Cisco Systems® offers a complete range of antennas for access point and bridge equipment that enable a customized wireless solution for almost any installation.
Cisco Aironet Antennas and Accessories
Every wireless LAN deployment is different. When engineering an in-building solution, varying facility sizes, construction materials, and interior divisions raise transmission and multipath considerations. When implementing a building-to-building solution, distance, physical obstructions between facilities, and number of transmission points must be taken into account.
Cisco is committed to providing the best access points, client adapters, and bridges in the industry-and is also committed to providing a complete solution for any wireless LAN deployment. Cisco has the widest range of antennas, cable, and accessories available from any wireless manufacturer.
Cisco offers a complete range of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz antennas for access point and bridge equipment that enable a customized wireless solution for almost any installation.
With the Cisco FCC-approved directional and omnidirectional antennas, low-loss cable, mounting hardware, and other accessories, installers can customize a wireless solution that meets the requirements of even the most challenging applications.
Access Point Antennas
Cisco Aironet 2.4-GHz access point antennas are compatible with all Cisco RP-TNC-equipped access points. The antennas are available with different gain and range capabilities, beam widths, and form factors. Coupling the appropriate antenna and access point allows for efficient coverage in any facility, as well as better reliability at higher data rates (Table 1).
Cisco Aironet 5 GHz access point antennas have RP-TNC connectors and are compatible with Cisco Aironet 1200 Series and 1230AG Series access points when equipped with a RM22A radio module. Selection of the appropriate antenna should provide optimal coverage for the desired application in the 5 GHz frequency band (Table 2).
The Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points feature multiple-input and multiple-output (MIMO) technology. These access points have 6 connectors or 3 connectors for 2.4 GHz and 3 connectors for 5 GHz. Cisco has developed antennas specifically for use with the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points but most existing antennas can also be used (Table 4).
Table 1. Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz Access Point Antennas with RP-TNC Connectors
Feature
AIR-ANT5959
AIR-ANT3213
AIR-ANT2410Y-R
Description
Diversity omnidirectional ceiling mount
Pillar mount diversity omnidirectional
Yagi mast or wall mount
Application
Indoor unobtrusive antenna, best for ceiling mount; excellent throughput and coverage solution in high multipath cells and dense user population
Indoor, unobtrusive midrange antenna
Indoor/outdoor directional antenna for use with access points or bridges
Gain
Two separate 2-dBi omnidirectional elements; minimum gain of 2.0, maximum gain of 2.35
* All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client adapter under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
** The cable provided on noted antennas meets UL 2043 certification for plenum rating requirements set by local fire codes and supports installation in environmental air spaces such as areas above suspended ceilings.
Feature
AIR-ANT1728
AIR-ANT4941
AIR-ANT2422DG-R**
AIR-ANT2422DW-R
Description
Omnidirectional ceiling mount
2.2-dBi black dipole antenna
2.2 dBi gray non-articulating dipole antenna
2.2-dBi white dipole antenna
Application
Indoor midrange antenna, typically hung from crossbars of drop ceilings
* All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client adapter under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
** Best suited for use on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point but can also be used on other access points with RP-TNC connectors.
Feature
AIR-ANT2485P-R
AIR-ANT2460P-R
AIR-ANT2450S-R
AIR-ANT2465P-R
Description
Patch wall mount
Patch wall mount
Wall Mount sector
Diversity patch wall mount
Application
Indoor/outdoor, unobtrusive, long-range antenna (may also be used as a midrange bridge antenna)
Indoor/outdoor, unobtrusive, midrange antenna (may also be used as a midrange bridge antenna)
Indoor, outdoor, midrange, sector antenna (may be used as a midrange bridge antenna
Indoor/outdoor, unobtrusive midrange antenna
Gain
8.5 dBi
6 dBi
5 dBi
6.5 dBi with two radiating elements
Frequency
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
Approximate Indoor Range at 6 Mbps*
507 ft (155 m)
403 ft (123 m)
379 ft (116 m)
418 ft (127 m)
Approximate Indoor Range at 54 Mbps*
153 ft (47 m)
121 ft (37 m)
114 ft (35 m)
126 ft (38 m)
Beam Width
66°H, 56°V
75°H, 73°V
135°H, 54°V
75°H, 57°V
Cable Length
3 ft (0.91 m)
3 ft (0.91 m)
3 ft (0.91 m)**
3 ft (0.91 m)**
Dimensions
5.3 x 5.3 x .90 in. (13.5 x 13.5 x 2.28 cm)
4.1 x 3.9 x .75 in. (10.4 x 9.9 x 1.9 cm)
6 x 3 x 2 in
(15.2 x 7.6 x 5 cm)
5 x 6.7 x .90 in. (12.7 x 17 x 2.28 cm)
Weight
8.2 oz (0.23 kg)
6 oz (0.17 kg)
7 oz ( 0.2 kg)
11.6 oz (0.33 kg)
Operating Temperature
-30° to +70°C
-30° to +70°C
-30° to +70°C
-30° to +70°C
Table 2. Cisco Aironet 5 GHz Access Point Antennas with RP-TNC Connectors
* All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
** The cable provided on noted antennas meets UL 2043 certification for plenum rating requirements set by local fire codes and supports installation in environmental air spaces such as areas above suspended ceilings.
*** 5 GHz antennas are denoted by either a blue dot on the radome or blue marker on the cable near the connector.
**** Best suited for use on the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Point but can also be used on other access points with RP-TNC connectors.
Cisco Dual Band Antenna for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Access Points
Cisco offers a dual band antenna, or a radome which has both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz elements in one low profile package. The antenna has 4 cables, two for 2.4 GHz and 2 for 5 GHz, color coded to prevent any accidental connections. Easy to install and lightweight, this antenna is ideal for indoor wall or ceiling mount applications (Table 3).
Table 3. Cisco Dual Band Antenna for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Access Points
Feature
AIR-ANT2451V-R=
Description
Dual band: 2 dBi in 2.4 GHz and 3dBi in 5 GHz omnidirectional ceiling mount
8.5 in. x 6 in. x .93 in (21.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 2.4cm)
Weight
1 lb (4.5 kg)
Operating Temperature
0° to +55°C
*5 GHz antennas are denoted by either a blue dot on the radome or blue marker on the cable near the connector.
** All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client adapter under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Access Point Antennas with RP-TNC Connectors for Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points
Cisco offers antennas that can be used with the Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points, which feature 802.11n technology. The antennas and access points utilize an RP-TNC type connector. Two antennas are available for the 2.4 and 5 GHz band (Table 4).
Table 4. 2.4 GHz And 5 GHz Access Point Antennas with RP-TNC Connectors for Cisco Aironet 1250 Series Access Points
Feature
AIR-ANT2430V-R
AIR-ANT5140V-R
Description
Ceiling mount omnidirectional
Ceiling mount omnidirectional
Application
Indoor carpeted area type, unobtrusive omnidirectional antennas for Cisco Aironet 1250 Series MIMO Radios
Indoor carpeted area type unobtrusive omnidirectional antenna for Cisco Aironet 1250 Series MIMO Radios
* All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
Feature
AIR-ANT2451V-R=
AIR-ANT5145V-R
AIR-ANT5160V-R
AIR-ANT5170P-R
AIR-ANT5195P-R
Description
Duall band: 2 dBi in 2.4 GHz and 3dBi in 5 GHz omnidirectional ceiling mount
4.5-dBi diversity omnidirectional ceiling mount
6 dBi omnidirectional antenna
Diversity patch wall mount
Patch wall or articulating mast mount
Application
Indoor midrange antenna
Indoor midrange antenna
Indoor/outdoor midrange antenna
Indoor/outdoor directional wall mount antenna
Indoor/outdoor patch antenna provides different mounting options
8.5 in. x 6 in. x .93 in (21.5 cm x 15.2 cm x 2.4cm)
6.75 x 4.1 in. (17.1 x 10.4 cm)
12 in. length; 1 in. diameter (30.5 x 2.5 cm)
5.7 in. (14.5 cm) x 4.3 in. (10.9 cm) x 0.7 in. (1.8 cm)
5.1 in. (12.9 cm) x 5.1 in. (12.9 cm) x 1.0 in. (2.5 cm)
Weight
1 lb (4.5 kg)
11.5 oz (0.33 kg)
5.3 oz (0.15 kg)
8 oz (0.2 kg)
9 oz. (0.25 kg)
Operating Temperature
0° to +55°C
0° to +55°C
-30° to +70°C
-30° to +70°C
-30° to +70°C
* All range estimations are based on an external antenna associating with an integrated Intel Centrino client adapter under ideal conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
** The cable provided on noted antennas meets UL 2043 certification for plenum rating requirements set by local fire codes and supports installation in environmental air spaces such as areas above suspended ceilings.
*** 5 GHz antennas are denoted by either a blue dot on the radome or blue marker on the cable near the connector.
2.4 GHz Bridge Antennas
Cisco Aironet bridge antennas allow for extraordinary transmission distances between two or more buildings. Available in directional configurations for point-to-point transmission and omnidirectional configuration for point-to-multipoint implementations, Cisco has a bridge antenna for every application (Table 5).
Table 5. Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz Access Point and Bridge Antennas with RP-TNC Connectors for Cisco Aironet 1200 and 1300 Series products
* All range estimations are based on use of a BR 1310 access point and the same type of antenna at each end of the connection under ideal outdoor conditions. The distances referenced here are approximations and should be used for estimation purposes only.
Table 6 highlights the antennas for use with the Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridge featuring an N-type connector.
Table 6. Cisco Aironet 5.8 GHz Bridge Antennas with N-Type Connectors for Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridges
(with 22.5 dBi captive antenna on the remote site)
8 miles (13 km)
(with 22.5 dBi captive antenna on the remote site)
23 miles (37 km)
(with 28 dBi antennas on each end)
Approximate Range at 54 Mbps
2 miles (3 km)
(with 22.5 dBi captive antenna on the remote site)
2 miles (3 km)
(with 22.5 dBi captive antenna on the remote site)
12 miles (19 km)
(with 28 dBi antennas on each end)
Beam Width
360° H, 6° V
60° H, 60° V
4.75°H, 4.75°V
Supplied Jumper Cable Length
4.9 ft. (1.5 m)
4.9 ft. (1.5 m)
4.9 ft. (1.5 m)
Dimensions
Length: 20.25 in. (51.4 cm)
Diameter: .64 in. (1.62 cm)
Length: 2.5 in. (6.4 cm)
Width: 2.5 in. (6.4 cm)
Depth: 1.75 in. (4.5 cm)
Diameter: 29 in. (74 cm)
Depth: 14.5 in. (36.8 cm)
Weight
2.0 lb. (0.9 kg)
1.25 lb. (0.6 kg)
9.5 lb. (4.3 kg)
Operating Temperature
-20° to 60°C
-20° to 60°C
-30° to 60°C
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Antennas with N Type Connectors for the Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points
Cisco offers antennas for the Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points in various gains and antenna types. (Table 7).
Table 7. Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz and 4.9-5 GHz Access Point Antennas with N-Type Connectors for Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points*
Feature
AIR-ANT2450V-N
AIR-ANT2455V-N
AIR-ANT2480V-N
Description
5 dBi, direct mount omnidirectional antenna for 2.4 GHz
5.5 dBi, direct mount omnidirectional antenna for 2.4 GHz
8 dBi direct mount omnidirectional antenna for 2.4 GHz
Application
Omnidirectional antenna for outdoor mesh access points. Suitable for all access point deployments, specifically for cable strand mount applications.
Omnidirectional antenna suitable for use on Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points in all deployments. Not suitable for use on Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points in cable strand mount situations.
Extended range omnidirectional antenna for outdoor mesh access points. Suitable for pole or roof mounting deployments.
Gain
5 dBi
5.5 dBi
8 dBi
Frequency
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
2.4 GHz
Beam Width
30° V
25° V
10° V
Cable Length
None
None
None
Dimensions
11 in. x 1 in.
(27.94 x 2.54 cm)
12.5 in. x 1 in.
(31.75 x 2.54 cm)
19.5 in. x 7/8 in. diameter
(49.5 cm x 2.22 cm)
Weight
0.40 lbs. (0.18 kg)
0.31 lbs. (0.14 kg)
0.45 lbs. (0.20 kg)
Operating Temperature
-30° to +70 C
-30° to 70°C
-30° to +70° C
* Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Access Points are available in single-band (2.4 GHz) and dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) versions. Check your access point for proper antenna selection before placing an order
Feature
AIR-ANT5175V-N
AIR-ANT5180V-N
AIR-ANT5114P-N
AIR-ANT5117S-N
Description
7.5 dBi omnidirectional antenna for 5 GHz
8 dBi direct mount omnidirectional antenna for 5 GHz
14 dBi wall/mast mount articulating patch antenna for 5 GHz
17 dBi, 90 degree mast mount sector antenna for 5 GHz
Application
Omnidirectional antenna suitable for use on Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points in all deployments.
Omnidirectional antenna for Cisco Aironet 1520 series mesh access points. Suitable for all deployments, including cable strand mount applications.
Recommended for medium range point to point deployments
Recommended for point-to-multipoint deployments of medium to long range.
Gain
5 GHz bands = 7.5 dBi
4.9 GHz bands = 6 dBi
8 dBi
14 dBi
17 dBi
Frequency
4.9-5.8 GHz
4.9-5.85 GHz
4.9-5.85 GHz
4.9-5.85 GHz
Beam width
16°V
16° V
25° H, 29° E
90° H, 8° E
Cable Length
1 ft (0.30 m)
None
1 ft. (0.30 m)
None
Dimensions
11.65 in. x 1 in.
(29.41 x 2.54 cm)
11 in. x 1 in. (27.94 x 2.54 cm)
4 1/8 in. x 4 1/8 in. (10.48 cm x 10.48 cm)
24 1/2 in. x 2 ½ in. (62.23 cm x 6.35 cm)
Weight
0.38 lbs. (0.17 kg)
0.4 lbs. (0.18 kg)
0.70 lbs. (0.32 kg)
1.95 lbs. (0.88 kg)
Operating Temperature
-30° to 70°C
-30° to +70 C
-30° to +70° C
-30° to +70° C
Figure 1. Optional, Higher-Gain Antennas Extend the Range of Access Points
Low-Loss/Ultra-Low-Loss Cables
Low-loss cables extend the length between any Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radio and the antenna with RP-TNC connectors. With a loss of 6.7 dB per 100 feet (30 m) for the low-loss cable and 4.4 dB for the ultra-low-loss cable, this provides installation flexibility without a significant sacrifice in range (Table 8).
Table 8. Cisco Aironet Low-Loss Antenna Cable Features
Cisco Part Number
Type of Cable
Description
Loss at 2.4 GHz
Loss at 5.8 GHz
AIR-CAB005LL-N
Interconnect
5-ft low loss cable, one straight N connector, one 90-degree N connector
0.5 dB
0.8 dB
AIR-CAB005LL-R
Interconnect
5-ft low loss cable, one RP-TNC plug, one RP-TNC jack
0.5 dB
0.8 dB
AIR-CAB010LL-N
Interconnect
10-ft low loss cable, one straight N connector, one 90-degree N connector
0.9 dB
1.5 dB
AIR-CAB020LL-R
Interconnect
20-ft low loss cable, one RP-TNC plug, one RP-TNC jack
1.3 dB
2.5 dB
AIR-CAB050LL-R
Interconnect
50-ft low loss cable, one RP-TNC plug, one RP-TNC jack
3.4 dB
5.75 dB
AIR-CAB100ULL-R
Interconnect
100-ft ultra low loss cable, one RP-TNC plug, one RP-TNC jack
4.4 dB
7.25 dB
AIR-CAB150ULL-R
Interconnect
150-ft ultra low loss cable, one RP-TNC plug, one RP-TNC jack
6.6 dB
11 dB
AIR-ACC2537-060
Bulkhead Extender
5-ft (60 inches) RG-58 type cable with one RP-TNC plug and one RP-TNC jack
2 dB
3 dB
With Cisco Aironet bridge antennas, the right mounting hardware, and qualified installation, wireless links over great distances and obstacles are possible (Figure 2).
Figure 2. Crossing Great Distances with Cisco Aironet Bridge Antennas
Accessories
To complete an installation, Cisco provides accessories that offer increased capabilities, safety, and convenience (Figure 3; Table 9).
Figure 3. Cisco Aironet Antenna Accessories for use with RP-TNC Connectors
Table 9. Cisco Aironet Accessory Features
Feature
AIR-ACC2537-060
AIR-ACC245LA-R
AIR-ACC2662
Description
60 in. (152 cm) bulkhead extender
2.4 GHz and 5 GHz lightning arrestor
Mount to provide articulation of Yagi and AIR-ANT5195 antennas
Application
Flexible antenna cable that extends access point cabling, typically within an enclosure
Supports both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz applications; Helps prevent damage due to lightning-induced surges or static electricity; helps prevent damage due to lightning-induced surges or static electricity
Adds swiveling capability to mast-mounted Yagi antennas and AIR-ANT5195
Power Injector Cables for Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Wireless Bridges
Typical installations will place the outdoor unit on an external mast with the power injector unit placed indoors. These cables come with a pair of F-type connectors on each end. To allow flexibility in the distance between the units, a variety of cables are available (Table 10).
Figure 4. Cisco Aironet Power Injector Cables
Table 10. Cisco Aironet Power Injector Cable Features
Feature
AIR-CAB020DRG6-F=
AIR-CAB050DRG6-F=
AIR-CAB100DRG6-F
Cable Length
20 ft. (6m)
50 ft. (15m)
100 ft. (30m)
Accessories
To complete an installation, Cisco provides a variety of accessories that offer increased functionality, safety, and convenience (Figure 5; Table 11).
Figure 5. Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridge Accessories
Table 11. Cisco Aironet 1400 Series Bridge Accessory Features
Feature
AIR-ACCRWM1400
AIR-ACCBRGB=
AIR-ACCMFM1400=
Description
Roof/Wall mount kit
Grounding block
Multifunction mount
Application
Allows mounting to flat surfaces
Includes full elevation and azimuth adjustment
Helps prevent damage due to lightning-induced surges or static electricity
Allows mounting to poles with a diameter between 1.5 in. and 2.5 in.
Includes both elevation and polarization adjustment
Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Mounting Hardware
In addition to the antennas available from Cisco, the Cisco 1300 Series has different mounting options (Figure 6). These optional mounting kits are available for mounting to a roof, wall, or pole. The quick-hang mounting bracket allows a simple one-person installation.
Figure 6. Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Mounting Hardware
Mounting Kits for Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Point/Bridges
A roof-mount kit is available for use with Cisco Aironet 1300 Series outdoor access points/bridges (integrated antenna and connectorized versions). A wall-mount kit is available for use with Cisco Aironet 1300 Series outdoor access points/bridges with RP-TNC type connectors. The wall-mount kit is for indoor use only. These kits must be ordered separately (Table 12).
Table 12. Mounting Kits for Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Outdoor Access Points/Bridges
Product Number
Product Description
AIR-ACCWAMK1300=
Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Wall-Mount Kit for use with AIR-BR1310G-x-K9-R
Kit includes:
• Two 1-ft RG-59 power injector cables
• Wall-mount bracket
• Mounting hardware
AIR-ACCRMK1300=
Cisco Aironet 1300 Series Roof-Mount Kit for use with AIR-BR1310G-x-K9
Kit includes:
• Roof-mount mast (pole and mounting base)
• Multifunction mount (allows mounting to roof-mount mast, or directly to a wall)
• Mounting hardware
• 20-ft dual RG-6 cable assembly with F-Type connectors
• 50-ft dual RG-6 cable assembly with F-Type connectors
• Coaxial sealant
• One Cisco Aironet grounding block
• Grounding lug
• Anticorrosion gel
• U-bolts
• Coaxial sealant
• Optional 100-ft dual RG-6 cable available separately
Cisco Aironet 1500 Series Accessories
In addition to the antennas offered by Cisco for the 1500 Series, there are various accessories that are available (Table 13).