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Cisco Aironet 1520, 1130, 1240 Series Wireless Mesh Access Points, Design and Deployment Guide, Release 6.0
OL-20213-01
Site Preparation and Planning
Note
When power is not readily available, use an unrestricted power supply (UPS) to temporarily power the
mesh link.
Pre-Survey Checklist
Before attempting a site survey, determine the following:
•
How long is your wireless link?
•
Do you have a clear line of sight?
•
What is the minimum acceptable data rate within which the link runs?
•
Is this a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint link?
•
Do you have the correct antenna?
•
Can the access point installation area support the weight of the access point?
•
Do you have access to both of the mesh site locations?
•
Do you have the proper permits, if required?
•
Do you have a partner? Never attempt to survey or work alone on a roof or tower.
•
Have you configured the 1522 or 1524 before you go onsite? It is always easier to resolve
configuration or device problems first.
•
Do you have the proper tools and equipment to complete your task?
Note
Cellular phones or handheld two-way radios can be helpful for performing surveys.
Outdoor Site Survey
Deploying WLAN systems outdoors requires a different skill set to indoor wireless deployments.
Considerations such as weather extremes, lightning, physical security, and local regulations need to be
taken into account.
When determining the suitability of a successful mesh link, define how far the mesh link is expected to
transmit and at what radio data rate. Remember that the data rate is not directly included in the wireless
routing calculation, and that it is generally recommended that the same data rate is used throughout the
same mesh (the recommended rate is 24 Mb/s).
Design recommendations for mesh links are as follows:
•
MAP deployment cannot exceed 35 feet in height above the street
•
MAPs are deployed with antennas pointed down toward the ground
•
Typical 5 GHz RAP-to-MAP distances are 1000 to 4000 feet.
•
RAP locations are typically towers or tall buildings
•
Typical 5 GHz MAP-to-MAP distances are 500 to 1000 feet
•
MAP locations are typically short building tops or streetlights
•
Typical 2.4 GHz MAP-to-client distances are 300 to 500 feet
•
Client locations are typically laptops, CPEs, or professionally house-mounted antennas