Xirrus ANT-DIR15-2x2-2.4G-01, ANT-DIR15-2x2-5.0G-01, ANT-DIR30-2x2-01, ANT-DIR60-2x2-01, ANT-DIR90-2x2-01 Reference Manual

REFERENCE GUIDE

EXTERNAL ANTENNA GUIDE

Xirrus External Antennas Guide

Overview

To optimize the overall performance of a Xirrus
WLAN in an outdoor deployment it is important
to understand how to maximize coverage
with the appropriate antenna selection and
placement. This document is meant to serve as
a guideline for anyone who wishes to use Xirrus’
antennas and related accessories with Xirrus’
newest outdoor wireless products (XR-520H
and XR-2425H). The document is organized
according to the following sub-sections:

• Basic Technical Background

• Types of available Xirrus Antennas and
Accessories

• Reference Test Data

• Design Considerations and Reference

UseCases

Antenna Properties, Ratings
and Representation

At the most fundamental level an Antenna provides a wireless
communication system three main attributes that are inter­related to each other and ultimately inuence the overall
radiation pattern produced by the antenna:

• Gain

• Directivity

• Polarization

Gain of an Antenna is a measure of the increase in power that

the antenna provides. Antenna gain is measured in decibels
(dB) — a logarithmic unit used to express the ratio between two
values of a given physical quantity. In the general case, the gain
in dB is a factor of the ratio of output power (or radiated power)
to the input power of the antenna (that ratio is also called the
“efciency” of the antenna). In practice, the gain of a given
antenna is commonly expressed by comparing it to the gain
of an isotropic antenna. An isotropic antenna is a “theoretical
antenna” with a perfectly uniform three-dimensional radiation
pattern. When expressed relative to an isotropic antenna, the
gain of a given antenna is represented in dBi (i for isotropic).
By that measure, a truly isotropic antenna would have a power
rating of 0 dB. The U.S. FCC uses dBi in its calculations.

Technical Background

ISM bands:

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authorizes
commercial wireless network products to operate in the Industrial,

Scientic and Medical (ISM) bands using spread spectrum
modulation. The ISM bands are located at three different
frequencies ranges – 900MHz, 2.4GHz and 5GHz. This document
covers products that operate in the 2.4 and 5GHz bands.

ISM bands allow manufacturers and users to operate wireless
products in the U.S. without requiring specic licenses.
This requirement may vary in other countries. The products
themselves must meet certain requirements in order to be
certied for sale such as maximum Transmit Power (Tx Power)
and Effective Isotropic Radiated Power (EIRP) ratings.

Each of the ISM bands has different characteristics. The lower
frequency bands exhibit better range but with limited bandwidth
and hence lower data rates. Higher frequency bands have less
range and are subject to greater attenuation from solid objects.

Directivity is the factor that was referred to in the previous

discussion about antenna gain and its relation to efciency.
Mathematically, the gain of an antenna is its directivity times
itsefciency. And like its gain, the directivity of a given
antenna is also expressed relative to an isotropic antenna. The
directivity measures the power density that an antenna radiates
in the direction of its strongest emission, relative to the power
densityradiated by an ideal isotropic antenna (which emits
uniformly in all directions), when they are both radiating the

same total power.

Polarization of an antenna is the orientation of the electric

eld of the radio wave that it produces relative to the earth’s
surface. The polarization of an antenna is determined by the
physical structure of the antenna and by its orientation. A
simple straight wire antenna will have one polarization when
mounted vertically and a different polarization when mounted
horizontally. A linear polarized antenna radiates wholly in one
plain containing the direction of propagation of the radio wave
while, in a circular polarized antenna, the plane of polarization
rotates in a circle making one complete revolution during one

period of the wave. A linear polarized antenna may be either

Horizontally Polarized (if the direction of propagation is parallel

to the earth’s surface) or Vertically Polarized (if the direction
of propagation is perpendicular to the earth’s surface). A
circular polarized antenna may be either Right-Hand-Circular

(RHC) or Left-Hand-Circular (LHC) depending on whether the

direction of rotation of the plane of propagation is clockwise
or counterclockwise respectively. Polarization is an important
design consideration, particularly in Line of Sight (LOS) or
Point-to-Point type deployments because maximum signal
strength between sending and receiving antennas occurs when
both are using identical polarization.

Radiation Pattern of an antenna is a plot of the relative strength

of the electromagnetic eld of the radio waves emitted by the
antenna at different angles. Radiation patterns are typically
represented by either a three-dimensional graph or by a set of
two separate two-dimensional polar plots of the horizontal and
vertical cross sections. The radiation pattern of the theoretical
isotropic antenna, which radiates equally in all directions, would

look like a sphere.

Impedance Matching is an important consideration in the

design of the overall wireless communication system. This is

because an electromagnetic wave traveling through various
parts of a communication system (radio, cable, connectors, air)
may encounter differences in impedance. At each interface,
depending on the impedance mismatch, some fraction of
the propagating radio wave’s energy will reect back into the
source. This reecting wave is called a standing wave and the
ratio of maximum power to minimum power in the standing

wave is called the Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR). A VSWR

of 1:1 is ideal.

Types of Xirrus Antennas

The tables starting on the next page detail the specications
of the different antennas Xirrus offers for use with its Arrays
and Access Points, in both 2.4GHz and 5GHz. Each type of
antenna will offer certain coverage capabilities suited for specic
applications (as discussed in the later section of this document).
The radiation patterns listed below also provide some guidance
on the coverage to be expected from a given antenna. As a
general rule of thumb as the gain of an antenna increases, there
is some tradeoff to its coverage area. High gain antennas will
typically offer longer coverage distance but smaller (and more
directed) coverage area.

Directional Antennas

15° Antenna for 2.4 GHz band (ANT-DIR15-2x2-2.4G-01)

DESCRIPTION PANEL 15° ANTENNA FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE FRONT

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

BACK AND CONNECTORS

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4– 2.5

Impedance

VSWR (50 ohms) ≤2.0:1

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 17+/- 1

Polarization +/– 45

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 16° typ.

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 16° typ.

Maximum Power 10 W CW

Connector N-female x 2

Dimensions 17.7IN X 17.7IN X 1.6 IN

Weight 8.7lb

Operating Temp -40 C to +55C

Mounting Options Pole Mount included

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

50 ohms

• 1 ANT-DIR15-2x2-2.4G-01

• 2 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

( per 2.4GHz radio )

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 1 ANT-DIR15-2x2-2.4G-01

• 2 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

( per 2.4GHz radio )

15° Antenna for 5 GHz band (ANT-DIR15-2x2-5.0G-01)

DESCRIPTION PANEL 15° ANTENNA FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE FRONT

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

BACK

Frequency Range (GHz) 5.15 – 5.850

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) ≤2.0:1

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 17+/- 1

Polarization V/H

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 17°

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 17°

Maximum Power 10 W CW

Connector N-female x 2

Dimensions 10.3IN X 10.3IN X 1.4IN

Weight 2.53lb

Operating Temp -40 C to +55C

Mounting Options Pole Mount included

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

• 1 ANT-DIR15-2x2-5.0G-01

• 2 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

( per 5GHz radio )

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 1 ANT-DIR15-2x2-5.0G-01

• 2 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

( per 5GHz radio )

CONNECTORS CLOSEUP

30° Antenna (ANT-DIR30-2x2-01)

DESCRIPTION PANEL 30° ANTENNA FRONT

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

BACK

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4– 2.5 5.15 – 5.825

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) 2.0: 1 max. typ.

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 11.7 – 13.5 12.5 – 14.0

Polarization 2 x +/– 45 2 x +/– 45

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 35° +/- 5

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 35° +/- 5

Maximum Power 10 W max.

Connector N-female x 4

Dimensions 16.5in x 9.4in x 1.4 in

Weight 3.75lb

Operating Temp -40 C to +55C

Mounting Options Pole Mount included

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

• 1 ANT-DIR30-2x2-01

• 4 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 2 ANT-DIR30-2x2-01

• 8 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

CONNECTORS CLOSEUP

60° Antenna (ANT-DIR60-2x2-01)

DESCRIPTION PANEL 60° ANTENNA FRONT

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

BACK

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4 – 2.48 5.15 – 5.850

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) 2.0: 1 max. typ.

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 7 – 10 8.5 – 9.5

Polarization 2 x +/– 45, V 2 X +/– 45, V

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 65° +/- 5

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 65° +/- 5

Maximum Power 10 W max.

Connector N-female x 6

Dimensions 8.6in x 8.6in x 1.18in

Weight 1.49lb

Operating Temp -40 C to +55C

Mounting Options Pole Mount included

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

• 1 ANT-DIR60-2x2-01

• 4 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 2 ANT-DIR60-2X2-01

• 8 ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

CONNECTORS CLOSEUP

90° Antenna (ANT-DIR90-2x2-01)

DESCRIPTION PANEL 90° ANTENNA FRONT

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

BACK

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4 – 2.5 5.15 – 5.85

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) 2.0: 1 max. typ.

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 4.0 6.5 – 9.5

Polarization Vertical

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 90° typ.

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 90° typ.

Maximum Power 10 W max.

Connector 2*N connectors

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

• 2 ANT-DIR90-2x2-01

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 4 ANT-DIR90-2X2-01

CONNECTORS CLOSEUP

Omni-Directional Antennas:

“Rubber Duck” Antenna (ANT-OMNI-1x1-02)

DESCRIPTION 360° (OMNIDIRECTIONAL) ANTENNA ANTENNA

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

CONNECTOR CLOSEUP

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4 – 2.5 5.15 – 5.825

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) 2.0: 1 max. typ.

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) -1.54 – 0 0 – 1.7

Polarization 4 X Vertical

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 360°

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 90° 60°

Maximum Power 10 W max.

Connector 1 X RP-TNC male

Cable SKU ANT-CAB-195-10-MM

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

• 4 ANT-OMNI-1x1-02

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 8 ANT-OMNI-1X1-01

2x2 Omni Antenna (ANT-OMNI-2x2-02)

DESCRIPTION 360° (OMNIDIRECTIONAL) ANTENNA ANTENNA

Vertical Gain Pattern

Horizontal Gain Pattern

MOUNTS

Frequency Range (GHz) 2.4 – 2.5 5.15 – 5.825

Impedance 50 ohms

VSWR (50 ohms) 2.0: 1 max. typ.

Peak Gain, dBi (2.4 and 5GHz) 2.3 3 – 6.5

Polarization 4 x V (Linear, Vertical)

3dB Beamwidth Az (H) 360°

3dB Beamwidth El (V) 60°

Maximum Power 10 W.

Connector RP-TNC male

Dimensions 8.6 H x 6.3 OD inches

Operating Temp -30° C to + 70° C

Storage Temp -40° C to + 85° C

Ingress Protection IP-54

Mounting Options 1.5” stud mount

Universal wall and mast mountable with included articulating
mount. All tools and hardware included. Mounts to mast up to
1-1/2” in diameter.

Ceiling mountable to 1” thick ceiling tile with jam nut. Also includes
rubber washer for mounting to smooth surfaces such as NEMA

enclosures.

Cable Specs LMR-195, male RP-TNC to male N connectors and 10’ length

Connector Three Reverse Polarity TNC (male)

What to order For use with one XR-520H:

ANSI 7/16-28 UNEF
2B threads

• 1 ANT-OMNI-2x2-02

For use with one XR-2425H:

• 2 ANT-OMNI-2X2-02

CONNECTOR CLOSEUP

Reference Test Data

Distance (ft)

The various antennas presented above were characterized for variation in data rate and RSSI over increasing distance. All tests were
conducted in an open air environment and in each case the client was moved away from the AP along a straight line in the direction of
its strongest radiation (center).

Note that this is only meant to be a reference of how each antenna’s throughput and RSSI tail off relative to the others. This is not meant
to be indicative of the absolute throughput since that would depend on many factors including the specic access point or array used.

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

Throughput (Mbps)

15

10

5

0

0

-30

-35

-40

-45

-50

-55

-60

-65

Signal Strength (RSSI)

-70

-75

-80

-85

0

100

100

200

200

300

300

2.4GHz RATE vs. RANGE

400

500

600

700

2.4GHz RSSI

400

500

600

700

800

900

Distance (ft)

800

900

1,000

1,000

1,100

1,100

1,200

1,200

1,300

1,300

1,400

1,400

1,500

1,500

1,600

1,600

1,700

1,700

1,800

1,800

30

60

90

Omni

1,900

30

60

90

Omni

1,900

2,000

2,000

140

120

100

80

60

Throughput (Mbps)

40

20

0

0

-40

-45

-50

-55

-60

-65

-70

Signal Strength (RSSI)

-75

-80

-85
0

100

100

200

200

300

300

5GHz RATE vs. RANGE

400

500

600

700

400

500

600

700

800

900

Distance (ft)

5GHz RSSI

800

900

Distance (ft)

1,000

1,000

1,100

1,100

1,200

1,200

1,300

1,300

1,400

1,400

1,500

1,500

1,600

1,600

1,700

1,700

1,800

1,800

30

60

90

Omni

1,900

30

60

90

Omni

1,900

2,000

2,000

Note: the Omnidirectional antenna used in these tests is the ANT-OMNI-2x2-02 not the Rubber Duck Antenna.

Design Considerations and
Reference Use Cases

Access to network connections (minimize Antenna cable runs):

Cabling between the Array or AP and the antenna introduces
losses in the system, therefore the length of this cable run must be
minimized as much as possible.

There are several factors that impact the performance of a
Wireless LAN and must be kept in mind while designing for a
deployment. Some of the key considerations are as follows:

Mobility of the Application: The mobility of the clients that will be

connecting to the Array through the antenna system is the rst
thing to think about when planning a deployment. Anapplication
that has a lot of mobile users, such as a convention center is best
served by a large number of omnidirectional microcells while a
point-to-point application, which connects two or more stationary
users may be best servedby a directional antenna.

Physical Environment: Some of the things to watch for in the

environment where the WLAN deployment is planned include:

• Building construction – The density of the materials used in a
building’s construction determines the number of walls the RF
signal can pass through and still maintain adequate coverage.
The following is a good reference but the actual effect of the
walls on RF must be tested through a site survey. A thick metal
wall, such as an elevator reects signals, resulting in poor
penetration of the signal and low quality of reception on the
other side. Solid walls and oors and precast concrete walls can
limit signal penetration to one or two walls without degrading
coverage, but, this can vary greatly depending on the amount
of steel reinforcing within the concrete. Concrete and concrete
block walls will likely limit signal penetration to three or four
walls. Wood or dry wall will typically allow for adequate signal
penetration through ve or six walls. Paper and Vinyl walls have
little effect on signal penetration.

• Ceiling height

• Internal obstructions – Product inventory and racking are factors

to consider in a indoor environment, such as a warehouse.

In outdoor environments, many objects can affect antenna
patterns, including trees, vehicles and buildings.

• Available mounting locations.

In addition, consideration some consideration should also be
given to aesthetic appearance.

Warehouse Use Case: In most cases, these installations require

a large coverage area. Experience has shown that multiple
omnidirectional antennas (such as ANT-OMNI-1x1-01 or ANT­OMNI-2x2-02) mounted at 20 or 25 feet typically provide the
best coverage. Of course this is also affected by the height of
the racking, the material in the racks and your ability to locate
the antenna at this height. The antenna should be placed in the
center of the desired coverage cell an in an open area for best
performance. In cases where the ceiling is too high and the Array
or AP will be located against a wall, a directional antenna may
beused.

Small Ofce or Small Retail Store: An omnidirectional dipole

antenna (such as ANT-OMNI-1x1-01 or ANT-OMNI-2x2-02) will
provide best coverage for type of scenario.

Enterprise or Large Retail Store: In most such deployments, there

is a need for a fairly large coverage area and a combination of
omnidirectional and directional antennas must be used. Omni­directional antennas located just below the ceiling girders or just
below the drop ceiling and directional antennas located at the
corners. Also, for areas that are long and narrow – such as long
store aisles – a directional antenna at one end may provide better
coverage. Keep in mind that the radiation angle of the antenna
will also affect the coverage area.

Apartment Complex Backhaul (Point-to-Point): For an application

where last mile connectivity is being provided using Wi-Fi
(such as apartment complexes or senior living complexes that
may not have traditional wiring infrastructure), point-to-point
connections are common. When establishing point to point
connections in outdoor environments, the distance, obstructions
and antenna locations must be considered. For short distances
(several hundred feet), a standard dipole antenna may be used.
For very large distances (1/2 mile or more) high-gain directional
antennas must be used. The antennas must be installed as high as
possible, above obstructions such as trees, buildings and similar.
If directional antennas are used, they must be aligned so that their
main radiated power lobes are directed at each other.

Support & Maintenance

Xirrus is committed to the success of our customers and
provides warranties and support options to best t your needs..
For further information on the Xirrus hardware warranties,
software support and premium support offerings visit:

http://www.xirrus.com/support/

© 2015 Xirrus, Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Xirrus logo is a registered trademark of Xirrus, Inc.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Content subject to change without notice.

About Xirrus

To organizations who depend on wireless access to transform
their business, Xirrus is the wireless network solution provider
that provides the world’s most powerful, scalable, and trusted
solutions. Through product invention and system design,
commitment to customer success, and the industry’s best
price performance, Xirrus gives you condence that your
wireless network performs under even the most demanding
circumstances. Xirrus is a privately held company headquartered
in Thousand Oaks, CA.

1.800.947.7871 Toll Free in the US
+1.805.262.1600 Sales
+1.805.262.1601 Fax
2101 Corporate Center Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320, USA

To learn more visit:
xirrus.com or
email [e-mail]

REFERENCE GUIDE / DATASHEET //

V1.04.MAR.15