Effects of leaving AP antenna folded

[Carl Johnson]

We are deploying Aironet1602e AP's with the Aironet dual-band dipole antennas (air-ant-2524dw-r)  into a warehouse location with very low ceiling clearance.  To avoid head bumps and broken antennas, we are considering leaving the antennas in the folded position.  How much detrimental effect will this have on the signal strength and pattern?  

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

You should just use the 1602i. Folding the antennas will affect the pattern. You either use the 1602i or put the antenna in a vertical position.

Sent from Cisco Technical Support iPhone App

[Edgar Khachatrian]

How about if you need to point the signal to a specific direction? What do you do in that case?

[Abhishek Abhishek]

Hello Carl,

As per your query i can suggest you the following solution-

when you are leaving the antennas in the folded position will drastically affect the signal and pattern of radiations. I can suggest you to use 1602i antenna for the same purpose.

Hope this will help.

[Carl Johnson]

Thanks everyone for the responses.  We will be deploying with the antennas extended.  This is in a wire grated warehouse full of books, so keeping signal strength at its max is critical.  Thanks again for the support.