Cisco Aironet 3700 Series Quick reference guide

Cisco Systems, Inc.
www.cisco.com
Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points
Deployment Guide
Last Updated: May, 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.
•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 both 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 15.4W (.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, the AP 3700 and AP 3600 support a 4x4:3 architecture. However, the AP 3600 with the module
only supports 11ac in a 3x3:3 mode and lacks the ability to beamform AC clients beyond 7 clients at a
time whereas, the AP 3700 can beamform 128 clients per radio interface.

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Figure 9 Feature Comparison of AP 3600 and AP 3700
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.

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Figure 10 Mechanical Drawing of APs 1600, 2600, and 3600
Figure 11 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

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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 12).
Figure 12 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 13).
Figure 13 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 14, 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 14 and Figure 15.