Cisco aironet 2800 series, aironet 3800 series Deployment Manual
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
First Published: 2016-05-11
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CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
Overview 1
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
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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Contents
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
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
Approved Antennas for Use with Access Points 2800 and 3800 39
AP 2800 and AP 3800 Powering Options 41
AP 3800 and Multigigabit Ethernet (mGig) 47
New–B Regulatory Domain for US Theater 51
Stadium and Harsh Environments 53
Areas with High Vibration 55
Related References 57
Previous Deployment Guides 57
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's) 59
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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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
1
Overview
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
2
Models
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
•
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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Part Numbers and Descriptions
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
Choosing the Right Access Point
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
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Single Unit; Internal Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802I-x-K9C
10 pack; Internal Antenna Model; ConfigurableAIR-AP3802I-xK910C
Choosing the Right Access Point
Supported Code Versions Compatible with AP 2800 and AP 3800
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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Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points
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
Choosing the Right Access Point
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
Depending on the model the thickness changes slightly.
Figure 5: AP 2800 and AP 3800 dimensions
Differences between the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Access Points
Note
The weight is slightly different between the models.AP 3800 both “E” and “P” versions as well as the
2800e is 2.1 kg.AP 3800i is 2.0 kg. AP 2800i is 1.6 kg.
Both products use the same brackets as 2700/3700 2700/3700 Series Access Points–AIR-AP-BRACKET1
and AIR-AP-BRACKET-2.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Feature Differences
Feature Differences
Here is a basic feature comparison:
Figure 6: Feature comparisons of 2800 and 3800 series
Choosing the Right Access Point
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Choosing the Right Access Point
Ports on the AP 2800 and AP 3800
The AP 2800 is similar to the AP 3800 but lacks a local power supply input and mGig PoE port. Additionally,
the USB port is mounted sideways.
Figure 7: Ports on 2800 series
Ports on the AP 2800 and AP 3800
Figure 8: Ports on 3800 series
The AP 3800 has a local power supply jack on the right; This is a new style connector and is not compatible
with the older AIR-PWR-B power supplies used with the AP 2700 and AP 3700 series. For more on this
connector, see the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Powering Options for details.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports
In addition there is an mGig port as well as a port for external modules on the AP 3800.
Figure 9: External module port on the 3800 series
Choosing the Right Access Point
Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports
The AP 3800 has modularity support that is a bit different from the original module design on the prior AP
3600 and AP 3700 series. This module design allows for installation onto the side of the access point. This
allows for larger antenna arrays and does not constrict the development of Cisco and potentially third party
modules as they are no longer limited by the physical size of the cccess point. Additionally, filtering is installed
on the AP 3800 for cellular and other radio coexistence.
The external antenna connectors on the "E" and "P" series are identical to the antenna connectors on previous
access points. There is no difference in operation when the access point is used in dual band (2.4 and 5 GHz)
operation. which is the default mode. RF coverage and cell sizes are similar to the previous AP 2700 and 3700
series so there is no need to do a new site survey.
Unlike the prior external antenna versions, the new 2800 and 3800 series Access Points now support the
capability of dual 5–GHz operation. When in this mode, a smart antenna connector must be used on the
external antenna models, as the additional 5–GHz radio cannot use the same top antennas on the access point
that are being used by the primary 5–GHz radio.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Choosing the Right Access Point
When a smart antenna connector is installed, the XOR radio (the radio that is defined in software as Radio 0)
now has its RF switched to the smart antenna connector.
Figure 10: External connector ports on AP 2800e and 3800e
Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Modularity and Smart Antenna Connector Ports
Choosing the Right Access Point
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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CHAPTER 3
Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options, page 13
•
Access Point Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
AP 2800 and AP 3800 have similar physical dimensions with only slight differences in physical appearance
mostly to accommodate the different features like modularity and Multigigabit support resulting in slight
differences in width.
There are many different installation options available depending upon the business requirements. 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.
Note
The AP 2800 and AP 3800 is noticeably heavier than the AP 2700 and AP 3700. This is due to the powerful
design of the components used, which include a dual core processor, 12 radio transceivers, additional
memory and processor power as well as additional Ethernet capability including mGig on the AP 3800
and optional module support.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Channel Rail Adapters
Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
The mounting brackets and ceiling rails easily handle the extra weight and the intent was to make a very robust
Access Point without the need for vent holes and to allow the product to be used in industrial and manufacturing
areas as well as commercial enterprise environments.
Figure 11: Access Point Bracket Choices
If the AP will be mounted directly to a ceiling on the gridwork, then AIR-AP-BRACKET-1 mounts flush and
has the lowest profile. However, if the AP will be 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 much 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.
For new installations AIR-BRACKET-2 is recommended as it provides a little extra room and accomodates
earlier access points with modules, so it truly is a universal bracket.
Figure 12: Different clips are available for attaching to ceiling grid work
Channel Rail Adapters
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 above.
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
Thin rail or sometimes referred to as recessed ceiling rails often look like as shown.
Figure 13: Example of a recessed ceiling rail system
Channel Rail Adapters
Figure 14: Example of Channel Rails used on thin rail (recessed rail) ceilings
Figure 15: AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER (left) Slides onto the Rails
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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Mounting an AP Directly into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3
Figure 16: AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER Mounted to Rail Clip (left) and Finished Installation (right)
Physical Hardware and Mounting Options
When ordered, part numbers are replacement numbers so they end with an "=".Note
AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R=Ceiling Grid Clip–Recessed
AIR-AP-T-RAIL-F=Ceiling Grid Clip–Flush
AIR-AP-BRACKET-1=AP Bracket–Low Profile
AIR-AP-BRACKET-2=AP Bracket –Universal
AIR-CHNL-ADAPTER=Additional Adapter for Channel–Rail Ceiling Grid profile
Mounting an AP Directly into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3
This bracket is not compatible with the AP 2800 and AP 3800 Series.Note
If you have this bracket currently installed and are migrating to the newer AP 2800 and AP 3800 series, you
may be able to still use the existing tile and leverage the new in-tile mount available from Oberon Wireless
(a Cisco partner).
Cisco Aironet Series 2800/3800 Access Point Deployment Guide
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