Questions and Answers

Cisco Aironet Access Point Deployment Guide

Q1: Which AP is best for manufacturing and warehouse areas?

A1: In general, the AP 2600e or the AP 3600e is the first choice because these external antenna models have the highest operating temperature range ‐20 to 55°C. The AP 1600 can also be used but has a slightly lower operating temperature ‐20 to 50°C. If temperature is not a concern, use an internal antenna model (AP 1600i, 2600i, and 3600i).

Q2: What if I am in a country where the regulatory agency may not approve the AP to be used outdoors because of UNII‐1 band restrictions? What if I wish to use higher gain antennas?

A2: Consider the Cisco Mesh products (1550 Series) or look for access points ending in “P” (for professional install), such as the 3502P Series or Cisco outdoor bridging products.

Q3: Which AP is best for high‐density deployments?

A3: Both the AP 2600 and the AP 3600 have virtually identical AP density for coverage‐based design. Capacity‐based design (smaller cells) yields a slightly higher average cell capacity with the AP 3600 when using 3SS devices and yields an even higher density when using the optional 802.11ac module.

Q4: Cisco has a newer Power Injector (AIR‐PWR‐INJ5). How is this different from the (AIR‐PWR‐INJ4)?

A4: The newer AIR‐PWR‐INJ5 is an 802.3af (15.4W injector). It is a low cost injector for use with the AP 1600 and the AP 2600 and can also be used with the AP 3600 without the optional module. The AIR‐ PWR‐INJ4 is a more powerful injector designed to work with the AP 3600 with optional modules.

Q5: Can industrial wireless motion or smoke detectors cause WLAN interference?

A5: Yes, some products such as United Technologies DD475 and Optex MX‐50 operate in the 2.4 GHz band as do other wireless chimes, cameras, and industrial equipment from other manufacturers.

Q6: Any other thoughts when installing wireless access points?

A6: When deploying wireless installations, keep the following guidelines in mind:

Place the AP as reasonably close to the actual users as possible.

Make sure you have coverage (to a known requirement), and compensate for nulls or dead spots, regardless of what product you choose to deploy. Conduct a site survey.

Base the installations on lessons learned from the site survey. The better the survey, the less likely connectivity problems will occur.

Cisco has an Advanced Services team that can perform WLAN surveys or help with the wireless design if a Cisco partner is not available or able to do same.

When possible, use the Cisco brand antennas listed in this guide. They have orange bands.

Do not mount antennas against metal objects. Antennas work best when there are no obstructions in the path.

The AP 1600, 2600, and 3600 are not weatherproof and have an IP rating of 40.

Cisco Systems

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AP3600, AIRCAP1602EAK9, 1602E, 3602i, 1600 specifications

Cisco Systems 1600 series routers are well-regarded in the networking industry for their reliability, versatility, and performance. Designed to meet the needs of small to medium-sized businesses, the Cisco 1600 series is primarily oriented towards providing robust connectivity for branch offices and remote sites.

One of the most significant features of the Cisco 1600 series is its modular architecture. This allows users to customize their routers with various interface cards, enabling support for different types of WAN technologies, including serial, ISDN, and Frame Relay. The modular design not only enhances flexibility but also extends the lifespan of the equipment, as businesses can upgrade their capacity and functionalities according to evolving demands.

Another key characteristic of the Cisco 1600 routers is their advanced routing capabilities. These devices support a wide range of routing protocols, including RIP, OSPF, EIGRP, and BGP. This versatility ensures seamless integration into existing network infrastructures, facilitating the scalability and adaptability that modern networks require.

Security is also a crucial aspect of the Cisco 1600 series. Incorporating features such as access control lists (ACLs) and support for Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), these routers help businesses safeguard their sensitive data during transmission. Enhanced security features allow companies to implement secure remote access for employees, thereby maintaining productivity without compromising safety.

In addition to routing and security, the Cisco 1600 series boasts Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. This technology enables better management of network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need for optimal performance. By prioritizing important data flows, businesses can enhance user experience and minimize disruptions across their network.

The Cisco 1600 series routers are also equipped with user-friendly interfaces and management tools. Cisco's IOS software platform provides a command-line interface (CLI) and web-based graphical interface for straightforward configuration and monitoring. This simplifies network management tasks and reduces the learning curve for IT personnel.

In summary, the Cisco Systems 1600 series routers offer a significant combination of modularity, robust routing protocols, enhanced security measures, Quality of Service features, and user-friendly management options. These characteristics make them an excellent choice for small to medium-sized enterprises looking to establish a reliable and secure networking infrastructure. With the continued evolution of networking technologies, the Cisco 1600 series stands as a dependable solution for businesses navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape.