Cisco Aironet 12 dBi High Gain Omnidirectional Antenna (AIR-ANT24120)

This document outlines the specifications and description of the 12-dBi high gain omnidirectional antenna. This antenna operates in the 2400-2500 MHz band and is designed for use outdoors. The antenna is compatible with Cisco Aironet radio products utilizing a reverse-polarity threaded naval connector (RP-TNC) connector.

Technical Specifications


Antenna type	Vertical colinear array, Omnidirectional
Operating frequency range	2400-2500 MHz
Nominal input impedance	50 ohms
Nominal VSWR	1.5:1
Peak gain	12 dBi
Polarization	Linear, vertical
Dimensions	42 x 1.5 in (106 x 3.8 cm)
Weight	3 lb (1.36 kg)
Connector type	RP-TNC plug
Coax type	RG-213
Environment	Outdoor
Operating temperature range	-40oF to 158oF (-40oC to 70oC)
Wind rating	125 mph (201 kmh)

System Requirements

This antenna is designed for use with Cisco Aironet access points and bridges but can be used with any 2.4-GHz Cisco Aironet radio device that uses a reverse-polarity threaded naval connector (RP-TNC).

Installation Notes

Choosing a Mounting Location

The antenna is designed to create an omni-directional broadcast pattern. To achieve this pattern, the antenna should be mounted clear of any obstructions to the sides of the radiating element. If the mounting location is on the side of a building or tower, the antenna pattern will be blocked on the building or tower side.

Tools and Equipment Required

The following sections contain procedures for installing the antenna. Choose the procedure that applies to your situation. Use Figure 1 as a guide.

Mounting the Antenna

The antenna is provided with a mounting kit. This kit allows you to mount the antenna to masts up to three inches in diameter. The antenna is vertically polarized. Since the antenna has vertical gain, it is very important to mount the antenna in a vertical (not leaning) position for optimal performance.

E-Plane Pattern	H-Plane Pattern

Step 2

Secure the sandcast bracket to the mast using two 5/16-18 U-bolts, split lock washers, and hex nuts.

Step 3

Use a 1/2 in. (13 mm) wrench to tighten each hex nut to full compression of the split lock washers.

Step 4

Slide the antenna in the sandcast bracket and align it so that the 1/4-20 hex bolts fit into the grooves on the antenna base.

Step 5

Use a 7/16 in. (11 mm) wrench to tighten the hex bolts until they secure the antenna to the sandcast bracket. Do not overtighten.

Step 6

Use a 7/16 in. (11 mm) wrench to tighten the 1/4-20 jam nuts. Do not overtighten.

Step 7

Connect the antenna's pigtail coaxial cable to the transmission line.

Note It is recommended that you install lightning-protection devices in your system, such as the Cisco Aironet Lightning Arrestor, part number AIR-ACC3354.


1	Antenna grooves	4	Jam nuts
2	5/16 x 18 U-bolt	5	Sandcast bracket
3	1/4-20 hex bolts	6	5/16-18 hex nut

Suggested Cable

Cisco recommends a high-quality, low-loss 50-ohm cable for use with the antenna, such as those listed in
Table 1.

Table 1 Specifications for Cisco Aironet Low-Loss Antenna Cable
Feature	AIR-CAB020LL-R	AIR-CAB050LL-R	AIR-CAB100ULL-R	AOR-CAB150ULL-R
Cable length	20 ft (6 m)	50 ft (15 m)	100 ft (30 m)	150 ft (46 m)
Transmission loss	1.3 dB	3.4 dB	4.4 dB	6.6 dB

Note The higher the frequency, the higher the loss through the cable. Also, the longer the run, the higher the loss.

The antenna terminates with a special connector (reverse-TNC plug) after a short, 1-ft. cable. The mating connector to the antenna is an appropriate reverse-TNC jack connector. The connector on the opposite end varies according to the type of equipment used.

After the cable is attached to the antenna, make sure that the connections are sealed (if using outdoors) to prevent moisture and other weathering elements from affecting performance.

Note

The holes on the bottom of the antenna at the base (where the cable exits the antenna) should not be covered. These holes allow the antenna to vent any internal condensation.

Cisco recommends using a coax seal for outdoor connections. Silicon sealant or electrical tape are not recommended for sealing outdoor connections.

Safety Precautions

Warning Installation of this antenna near power lines is dangerous. For your safety, follow the installation directions.

Each year hundreds of people are killed or injured when attempting to install an antenna. In many of these cases, the victim was aware of the danger of electrocution, but did not take adequate steps to avoid the hazard.

For your safety, and to help you achieve a good installation, please read and follow these safety precautions. They may save your life!

If you are installing an antenna for the first time, for your own safety as well as others, seek professional assistance. Your Cisco sales representative can explain which mounting method to use for the size and type antenna you are about to install.

Select your installation site with safety, as well as performance in mind. Remember: electric power lines and phone lines look alike. For your safety, assume that any overhead line can kill you.

Call your electric power company. Tell them your plans and ask them to come look at your proposed installation. This is a small inconvenience considering your life is at stake.

Plan your installation carefully and completely before you begin. Successful raising of a mast or tower is largely a matter of coordination. Each person should be assigned to a specific task, and should know what to do and when to do it. One person should be in charge of the operation to issue instructions and watch for signs of trouble.

Do dress properly—shoes with rubber soles and heels, rubber gloves, long sleeved shirt or jacket.

If the assembly starts to drop, get away from it and let it fall. Remember, the antenna, mast, cable, and metal guy wires are all excellent conductors of electrical current. Even the slightest touch of any of these parts to a power line complete an electrical path through the antenna and the installer: you!

If any part of the antenna system should come in contact with a power line, don't touch it or try to remove it yourself. Call your local power company. They will remove it safely.

If an accident should occur with the power lines call for qualified emergency help immediately.

Obtaining Technical Assistance

Cisco provides Cisco.com as a starting point for all technical assistance. Customers and partners can obtain online documentation, troubleshooting tips, and sample configurations from online tools by using the Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) Web Site. Cisco.com registered users have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco.com

Cisco.com is the foundation of a suite of interactive, networked services that provides immediate, open access to Cisco information, networking solutions, services, programs, and resources at any time, from anywhere in the world.

Cisco.com is a highly integrated Internet application and a powerful, easy-to-use tool that provides a broad range of features and services to help you with these tasks:

If you want to obtain customized information and service, you can self-register on Cisco.com. To access Cisco.com, go to this URL:

Technical Assistance Center

The Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) is available to all customers who need technical assistance with a Cisco product, technology, or solution. Two levels of support are available: the Cisco TAC Web Site and the Cisco TAC Escalation Center.

•

Priority level 4 (P4)—You need information or assistance concerning Cisco product capabilities, product installation, or basic product configuration.

•

Priority level 3 (P3)—Your network performance is degraded. Network functionality is noticeably impaired, but most business operations continue.

•

Priority level 2 (P2)—Your production network is severely degraded, affecting significant aspects of business operations. No workaround is available.

•

Priority level 1 (P1)—Your production network is down, and a critical impact to business operations will occur if service is not restored quickly. No workaround is available.

The Cisco TAC resource that you choose is based on the priority of the problem and the conditions of service contracts, when applicable.

Cisco TAC Web Site

You can use the Cisco TAC Web Site to resolve P3 and P4 issues yourself, saving both cost and time. The site provides around-the-clock access to online tools, knowledge bases, and software. To access the Cisco TAC Web Site, go to this URL:

All customers, partners, and resellers who have a valid Cisco service contract have complete access to the technical support resources on the Cisco TAC Web Site. The Cisco TAC Web Site requires a Cisco.com login ID and password. If you have a valid service contract but do not have a login ID or password, go to this URL to register:

If you are a Cisco.com registered user, and you cannot resolve your technical issues by using the Cisco TAC Web Site, you can open a case online by using the TAC Case Open tool at this URL:

If you have Internet access, we recommend that you open P3 and P4 cases through the Cisco TAC Web Site.

Cisco TAC Escalation Center

The Cisco TAC Escalation Center addresses priority level 1 or priority level 2 issues. These classifications are assigned when severe network degradation significantly impacts business operations. When you contact the TAC Escalation Center with a P1 or P2 problem, a Cisco TAC engineer automatically opens a case.

To obtain a directory of toll-free Cisco TAC telephone numbers for your country, go to this URL:

Before calling, please check with your network operations center to determine the level of Cisco support services to which your company is entitled: for example, SMARTnet, SMARTnet Onsite, or Network Supported Accounts (NSA). When you call the center, please have available your service agreement number and your product serial number.

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