This document describes the Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse
Directional Array Antenna (AIR-ANT2566D4M-R), and provides electrical specifications and
mounting instructions.
The AIR-ANT2566D4M-R antenna is a four-port polarization-diverse array that operates over the
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi bands. It ships with an articulating mount for use on flat surfaces and masts,
and is adjustable in both horizontal and vertical planes. The radome can be painted using commonly
available non-conductive spray paints, such as Krylon or Rust-Oleum.
The antenna is designed for use in indoor and outdoor environments with an approved Cisco Aironet
access point that requires four dual-band antennas.
The following information is provided in this document:
• Technical Specifications, page 2
• Azimuth and Elevation Radiation Patterns, page 3
• Safety Precautions, page 4
• Installation Notes, page 5
• Contents of the Antenna and Bracket Kit, page 6
• Dimensions of the Antenna and Brackets, page 7
• Installing the Antenna, page 10
• Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request, page 21
Cisco Systems, Inc.
www.cisco.com
Technical Specifications
Technical Specifications
Antenna Type Dual-Band Polarization-Diverse Directional Array
Operating Frequency Ranges2.4–2.5 GHz5.15–5.925 GHz
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:
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.
• 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.
Installation Notes
–
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.
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). The antenna and one
mounting flange are connected together when shipped.
To install the antenna:
Step 1Decide on a mounting location. See the “Deciding on a Mounting Location” section on page 10.
Step 2Ensure that you have the requisite tools and fasteners ready. See the “Tools and Equipment Required”
section on page 11.
Step 3Proceed 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, page 12.
b. Mounting on a Pole or Mast, page 17.
c. Flush Mounting on a Wall Without Mount Brackets, page 19.
Step 4(Optional) Paint the antenna. See the “Painting the Antenna” section on page 21.
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.
CautionFor outdoor installations, install the antenna with cables exiting downward. This will help prevent water
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.
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 loosen and tighten the adjustment bolts on the brackets, you need a flat-blade screwdriver.
• 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:
Figure 5Exploded View of Antenna and Bracket Hardware Assembly
Installing the Antenna
1The articulating mount flange bracket that comes
attached to the back of the antenna.
2The azimuth adjustment pivot.
Here, a 1/4 20 x 1.25-inch stainless steel screw, a 1/4-inch
split-lock washer, a 1/4-inch flat washer, and a 1/4-20
Hex nut (in that order) fasten the articulating mount arm
to the flange bracket at the back of the antenna.
3The end of the articulating mount arm, which attaches to
the flange bracket fixed to the wall or ceiling.
4The elevation adjustment pivot.
Here, a 1/4 20 x 1.25-inch stainless steel screw, a 1/4-inch
split-lock washer, a 1/4-inch flat washer, and a 1/4-20
Hex nut (in that order) fasten the articulating mount arm
to the flange bracket fixed to the wall or ceiling.
This antenna comes with four 3-ft long cables with RP-TNC connectors. If you need a longer cable
reach, use AIR-CAB005LL-R= to extend the length by an additional 5 feet.
NoteA coaxial cable loses efficiency as the frequency increases, resulting in signal loss. The cable should be
kept as short as possible because cable length also determines the amount of signal loss (the longer the
cable, the greater the loss).
Painting the Antenna
Painting the antenna and the bracket does not affect its performance if you use standard exterior-grade,
oil-based, or latex paint. Do not use metallic or metallic-flake paints, which will degrade antenna
performance.
NoteBefore painting the antenna, cover the pressure-release vent on the rear, lower-left of the antenna with
masking tape to prevent clogging. Ensure that you remove the tape afterwards.
Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
We recommend that you use Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum for Plastic (which might require
a primer coat). For best results, follow the surface preparation suggestions from the paint manufacturer.
Obtaining Documentation and Submitting a Service Request
For information on obtaining documentation, using the Cisco Bug Search Tool (BST), submitting a
service request, and gathering additional information, see What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation.
To receive new and revised Cisco technical content directly to your desktop, you can subscribe to
the What’s New in Cisco Product Documentation RSS feed. The RSS feeds are a free service.
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