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Cisco Aironet Series 2700/3700 Access Points Deployment Guide
Cisco Aironet Series 3700 Access Point
Mounting an AP Directly Into the Tile Using Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3
Many hospitals and other carpeted enterprise environments prefer a more streamlined look and wish to
install the AP directly into the tile. This can be done using the optional Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-3
(
Figure 17
).
When using this bracket, the “beauty ring” is used as the template to cut the tile, which can be cut using
a carpet knife or an electric tool such as a rotary cutting tool, e.g., Dremel™ or Rotozip™. Cisco does
not offer custom cut tiles because there are simply too many different styles and the tiles are easy to cut.
The AP is fully supported above the tile with a metal rail that extends the length of the tile. This supports
the AP should the tile become wet or otherwise fail. A mechanical set screw pulls the AP tight to the
ceiling and locks it into the bracket. Additionally, physical security of the AP can be maintained by the
use of a Kensington style lock, but once installed it is difficult to remove the AP without removing the
tile because the AP will not slide out from the front side of the tile.
Figure 17
Optional AIR-AP-BRACKET-3 Used to Install the AP Directly Into the Tile
Note
This bracket will fit the 1040, 1140, 1260, 1600, 2600, 3500, 3600, and 3700 Series APs.
Wall Mounting the AP
When wall mounting is desired, the installer should understand that walls can be a physical obstacle to
the wireless signal; therefore, maintaining 360 degree coverage may be compromised by the wall. If the
wall is an outside wall and/or the goal is to send the signal in a 180-degree pattern instead, a directional
antenna often referred to as a “patch” antenna may be a better choice assuming that the AP 3600e is used.
Avoid wall-mounting APs with internal antennas, such as the AP 3600i, unless you use the optional
Oberon right-angle mount (
Figure 18
). The internal antenna model was designed to mount to a ceiling
to provide 360-degree coverage. If wall-mounted in a non-ceiling orientation, the signal may penetrate
the floor above and below causing unintended coverage that could result in additional and needless
roaming access when a mobility client, e.g., a user with Wi-Fi phone, walks by on an adjacent floor.
Instead, use the AP 3600e (with dipoles or patch antennas) or use an optional wall mount that puts the
AP 3600i or AP 3500e into a ceiling type orientation when mounted to a wall.
