Cisco aironet 2800 series Quick reference guide

Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
First Published: 2016-05-11
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1 Overview 1
CHAPTER 2 Choosing the Right Access Point 3
Models 3
Part Numbers and Descriptions 4
Supported Code Versions Compatible with AP 2800 and AP 3800 5
Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points 5
Feature Differences 8
Ports on the AP 2800 and AP 3800 9
Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports 10
CHAPTER 3 Physical Hardware and Mounting Options 13
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options 13
Channel Rail Adapters 14
Mounting an AP Directly into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 16
Using an In-tile Mount from Oberon Wireless 18
Wall-mounting the AP 18
Changing the Color of an AP 21
Clean Rooms (Healthcare) 22
Above the Ceiling Tiles 22
CHAPTER 4 Understanding Flexible Radio Assignment (software overview) 25
Understanding Flexible Radio Assignment (Software Overview) 25
Flexible Radio Architecture (FRA) System 26
CHAPTER 5 Client Roaming in a Micro and Macro Cell 27
Understanding Macro and Micro Cells 27
Client Roaming from a Macro to Micro Cell 29
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Client Roaming from a Micro to Macro Cell 29
Micro and Macro cells on “I”Series Access Points 30
RF Operations on “E/P”Series Access Points 33
CHAPTER 6 Approved Antennas for Use with Access Points 2800 and 3800 39
CHAPTER 7 AP 2800 and AP 3800 Powering Options 41
CHAPTER 8 AP 3800 and Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig) 47
CHAPTER 9 New–B Regulatory Domain for US Theater 51
CHAPTER 10 Stadium and Harsh Environments 53
CHAPTER 11 Areas with High Vibration 55
CHAPTER 12 Related References 57
Previous Deployment Guides 57
CHAPTER 13 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) 59
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Contents

CHAPTER 1
Overview
This document covers the Cisco 2800/3800 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, part numbers and descriptions
•Supported code versions
•Differences between AP 2800 and AP 3800
•Physicals / Hardware details, mounting options, bracket choices
•Third party mounting options including hospital and cleanroom environments
•Understanding Flexible Radio Assignment (FRA) and architecture
•Understanding Macro and Microcells
•Looking at roaming between cells
•Hardware differences in FRA between I, E and P versions
•Approved antennas and new FCC regulatory –B domain
•AP 2800 and AP 3800 powering options and requirements
•AP 3800 and Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig)
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Overview

CHAPTER 2
Choosing the Right Access Point
•Models, page 3
•Part Numbers and Descriptions , page 4
•Supported Code Versions Compatible with AP 2800 and AP 3800 , page 5
•Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points, page 5
•Feature Differences, page 8
•Ports on the AP 2800 and AP 3800 , page 9
•Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports , page 10
Models
The Cisco 2800 and 3800 Series Access Points target customers requiring support for mission-critical and
best in class applications. The 2800/3800 embodies ClientLink 4.0, an innovative antenna technology comprising
four transmit radios and four receive radios called 4x4 in a Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO)
configuration and supporting three spatial streams (3SS), together referenced as 4x4:3. Using this type of
antenna system along with additional Modulation Coding Scheme (MCS) rates supporting up to 256 QAM
and up to 160 MHz channel bonding, rates of up to 5 Gbps can be supported.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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ClientLink 4.0 uses these features along with an additional antenna (N+1) to allow for beam-forming for all
802.11a/g/n/ac and now ac Wave-2 clients including those supporting 3 spatial streams.
Figure 1: Access Point Portfolio Placement
Access points are available in three models:
•Internal antennas version labeled “i”that has 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”that is more rugged and designed for industrial use in locations
such as hospitals, factories, and warehouses, 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 install are labeled “p”series and may be used in outdoor applications.
Part Numbers and Descriptions
DescriptionSKU
Single Unit; Internal Antenna ModelAIR-AP3802I-x-K9
10 pack; Internal Antenna ModelAIR-AP3802I-xK910
Single Unit; External Antenna ModelAIR-AP3802E-x-K9
10 pack; External Antenna ModelAIR-AP3802E-xK910
Single Unit; Internal Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802I-x-K9C
10 pack; Internal Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802I-xK910C
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Choosing the Right Access Point
Part Numbers and Descriptions

DescriptionSKU
Single Unit; External Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802E-x-K9C
10 pack; External Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802E-xK910C
Supported Code Versions Compatible with AP 2800 and AP 3800
The minimum versions supporting the AP 2800 and 3800 are:
•Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) AirOS release 8.2MR1
•Polaris release 16.3
•Prime release 3.1MR1
•MSE or CMX 10.2.2
•ISE 2.0
Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points
The mechanical front of the AP 2800 and AP 3800 are nearly identical in physical appearance.
Figure 2: AP 2800 and AP 3800 (I and E) versions
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Choosing the Right Access Point
Supported Code Versions Compatible with AP 2800 and AP 3800

The AP 3800 is also available in a "P" version. The external antenna "E" versions permit antenna gains up to
6 dBi, "P" version up to 13 dBi.
Figure 3: AP 2800/3800
There are slight differences in the weight and thickness of the 2800 and 3800. The AP 3800 is a bit more
robust as it has support for mGig (NBASE-T) and optional module support. AP 2800 on left is smooth and
does not have heat fins.
Figure 4: AP 2800/3800 Dimensions
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Choosing the Right Access Point
Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points