Cisco AP1562E: How to use access point 1562E in a mesh deployment to determine the cleanest channel to use.

[cgutierrezc1]

Hi,

I would like to know how to use the 1562E access point to determine the cleanest channel to use. The AP1562E does not support the "Spectrum Expert" mode, so which mode should I use to verify the air quality? These AP1562E support the clean-air functionality but we need a guide to know how to use that functionality and be able to determine the cleanest channel for our mesh AP.

WLC Type: 5520 version 8.4 Mesh
AP: 1562E
antenna types:
-RAP use AIR-ANT2568VG-N=
-MAP use AIR-ANT2588P3M-N=

Thanks.

[Scott Fella]

Why not use a spectrum analyzer out in the area where you will be placing the RAP and MAP’s? This way you can see all the channels that might be out there and make a better decision. You will only be using uni-1 or uni-3 since they are no-dfs. Also the backhaul channel needs to be hard set and typically channel 165 can be used there. The 2.4ghz for client access will use RRM so no need to do anything there, however using a spectrum analyzer will at least show you what the channel utilization is.

[cgutierrezc1]

Thanks Scott.

Thanks Scott.

Your opinion has always been considered very valuable and accurate.

The formal consultation is, independent of the use of another technological device (spectrum analyzer) apart from the solution, how to carry out these validations only with the elements provided by Cisco. I refer to the use of the benefits provided by the Wireless Controller in conjunction with the described equipment: WLC5520, AP1562E, mesh, CleanAir, etc., etc.

[Scott Fella]

You must remember that the backhaul is a hard set channel. So the only thing you can do is look at the channel utilization and make changes to get the best data rate and throughput. The RF dashboard can give you a simple view of the utilization for both bands. RRM is disabled on the backhaul and that’s really what is important. The features you mention is for client access indoor and outdoor. Start with channel 165 for the backhaul and Verify that the negotiated data rates are fine. This depends on how far your RAP/MAP are and line of site. Don’t worry so much about CleanAir as that will not work for your backhaul only your client access. Position your AP optimally to get line of site and high data rate.