318 Configuring APs
NN47250-500 (Version 03.01)
• The addition of external antennas to the WLAN 2300 system portfolio improves overall system value:
• Improved deployment flexibility – Planners can choose an antenna pattern that meets coverage
requirements while allowing for convenient AP placement and installation.
• Improved coverage and performance – External antennas allow planners to optimize coverage and
deliver higher available data rates to user concentrations.
• Can provide a low cost fix for trouble spots - Appropriately outfitting existing APs with external
antennas can greatly improve coverage and available data rates in areas that are not adequately
serviced.
• Increased security – Perimeter access points outfitted with directional external antennas can focus
energy inwards and increase security by preventing signal “leakage” outside the office.
• Improved aesthetics – External antennas feature a 3 foot cable that allows the connected access point
to be installed out-of-sight.
• Lower cost of coverage – External antennas improve overall system efficiency by effectively
directing available energy to where it’s needed. This ensures overall system utility is maximized for
any installation.
The WLAN 2300 series external antennas are the only external antennas certified by Nortel for use with WLAN 2300
systems. WLAN Access Points 2330/2330A/2330B and Series 2332 outfitted with non-certified external antenna
are not supported under Nortel support agreements.
The WLAN 2300 system must be upgraded to WSS Software v4.1 (or later) and WMS v4.1 (or later). Support for Series
2332 access points and their associated external antennas requires WSS Software v6.0 (or later) and WMS v6.0 (or
later). This upgrade includes antenna pattern libraries for the WLAN 2300 series external antenna portfolio and allows
the system to
• Accurately predict RF environments when using the WMS planning tool to calculate coverage
provided by access points equipped with external antennas.
• Correctly interpret received signal strength measurements from APs with external antennas when
calculating rogue device or client location.
The WLAN 2300 system external antenna portfolio is sourced from Cushcraft, a world leader in the development of
advanced antenna technology and products.
• The Cushcraft products have been modified for compatibility with the AP-2330/2330A/2330B and
Series 2332 Access Points.
• Nortel versions are equipped with an R-SMA (reverse SMA) type connector to comply with industry
regulatory quality standards and correctly interface with the AP-2330/2330A/2330B and Series 2332
Access Points.
• The Cushcraft model numbers presented throughout this bulletin refer to the Nortel specific versions
and may not exactly match similar versions promoted on Cushcraft’s website or other product
materials.