Deploying Lightweight Access Points on the Wireless Network
Prior to beginning the actual lightweight access point deployment, perform these tasks:
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Ensure that a site survey has been performed.
Ensure that your network infrastructure devices are operational and properly configured.
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Ensure that your controllers are connected to switch trunk ports.
•
•
Ensure that your switch is configured with untagged access ports for connecting your access points.
Ensure that a DHCP server with Option 43 configured is reachable by your access points or
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manually configure the controller information in the access point (for additional information, refer
to the Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Bridge Hardware Installation Guide).
Choosing a Mounting Location
Choosing a good mounting location for the access point is important because it affects the reliability of
the wireless link and maximum data rates it can support. The most important considerations are distance
between wireless devices and clearance from obstacles. The mounting location can be a wall, ceiling,
the top or side of a building, or on a tower providing a clear unobstructed line-of-sight to the wireless
devices.
With the integrated antenna access point configuration, the location must allow the access point to be
oriented in the proper direction.
With the external antenna access point configuration, the external antenna must be located within
line-of-sight of the wireless devices. The access point can be located in a convenient location that
minimizes the cable length to the antenna.
To meet regulatory restrictions, the external antenna access point and the external antenna must be
Note
professionally installed. The network administration or other IT professional responsible for installing and
configuring the unit is a suitable professional installer. Following installation, access to the unit should be
password protected by the network administrator to maintain regulatory compliance.
Signal Path Distance
In an environment without obstacles in the signal path, the maximum operating distance depends
primarily on the type of antennas and the free space loss between the access point and wireless devices.
Make sure your proposed mounting site is within range of the wireless devices.
When operating as an access point, the maximum communication distance is approximately 1 mile.
Note
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Deploying Lightweight Access Points on the Wireless Network
Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Lightweight Outdoor Access Point Mounting Instructions
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