Cisco Systems AIR-ANT2414S-R Positioning the Antenna Using LED Indications

Cisco Aironet 14-dBi Vertically Polarized Sector Antenna (AIR-ANT2414S-R)

78-16403-01

The goal when positioning a directional antenna is to align the local antenna for maximum received

signal strength using the LED indications. The LEDs are convenient and easy to use. Normally, you

observe a single large peak as you pan the antenna across the signal path. Think of the receive signal as

a target (see Figure4).

Figure4 Signal Strength Target

The target consists of concentric rings, with the strongest signal at the center and a progressively weaker

signal at the outer rings. As you scan across the signal, you should observe the strong signal level when

the antenna is properly aligned. If a vertical adjustment is required, look for the strong signal level as

you tilt the antenna through its range.

Positioning the Antenna Using LED Indications

You can position the integrated antenna or a directional external antenna using the LEDs only after the

bridge successfully associates with the remote bridge. In installation mode, the Install LED is continuous

amber or green when the bridge has successfully associated. For the first 20 seconds following

association, the bridge reads the received signal strength indication (RSSI) levels from the received

packets and records the maximum value. After 20 seconds, the Ethernet, status, and radio LEDs on the

bridge indicate relative RSSI readings (see Table 1 ) compared to the maximum recorded during the

initial 20 seconds.

1Weak signal level 3Strong signal level

2Moderate signal level

Horizontal

Vertical

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Table1 Install Mode RSSI Display

Signal Level (dBm) Ethernet LED Status LED Radio LED

–44 or stronger On On On

–47 to –44 Fast blink1On On

–50 to –47 Medium blink2On On

–53 to –50 Slow blink3On On

–54 to –53 Off On On

–57 to –54 Off Fast blink On