Understanding 802.11ac and the option module

Figure 71

Current channel allocation plan ETSI Theater.

What’s in the future as far as spectrum allocation?

•In the US there are currently 22/10/5/1 channels with bandwidth 20/40/80/160MHz channels

•With opening up of 5.35-5.47GHz & 5.85-5.925GHz, the number of channels increases to 34/16/8/3

•If the industry manages to take back the TDWR channels, the number of increases to 37/18/9/4 So as time progresses we should see additional channels becoming available.

Client Band Steering

In order to optimize client performance, 802.11ac clients are able to take advantage of ECBF – Explicit Compressed Beam-Forming a IEEE 802.11ac standardized method of Beam-forming (similar in some ways to Cisco’s Client Link) but slightly different as the .11ac client needs to send “sounding information” to the AP and then the AP uses that sounding information (from the client) to best send the signal back to the client using (beam-forming).

Note ECBF only works with 802.11ac clients, Cisco Client Link continues to be used with non-802.11ac clients to improve the overall performance of 802.11n and legacy clients resulting in an improved performance with all clients rather than just 802.11ac clients. This helps maintain solid connections to the AP without having to bounce clients off of the AP using other methods such as signal strength causing needless roaming with the client is not actually engaged in passing traffic.

Note if is it a significant advantage to allow the module to service the 802.11ac clients while the integrated radio services the non-802.11ac clients. Should the 802.11ac client require something the module radio does not support (for example, Cisco Client Extensions “CCX elements” the 802.11ac module will push the client to the integrated radio to service that request.

802.11ac Client Recommendations

At the time of this writing, 802.11ac clients are just now starting to get integrated into smart phones. Devices like Samsung’s Galaxy S4, ZTE’s Grand Memo and the HTC One phone are early to market 802.11ac devices. It is expected that integrated notebooks and tablets (those devices often supporting 2 and 3 spatial streams) will start to emerge later in the calendar year.

Cisco Aironet Series 1600/2600/3600 Access Point Deployment Guide, Release 7.5

54

Page 53 Page 55
Page 54
Image 54
Cisco Systems AIRRM3000ACAK9 manual Client Band Steering, 802.11ac Client Recommendations
Page 53 Page 55

AIRRM3000ACAK9 specifications

Cisco Systems has long been a leader in networking solutions, and one of its standout offerings in the wireless access point market is the AIR-RM3000-AK9 model. This device is designed to provide high-performance and reliable wireless connectivity for a wide range of applications, making it an ideal choice for organizations that demand robust networking capabilities.

One of the main features of the AIR-RM3000-AK9 is its dual-band operation, which allows it to operate on both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequency bands. This dual-band capability enables the access point to support a greater number of devices and deliver higher data throughput, thereby enhancing the overall user experience. The access point can automatically select the best band, ensuring optimal performance based on network conditions and user requirements.

The device also supports the latest Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) standard, delivering impressive wireless speeds and improved capacity compared to previous generations. With Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO) technology, the AIR-RM3000-AK9 can communicate with multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is particularly advantageous in crowded environments, as it helps to reduce latency and increase overall network efficiency.

Security is another critical aspect of the AIR-RM3000-AK9. It offers advanced security protocols such as WPA2 and WPA3, ensuring that data remains protected as it traverses the wireless medium. Additionally, with Cisco's identity and access services, organizations can manage user access and maintain compliance with security policies.

The access point is also designed for easy deployment and management. With support for Cisco DNA Center, network administrators can leverage a centralized platform for monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimizing network performance. This capability is essential for reducing operational costs and improving overall network reliability.

Moreover, the AIR-RM3000-AK9 features advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities to prioritize traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need for seamless operation. This feature is particularly beneficial for organizations that rely on real-time applications such as video conferencing and VoIP.

In summary, Cisco Systems AIR-RM3000-AK9 access point stands out due to its dual-band operation, support for Wi-Fi 5, MU-MIMO technology, robust security features, and ease of management. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for businesses seeking to enhance their wireless networking capabilities while ensuring high performance and security.
Top Page Image Contents