Positioning Antennas for Dual Radio Access Points
Positioning Antennas for Antenna Diversity
AT-WA7500 and AT-WA7501 Installation and User’s Guide
Allied Telesyn recommends that you use two antennas for each radio to achieve optimal performance (antenna diversity) of the radios.
In addition to the earlier antenna guidelines, if you have a dual radio access point, you need to also follow these recommendations:
Cable the antennas at least 3.05 m (10 ft) from the access point.
If the access point has two of the same type of radio, position the antennas for one of the radios at least 3.05 m (10 ft) from the antennas for the other radio.
If the access point has two radios that are in the same frequency range, position the antennas for one of the radios at least 3.05 m (10 ft) from the antennas for the other radio.
Antenna diversity lets you attach two antennas to one radio to increase the odds of receiving a better signal on either of the antennas. In addition to the earlier antenna guidelines, if you are connecting two antennas to a radio, you need to also follow these recommendation:
Table 12. Recommended Antenna Separation for Antenna Diversity
Location | Recommended Antenna Separation * |
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Highly reflective | 0.33 m (13 in) or 0.64 m (25 in) |
warehouse environment |
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Moderately reflective | 0.64 m (25 in), 1.22 m (4 ft), or 1.83 m (6 |
warehouse environment | ft) |
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Open/Office environment | 1.22 m (4 ft) to 3.05 m (10 ft) |
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*The recommendations in this table apply to omni antennas; if you are using directional antennas, increase the recommended separation between the antennas.
If you are using antenna diversity, where you place each antenna is critical because each antenna has a particular function. Antennas placed too close together may cause interference with each other. Antennas placed too far apart may not be able to establish
Position omni antennas for the 802.11b radio at least 0.61 m (2 ft) apart.
Position directional antennas so they point in the same direction.
Position the antennas so that both antennas are within range of the radios they need to communicate with.
Do not position the two antennas around a corner or so that a wall is between them.
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