Brocade Enterprise Wireless LAN User Manual
53-1001881-01
March 2010
Enterprise Wireless LAN
Antenna
®
Specification Guide, Version 1.5
Copyright © 2006-2009 Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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Document History
Title Publication number Summary of changes Date
Enterprise Wireless LAN Antenna
Specification Guide
53-1001881-01 New document March 2010
Contents
About This Document
In this chapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
How this document is organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
Document conventions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Text formatting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
Notes, cautions, and warnings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Web support sites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
Chapter 1 Antenna Selection and Description
Antenna selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Connector types and definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Indoor and outdoor antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Spectrum and part number designations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Extended AP to antenna cable lengths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Antenna selection criteria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Antenna pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Antenna type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Antenna performance characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Antenna accessories for Brocade enterprise WLANs . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Choosing the right antenna and accessories for your WLAN . . . 8
Chapter 2 Product Compatibility
FCC/USA compatibility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Antenna suite summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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Chapter 3 2.4 GHz Single Band Antenna Suite
Supported 802.11b/g/n antenna suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
ML-2499-5PNL-72-N Outdoor 135° Panel Antenna: male connector
14
ML-2499-7PNA2-01R Indoor 60° Diversity Panel: RP-BNC male16
ML-2499-11PNA2-01R Outdoor 97°Sector Panel: RP-BNC male18
ML-2499-APA2-01R Indoor Rubber Flex, Elbow Joint Dipole: RP-BNC
male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
ML-2499-BPDA1-01R Outdoor 10°High-Gain Dish: 20.5 N female22
ML-2499-BPNA3-01R Outdoor 35° High-Gain Directional Panel: type
N - female . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
ML-2499-BYGA2-01R Outdoor 35° High-Gain Directional Yagi:
N female . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
ML-2499-HPA3-01R High Performance Omni-Directional “Pipe”
Antenna: RP-BNC male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
ML-2499-PNAHD-01R Indoor 55°Directional Panel: RP-BNC male30
ML-2499-SD3-01R Low Profile Ceiling/Surface Mount Omni-
Directional Patch: RP-BNC male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
ML-2499-FHPA5-01R Omni-Directional “Pipe” Antenna: N male
connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
ML-2499-FHPA9-01R High Performance Fixed Point Dipole: male
connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Chapter 4 5.2 Ghz Single Band Antenna Suite
Supported 802.11a/n antenna suite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
ML-5299-APA1-01R Indoor Rubber Flex Jointed Dipole: RP-SMA male
connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
ML-5299-HPA1-01R High Performance Omni-Directional Dipole
Antenna: RP-SMA male connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
ML-5299-PTA1-01R Low Profile Ceiling-Tile Mount Patch: RP-SMA
male connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
ML-5299-WPNA1-01R Wall Mount Panel Antenna w/Articulating
Mount: RP-SMA male. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
ML-5299-FHPA10-01R Omni-Directional “Pipe” Antenna: N male
connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
ML-5299-FHPA6-01R Omni-Directional “Pipe” Antenna: N male
connector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
Chapter 5 2.4GHz - 5.2GHz Dual Band Antenna Suite
Supported 802.11a/b/g/n Dual Band Antennas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
ML-2452-APA2-01 Indoor Dual Band Elbow Jointed Dipole: RP-SMA
male . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
ML-2452-PNA5-01R Dual Band Panel: Connector Type N male56
ML-2452-PNA7-01R Dual Band Panel: Connector Type N-Male59
ML-2452-PTA2M3X3-1 AP-7131 MIMO Facade: 1 IN, RPSMA 62
ML-2452-PTA3M3-036 Ceiling Mount, Dual Band, MIMO Patch:
RPSMA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65
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Chapter 6 Antenna Cables
Supported Antenna Cables. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69
ML-1499-100JK-01R 100 ft. Low-Loss Coaxial Cable Jumper: N Male
to N Male with 2 Connector Seal Kits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
ML-1499-10JK-01R 10 ft. Low-Loss Coaxial Cable Jumper: N Male to
N Male. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
ML-1499-25JK-01R 25 ft. Low-Loss Coaxial Cable Jumper: N Male to
N Male with 2 Connector Seal Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
ML-1499-50JK-01R 50 ft. Low-Loss Coaxial Cable Jumper: N Male to
N Male with 2 Connector Seal Kits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70
ML-1499-72PJ-01R 6 ft. RP BNC Female to RP BNC Male Plenum
Coaxial Jumper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .71
Chapter 7 Supported Antenna Adapters
Supported Adapters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
ML-1499-RBNCA1-01R 1 ft. N Female to RP BNC Female Cable
Adapter with Connector Seal Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
ML-1499-RBNCA2-01R 1 ft. N Male to RP BNC Female Cable Adapter
with Connector Seal Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73
25-85391-01R 3.5 in. Jumper Cable, RP-SMA (Male) to Type N (Male)
Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
25-85392-01R 3.5 in. Jumper Cable, RP-SMA (Male) to Type N
(Female) Adaptor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .74
Chapter 8 Supported Lightning Arrestors
Lightning Arrestors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
ML-1499-LAK1-01R 1 ft. N Male to RP BNC Male Lightning Arrestor
with Connector Seal Kit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75
ML-1499-LAK2-01R Lightning Arrestor Kit with N Male to N Male
Barrel Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76
ML-2452-LAK1-01R Lightning Arrestor (N Female to N Female) with N
Male to RP-SMA Male Adapter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77
Chapter 9 Mounting Kits
Mounting Kit Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
ML-1499-APAMK-01R Magnetic Base for ML-2452-APA2-01 with 6 Ft.
Cable RP-SMA (Male). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79
ML-1499-SD3MK-01R Articulating I-Beam Mount Kit for ML-2499-
SD3-01 Omni Antenna. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
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Chapter 10 AP 7131 Transmit Power
Configuring the AP 7131 Series Transmit Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81
Supported Antennas by Band, Model, Rate and Transmit Power86
US Regulatory Domain 2.4 GHz Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87
2.4 GHz Mode Versus Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Yagi Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87
Panel Antenna Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .88
Embedded Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .89
Dipole Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
Patch Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .90
US Regulatory Domain 5.2 GHz Band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
5.2 GHz Mode Versus Data Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Yagi Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Panel Antenna Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .93
Embedded Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
Dipole Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .95
Patch Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
Japanese TELEC Regulatory Domain 2.4 GHz Band. . . . . . . . . . . .98
Panel Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .98
Embedded Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99
Dipole Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Patch Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Japan TELEC Regulatory Domain 5.2 GHz Band. . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Panel Antenna Models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Embedded Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Dipole Antenna Models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104
Patch Antenna Model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106
Chapter 11 AP650 Regulatory Domains
US regulatory domain 2.4 GHz band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Internal AP650 dual band antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
Indoor patch antenna model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Panel antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
US regulatory domain 5 GHz band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Dual band dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
Internal dual band antenna models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Indoor patch model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 117
Panel antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
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Japan TELEC regulatory domain 2.4 GHz band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121
Internal AP650 dual band antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 122
Indoor patch antenna model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123
Panel antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Japan TELEC regulatory domain 5 GHz band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Dual band dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Internal dual band antenna models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
Indoor patch model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130
Panel antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
EU regulatory domain 2.4 GHz band . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
Internal AP650 dual band antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Indoor patch antenna model. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
Panel antenna models. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
EU regulatory domain 5 GHz band. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Dual band dipole antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
Internal dual band antenna models . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 140
Indoor patch model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Outdoor omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Panel antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Omni antenna model . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
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About This Document
In this chapter
• How this document is organized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ix
• Document conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . x
• Web support sites. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xi
How this document is organized
This document provides an RF engineer a catalog of antenna parts and accessories to complete a
customized RF environment. This guide specifically addresses the antennas used for 2.4 GHz, 5.2
GHz and dual band antenna implementations for Wireless Local Area Networks (WLANs).
It is important to understand that antenna and accessory selection should be qualified by on-site
testing with the actual components used. Signal attenuation is cumulative with each connection
and component added between the antenna and the radio, so careful study should verify the given
arrangement delivers the expected results.
NOTE
Illustrations displayed in this guide are samples and can differ from the actual antenna.
This document is organized to help you find the information that you want as quickly and easily as
possible.
The document contains the following components:
• Chapter 1, “Antenna Selection and Description” provides details about antenna types and
performance characteristics, descriptions and photographs of connector types, and choosing
an antenna and accessories.
• Chapter 2, “Product Compatibility” provides information about FCC compatibility and a list of
antenna part numbers and specifications.
• Chapter 3, “2.4 GHz Single Band Antenna Suite” provides information about supported
single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n antennas.
• Chapter 4, “5.2 Ghz Single Band Antenna Suite” provides information about supported
single-band 5.2 GHz 802.11b/g/n antennas.
• Chapter 5, “2.4GHz - 5.2GHz Dual Band Antenna Suite” provides information about supported
dual-band 2.4GHz - 5.2GHz 802.11b/g/n antennas.
• Chapter 6, “Antenna Cables” provides information about supported antenna cables.
• Chapter 7, “Supported Antenna Adapters” provides information about supported antenna
adapters.
Enterprise Wireless LAN Antenna Specification Guide ix
53-1001881-01
• Chapter 8, “Supported Lightning Arrestors” provides information about supported lightning
arrestors.
• Chapter 9, “Mounting Kits” provides information about supported mounting kits.
• Chapter 10, “AP 7131 Transmit Power” provides information about how to adjust an AP 7131
series access point’s radio transmit power so that it does not violate FCC regulations
pertaining to output transmit power.
• Chapter 11, “AP650 Regulatory Domains” provides transmit power settings for the antennas
described in this guide.
Document conventions
This section describes text formatting conventions and important notice formats used in this
document.
TEXT FORMATTING
The narrative-text formatting conventions that are used are as follows:
bold text Identifies command names
Identifies the names of user-manipulated GUI elements
Identifies keywords and operands
Identifies text to enter at the GUI or CLI
italic text Provides emphasis
Identifies variables
Identifies paths and Internet addresses
Identifies document titles
code text Identifies CLI output
Identifies command syntax examples
For readability, command names in the narrative portions of this guide are presented in mixed
lettercase: for example, switchShow. In actual examples, command lettercase is all lowercase.
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53-1001881-01
NOTES, CAUTIONS, AND WARNINGS
The following notices and statements are used in this manual. They are listed below in order of
increasing severity of potential hazards.
NOTE
A note provides a tip, guidance, or advice, emphasizes important information, or provides a
reference to related information.
ATTENTION
An Attention statement indicates potential damage to hardware or data.
CAUTION
A Caution statement alerts you to situations that can be potentially hazardous to you or cause damage to hardware, firmware, software, or data.
DANGER
A Danger statement indicates conditions or situations that can be potentially lethal or extremely hazardous to you. Safety labels are also attached directly to products to warn of these conditions or situations.
Web support sites
For product downloads, manuals, and additional information, visit:
http://www.brocade.com
Enterprise Wireless LAN Antenna Specification Guide xi
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Chapter
Antenna Selection and Description
Antenna selection
While several antennas may work in a given environment, some will provide better coverage than
others. Using the right antenna in the right location will maximize both the performance and
coverage of your network. Understanding the key characteristics that describe how an antenna
sends and receives radio frequency signals is critical to finding the ideal antenna for your
deployment. This guide supports the antennas used for an AP-5131, AP-5181 or AP-7131 series
access point and the AP650 and AP300 (non-integrated antenna) model access ports.
Brocade Enterprise Wireless LAN products operate in the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz ISM bands allocated
for unlicensed use. Access point and access port products available today support either the
802.11b/g/n or the 802.11a/n standard, or both. Wireless devices conforming to the 802.11b/g
standard operate in the 2.4 GHz ISM band, while 802.11a devices operate in the 5 GHz band. The
antennas in this guide are grouped according to the frequency band they support. Some antennas
are designed to operate within either band. These antennas (described as “Dual-band”) may be
connected to radios operating in either the 2.4 or 5 GHz bands, although a single antenna may not
be connected to two radios at the same time.
1
Connector types and definitions
There are combinations of antenna types and cables required to provide a satisfactory connection
to the AP. One confusing factor is “reverse polarity”. Reverse polarity is the FCC's requirement for
each WLAN manufacturer to have unique access point connectors. Brocade had previously
standardized our offerings for access points/ports:
• 2.4 GHz is Reverse polarity BNC female (RP-BNC-F)
• 5 GHz is reverse polarity SMA female (RP-SMA-F)
• Dual Band is reverse polarity SMA female (for AP-5131), and N-Female (for AP-5181).
NOTE
Reverse polarity presents confusion because of a lack of a standardized definition from connector
manufactures. Reverse polarity provides a center element, which should not be confused with a
male connector. A male connector is defined by the outer jacket of the connector rather than the
center element.
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The following are the connectors used within this guide:
FIGURE 1 RP-BNC-F
FIGURE 2 RP-BNC-M
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FIGURE 3 RP-SMA-F
Antenna selection
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FIGURE 4 RP-SMA-M
Additionally, antennas deployed outdoors and industry standard accessories (like lightening
arrestors) use Type-N connectors (as displayed below). Therefore, with the combinations devices
required (access points/ports, antennas, cable extensions, and lightening arrestors), various
adapter cables are required to connect an antenna to an access point/port.
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FIGURE 5 Type N-F
FIGURE 6 Type N-M
Indoor and outdoor antennas
One important aspect of an antenna is whether it is weather sealed to protect it from the
environment. Because of this extra protection, outdoor antennas are typically more expensive than
those rated for indoor use. Outdoor antennas can be used for indoor applications, such as freezers
and cooler where moisture is common. Outdoor antennas can be used for indoor applications, but
indoor applications should not be used in outdoor applications.
One common distinction of outdoor antennas is the connector. Since lightning protection is always
advised for outdoor antennas, these antennas typically have Type N Male to directly attach the
lightning arrestor. This is true of the 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and the dual-band outdoor antennas.
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Spectrum and part number designations
The antennas listed in this document are ultimately referenced by part number. A numerical
sequence is used within each antenna’s part number to identify the spectrum supported by the
antennas.
• The antenna part numbers with a 2499 indicates a 2.4 GHz antenna. For more information on
the 2.4 GHz antenna suite, see “2.4 GHz Single Band Antenna Suite” on page 13.
• The antenna part numbers with a 5299 indicates a 5 GHz antenna. For more information on
the 2.4 GHz antenna suite, see “5.2 Ghz Single Band Antenna Suite” on page 39.
• The antenna part numbers with a 2452 indicates a dual band antenna (2.4GHz and 5 GHz).
For more information on the 2.4 GHz antenna suite, see “2.4GHz - 5.2GHz Dual Band Antenna
Suite” on page 53.
Extended AP to antenna cable lengths
Most indoor antennas are intended to be mounted directly to the AP's connectors. Some mounting
arrangements call for positioning the AP a significant distance away from the antenna due to
serviceability or other reason. In these situations, various adapters and cable extensions are
required.
In these situations be mindful of:
• The connector on the AP
• The connector on the antenna
• The spectrum being implemented
• Signal loss due to multiple connectors and long cable lengths
Combinations of these attributes present different parts required to complete the connection. The
Product Compatibility matrix addresses the parts required to make a proper connection. For more
information, see “FCC/USA compatibility” on page 9.
Antenna selection criteria
In addition to antenna frequency, there is other criteria to consider when selecting an antenna.
Antenna pattern
Omni-directional
Signal radiates from the antenna in all directions on the horizontal plane.
Directional
Signal radiates in a specific direction, typically described as a beam of given width, expressed in
degrees in the horizontal and vertical plane. For more information, see “Azimuth 3dB Beamwidth”
on page 7 and “Elevation 3dB Beamwidth” on page 7.
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Antenna type
Panel
A panel antenna is a flat antenna mounted to a wall or other vertical surface and radiates RF
energy (radio waves) directionally away from the wall. They usually have gain greater than 5 dBi and
are not suitable for omni-directional situations. Ideally suited for long hallways.
Patch
A patch antenna is a flat antenna mounted on the ceiling but whose pattern is omni-directional.
Most of the energy goes out horizontally to the sides of the antenna and equal in all directions.
Dipole
A dipole antenna is a tubular antenna that can be either a pipe shape, a straight flexible rod or a
paddle. This antenna has an omni-directional pattern when placed in a vertical position. It usually
has 2 dBi of gain.
Dipole array
Essentially a dipole, a dipole array is two or more dipoles that are placed one on top of the other,
requiring a longer tube to hold them. The advantage of a dipole array is that it has higher gain.
Parobolic grid
A paraobolic grid antenna is a very directional, dish-like antenna. Its parabolic reflector focuses the
RF energy like a flashlight. Most of the time the radiating element is a dipole, but when combined
with the dish, it becomes very directional with gain up to 24 dBi. Usually used in long point-to-point
systems.
Yagi
A yagi antenna is a antenna that has an internal structure resembling that of typical antennas used
for TV reception (a series of rods perpendicular to a main rod, making a triangular shape). This is a
directional antenna with less gain than the PGA, typically around 13 dBi. It may be used in either
point-to-point situations, or to cover a very long, narrow area in point-to-multi-point situations.
Antenna performance characteristics
Frequency
The frequency band within which the antenna performs at the stated specifications
Gain (dBi)
The relative amplification of the antenna with respect to an equivalent isotropic antenna,
expressed on the decibel logarithmic scale.
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Antenna accessories for Brocade enterprise WLANs
1
Cable loss (dB)
The signal strength loss introduced by the cable connected to the antenna expressed on the
decibel logarithmic scale.
Net gain (dBi)
The resulting amplification of the antenna paired with its cable.
Polarization
The orientation of the electrical field which the antenna is optimized to receive. If the transmitting
and receiving antennas are both linear polarized, then turning one 90° so that they are cross
polarized will reduce the range significantly.
VSWR
Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) is the ratio of maximum voltage to minimum voltage along the
line. Expresses the degree of match between the transmission line and the terminating element
(antenna). When VSWR is 1:1 the match is perfect, a VSWR of 1.5:1 corresponds to 96% power
efficiency.
Azimuth 3dB Beamwidth
Width of the antenna beam on the horizontal plane expressed in degrees.
Elevation 3dB Beamwidth
Height of the antenna beam on the vertical plane expressed in degrees.
Antenna accessories for Brocade enterprise WLANs
Brocade offers a complete selection of antennas and accessories to ensure optimal coverage and
performance for wireless LANs. Regardless of the size or layout of your environment, from a small
office or storefront to campus-wide, multiple-site, indoor and outdoor deployments, Brocade offers
the antennas, cables and accessories designed to fit your needs.
By combining this portfolio with a broad line of wireless switches, access ports, access points,
client connectivity cards, ruggedized mobile voice/data devices and network management
software, as well as wireless mobility planning and deployment services, Brocade offers
comprehensive end-to-end wireless enterprise LAN solutions, giving you secure, reliable access to
your critical business data and applications at the point of activity. For more information on
Brocade's wireless products, visit www.brocade.com.
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Choosing the right antenna and accessories for your WLAN
It is important to consider a number of factors when choosing an antenna and accessories for your
Brocade enterprise WLAN. To choose the right components, you'll need to know:
• Where is the antenna to be installed, and what type of coverage is required. Knowing the
intended radio band is central. Determine if the intended radio coverage area supports dual
2.4/5.2 band traffic. Has the antenuation of the coverage been discerned in respect to known
barriers.
• The band (802.11b/g/n or 802.11a/n) your network supports
• Which Brocade AP to use
• Whether you will be deploying the network indoors or outdoors
• The distance between AP and antenna, to determine extender cable length, if any
• The serviceablity requirement for each AP and antenna deployment
Review the chart to determine which antennas suit your needs. Using the part numbers provided,
determine which of the antennas will work with your hardware in your environment.
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Chapter
Product Compatibility
To find the right antenna and accessories for your AP-5131, AP-5181, AP-7131, AP650 or AP300
(non-integrated antenna) deployment:
• Find your Brocade access point or access port model at the top of the chart (refer to the chart
on the following page). Follow that column down to find the antennas, cables and lightning
arrestors compatible with that model access port or access point. Write those part numbers
down.
• Follow the row antenna across the table to the columns for the lightning arrestors and cables
you wrote down to confirm that they compatible with the antenna you've chosen and determine
if an adaptor is required to connect the two selected parts.
NOTE
The product compatibility chart on the next displays a global compatibility matrix, and does not apply
to FCC USA specific compatibility. For information specific to FCC USA compatibility, see “Antenna
suite summary” on page 11.
2
FCC/USA compatibility
The following displays Brocade’s FCC approved AP radio, antenna, cable and accessory
combinations for use in the United States:
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Antenna suite summary
The following aligns Brocade's antenna suite with their respective part numbers, description, band,
gain, mounting orientation, radiation patterns, outdoor versus indoor deployment and plenum
rating. Reference information in this manual only as it applies to specific Brocade Mobility access
point models you are using.
Following are top-level guidelines for ordering antennas from Brocade.
Mobility Access Point models:
• In Brocade Mobility AP partner number descriptions, “integrated antennas” and “antenna
module” means that antennas are included for these access points and do not need to be
ordered separately.
• In Brocade Mobility AP part number descriptions, “external antenna connectors” means that
antennas are not included.
• The low-cost, dependent mode models of 7131 access points do not ship with antennas.
Include one ML-2452-PTA2M3X3-2 antenna with each order.
• The outdoor 5181 access points do not ship with antennas. We recommend two of each of the
following for each access point: ML-2499-FHPA5-01R and ML-5299-FHPA6-01R.
Antenna suite summary
2
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Chapter
2.4 GHz Single Band Antenna Suite
Supported 802.11b/g/n antenna suite
Brocade supports numerous single-band 2.4 GHz 802.11b/g/n antennas to suit the requirements
of your unique access point or access port deployment. Check the Brocade Web site periodically, as
newly supported 802.11b/g/n antennas will be added to this document as they are released. For
more information, see http://support.symbol.com/support/product/manuals.do.
For detailed information on supported 802.11b/g/n antenna models, refer to:
• “ML-2499-5PNL-72-N Outdoor 135° Panel Antenna: male connector”
• “ML-2499-7PNA2-01R Indoor 60° Diversity Panel: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-11PNA2-01R Outdoor 97°Sector Panel: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-APA2-01R Indoor Rubber Flex, Elbow Joint Dipole: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-BPDA1-01R Outdoor 10°High-Gain Dish: 20.5 N female”
• “ML-2499-BPNA3-01R Outdoor 35° High-Gain Directional Panel: type N - female”
• “ML-2499-BYGA2-01R Outdoor 35° High-Gain Directional Yagi: N female”
• “ML-2499-HPA3-01R High Performance Omni-Directional “Pipe” Antenna: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-PNAHD-01R Indoor 55°Directional Panel: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-SD3-01R Low Profile Ceiling/Surface Mount Omni-Directional Patch: RP-BNC male”
• “ML-2499-FHPA5-01R Omni-Directional “Pipe” Antenna: N male connector”
• “ML-2499-FHPA9-01R High Performance Fixed Point Dipole: male connector”
3
NOTE
For examples on how various antenna and connectors are deployed in a 2.4 GHz AP-5131
installation, see “2.4 GHz AP-5131 Antenna Connections” on page 102.
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Supported 802.11b/g/n antenna suite
3
ML-2499-5PNL-72-N Outdoor 135° Panel Antenna: male connector
Type Panel
Frequency 2400-2500 MHz
Gain (dBi) 5.5
Polarization Linear, Vertical
Azimuth 3dB Beamwidth: 135°
Elevation 3dB Beamwidth: 56°
Cable Length (in.) 72
Cable Type RG-58 Ultralink
Connector Type Type N Male
Weight 0.5 lb
Plenum Antenna No
Plenum Cable Yes
Outdoor Rated Yes
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ML-2499-7PNA2-01R Indoor 60° Diversity Panel: RP-BNC male
Type Panel x 2 (Diversity)
Frequency 2400-2500 MHz
Gain (dBi) 6.3
Polarization Linear, Vertical
Azimuth 3dB Beamwidth: 60°
Elevation 3dB Beamwidth: 60°
Cable Length (in.) 48
Cable Type RG-58 Ultralink
Connector Type RP-BNC Male x 2
Weight 0.6 lbs
Plenum Antenna No
Plenum Cable Yes
Outdoor Rated No
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ML-2499-11PNA2-01R Outdoor 97°Sector Panel: RP-BNC male
Type Panel
Frequency 2400-1500 MHz
Gain (dBi) 8.5
Polarization Linear, Vertical
Azimuth 3dB Beamwidth: 97°
Elevation 3dB Beamwidth: 14°
Cable Length (in.) 96
Cable Type RG-58 Ultralink
Connector Type RP-BNC Male
Weight 1.5 lb
Plenum Antenna No
Plenum Cable Yes
Outdoor Rated Yes
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