3 x Dual-band antennas vs 6 uni-band antennas

[EvaldasOu]

Hello guys,

Could you give me an explanation, what is the main reason? Why it is better to use 3 x 2.4/5GHz dual-band antennas versus 6 uni-band antennas ( I mean 3x 2.4 GHz and 3 x 5GHz) ?

Or maybe I'm wrong?

[Leo Laohoo]

Why it is better to use 3 x 2.4/5GHz dual-band antennas versus 6 uni-band antennas ( I mean 3x 2.4 GHz and 3 x 5GHz) ?

Not enough information.  What is the gain of the antennas.

Outright, I'd use a dual-band antenna than single band antennas because of the installation cost and aesthetics.  (Provided, of course, the gains are the same.)

[EvaldasOu]

I also saw a presentation from Cisco TAC. Anyway it looks like there is no big difference? Just cost/aesthetics? Nothing to add about performance?

[George Stefanick]

When using dual band antennas you need to make sure the antenna selected meet the coverage needs. Antennas have come a long way and you will see more dual band antennas. I will say that I am more a fan of uni band antennas.

Sent from Cisco Technical Support iPhone App

[David Ritter]

Geroge,

I would have thought the issue of EIGHT antennas on the 3600e would have been a bit overwhelming...  SO 4 dual band items only need 4 connectors..

Since the 3600 is a 4x4 and the 3500 (and down) are 3x3..  one can handle the 6 antennas  by the time one needs to make space for the extra stream, its a might crowded.

so 6 uni-band antennas on a 3x3 and 4 dual-band on a 4x4.

[George Stefanick]

David,

I agree with your statement. Having a "spider" is a bit overwhelming for sure. The orginal question didnt spell out specific models rather a general question. Its wihtout question as we approch closer to 802.11ac we will see dual band antennas.

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"Satisfaction does not come from knowing the solution, it comes from knowing why." - Rosalind Franklin
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‎"I'm in a serious relationship with my Wi-Fi. You could say we have a connection."

[Leo Laohoo]

Ohhhh ... You're talking about the G2 WAPs.

Yes.  Dual band antennas is a no-brainer because you don't want to make your WAP look like a porcupine.

Choosing between individual antennas and a multi-band antenna will depend entirely on how you want to use the WAP.  For low-gain antenna, you can use rubber ducks/duckies/ducklings but with slightly higher gain antennas, I'd prefer to use a patch antenna.

The diversity of the 802.11ac patch antennas will depend on the growth (in sales) of the WAPs themselves.  Most of the antennas come from manufacturers like Terrawave so if you need a patch antenna and Cisco doesn't have them, check out Terrawave and you'll probably find some there.

[George Stefanick]

Leo -- what is a wap ?

__________________________________________________________________________________________
"Satisfaction does not come from knowing the solution, it comes from knowing why." - Rosalind Franklin
__________________________________________________________________________________________
‎"I'm in a serious relationship with my Wi-Fi. You could say we have a connection."

[Leo Laohoo]

Leo -- what is a wap ?

LOL