AP 1700 vs 2700

[Vinny]

Hi !

I want to learn Cisco Wireless technologies and I'm going to buy some gear for my home. For the WLC, I'll buy a 2504. Now I'm hesitating between a 1700 or 2700 AP.

From what I see, the big differences between them are the Max data rate (867mbps vs 1.3 gbs) and the CleanAir version.

My laptop is 802.11ac ready but will I really get those 1.3 gbs connections speed ? Or you have to be like 1 meter away from AP to get full speed ? 

I want to use the full potential of my 802.11ac but if the 1700 is enough because I'll never get those maximum speeds. All my other clients are 802.11n (all using 5ghz channel except one on 2.4ghz).

And what about CleanAIr. I now that cleanair express was hardware only....until WLC release 7.6. So, is CleanAir express now like normal CleanAir ?

Now that we have the cleanair express stats in WLC, I was wondering if you get the same features or it's less complete.

Thank you !

[Rasika Nayanajith · Accepted solution]

My laptop is 802.11ac ready but will I really get those 1.3 gbs connections speed ? Or you have to be like 1 meter away from AP to get full speed ? 

This is Data Rate & not the actual througput (usually 40-60% depend on how good is your RF environment). Depend  on the RSSI & SNR client get, you will get different MCS rates.

Refer this to see the MCS rates & RSSI/SNR mapping to get those 802.11ac data rates

http://www.revolutionwifi.net/2014/09/wi-fi-snr-to-mcs-data-rate-mapping.html

This gives some information about CleanAir & CleanAirExpress feature of these platforms

http://www.cisco.com/c/dam/en/us/solutions/collateral/enterprise-networks/cleanair-technology/aag_c22-594304.pdf

I would suggest to get a 2700 as it comes with additional Ethernet port where you can use it for wired connection (POE) that can be useful.

HTH

Rasika

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[Abhishek Abhishek]

Please refer to the link-

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/buyers-guide.html#~access

[Vinny]

thanks to both of you !

I'll go with the 2700.

[Rasika Nayanajith]

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