Cisco 4G-ANTM-OM-CM, Manual, Page: 24 / 535

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Cisco Industrial Routers and Industrial Wireless Access Points Antenna Guide
If the antenna is designed to create an omnidirectional broadcast pattern, the antenna should be mounted clear of any
obstructions to the sides of the radiating element.
Antenna installation and replacement should only be performed at one of the following, certified location types:

Cisco DF facility

Customer premises field depot
Before installing your antenna, determine the optimum location for safety and performance. Follow these steps to determine a
safe distance from wires, power lines, and trees:
1. Measure the height of your antenna.
2. Add this length to the length of your tower or mast, then double this total for the minimum safe clearance distance from
wires, power lines, and trees.
CAUTION: If you are unable to maintain this safe distance, stop and get professional technical assistance for a mounting
alternative.
Antenna Connections
Before you install or replace antennas, make sure the router is:

Powered off

Disconnected from all power sources

Removed from a pole-top installation
NOTE: Caps on the RF-connectors are installed to protect them from the environment. They must only be removed to install a
chassis-mounted antenna or external RF cable.
Optimum Performance
The higher your antenna is above the ground, the better it performs, generally. If your antenna is connected to the router with
external RF cables, it is good practice to install your antenna about 5 to 10 foot (1.5 to 3 meters) above the roof line and away
from all power lines and obstructions. If possible, find a mounting place directly above your wireless device so that the lead-in
cable can be as direct as possible.
Vehicle mounted antennas must be mounted on a flat surface on the roof away from any obstructions.
Antennas transmit and receive radio signals which are susceptible to RF obstructions and common sources of interference that
can reduce throughput and range of the device to which they are connected. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible
performance:

Install the antenna vertically and mount it with the cables pointing towards the ground.

Keep the antenna away from metal obstructions such as heating and air-conditioning ducts, large ceiling trusses, building
superstructures, and major power cabling runs. If necessary, use a rigid conduit to lower the antenna away from these
obstructions.

The density of the materials used in surrounding buildings’ construction impacts antenna signal strength. Consider the
following
— Signals penetrate paper and vinyl walls with little change to signal strength.
— Signals penetrate only one or two solid and pre-cast concrete walls without degrading signal strength.