NEMA enclosures if the AP is indoors
such as a freezer or garden area but may prohibit its usage outdoors. This seems to vary with regard to
weather radar compliance and often UNII-1 compliance and so on. Check with your Cisco account team
or the communications regulatory agency that has jurisdiction in your part of the world.
Figure 23 Example of NEMA 16x14x8 Enclosure With Pressure Vent on Bottom
Third-party sources for NEMA type enclosures include:
www.oberonwireless.com
www.sparcotech.com
www.terra-wave.com
When using a NEMA type enclosure, try to have the cables exit out of the bottom of the enclosure so that rain and moisture do
not run down the cable into the enclosure. Also, the color of the enclosure may affect the heat rating; for example, a black
enclosure gets much hotter in the sun than a white one. You may also want to use a pressure vent to prevent moisture
accumulation. See Figure 23.
Areas With High Vibration
If the AP is installed using a “side arm” type mount or other mounting locations where there is a likelihood of high vibration,
it is recommended that a padlock or metal pin be used to prevent the AP from vibrating loose from the bracket.

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Figure 24 A Metal Pin or Padlock Will Not Deteriorate Over Time So It is Better Than a Plastic Tie
Warehouse and Factory
Warehouse installations are often difficult because of the very high ceilings and the clutter of the material being warehoused.
When performing a coverage check (site survey) always check the coverage at “full stock” levels because the material being
warehoused can change the RF coverage creating loss of uniform coverage. Also, try to position the APs as close to the users,
perhaps lowering the antennas when possible or practical to do so. If the AP is 30 feet in the air, that is, the signal has to go 30
feet further, “best case”. When configuring coverage for aisles, try to use directional (Patch) antennas on the wall and shoot
down the aisles; or use low-gain Omni-directional antennas on the ceiling (such as dipoles) or units with integrated antennas
because high gain omni-directional antennas tend to have more nulls. See Figure 25.
Another option is to mount the AP lower using pipe and electrical box mounting techniques.

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Figure 25 AP Placement in a Warehouse Environment
Note External dipole “e” series or internal antenna “I” series version could be used.
When mounting an AP at the end of a pipe or electrical conduit box, use the universal bracket Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-2
because it will fit to the holes of most electrical boxes (Figure 26). Conduit and adapters can be purchased in most electrical
or home repair centers.

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Figure 26 Mounting an AP onto an Electrical Conduit Box (Ceiling T-Bar or Conduit)
Ethernet Cable Recommendation
While the AP 1600, 2600, and 3600 will work fine with CAT-5e, for new cable installations, it is recommended that customers
use CAT6a because this is the cabling required by the 10GE standard.
Antenna Cable Recommendation
Whenever practical/possible, please keep antenna cable runs as short as possible. Cisco offers low loss (LL) and ultra low loss
(ULL) cables, which have the same characteristics as Times Microwave LMR-400 and LMR-600.
Cisco cables carry the part number AIR-CAB (Aironet Cable) and then a length. For example, a 20 Ft length of LL cable with
RP-TNC connector is Cisco AIR-CAB-020LL-R. These heavy black cables are not Plenum rated and are primarily for outdoor
use or manufacturing areas.
Figure 27 When Drilling Holes for Cable, Allow for Size of Connector (Typically 5/8 Inch) Drill Bit