Cisco Aironet 2.4 GHz access points are available with either captive dipole
antennas or reverse Threaded Naval Connector (TNC) connectors, which enable a
customer to attach different types of antennas. Users can choose the right
antenna for their application from a broad selection of Cisco products, which
are pictured in Figure
.
Cisco
Aironet AP 2.4 GHz antennas are compatible with all Cisco RP-TNC equipped APs.
The antennas are available with different gain and range capabilities, beam
widths, and form factors. Coupling the right antenna with the right AP allows
for efficient coverage in any facility, as well as better reliability at higher
data rates. A detailed coverage of antennas will be provided later in the
course.
Cisco Aironet bridge 2.4 GHz antennas provide transmission
between two or more buildings. Cisco has a bridge antenna for every
application. These antennas are available in directional configurations for
point-to-point transmission and omnidirectional configuration for
point-to-multi-point implementations. For distances of up to 1.6 km (1 mile),
Cisco offers an omnidirectional mast mount. For intermediate distances, Cisco
offers a Yagi mast mount and an omnidirectional mast mount. The solid dish
provides connections of up to 40 km (25 miles). Cisco Aironet bridge antennas
are shown in Figure
.
Antennas operate at Layer 1 of the OSI Model, as shown in Figure
. Remember that
the physical layer defines the electrical, mechanical, procedural, and
functional specifications for activating, maintaining, and deactivating the
physical link between end systems. Characteristics such as voltage levels,
timing of voltage changes, physical data rates, maximum transmission distances,
physical connectors, and other, similar, attributes are defined by physical
layer specifications.