Cisco AIRAP1572

[bogdan.bugher]

I have two Cisco AIRAP1572 APs that do not want to go over a distance of more than 700-800 meters.
One plays the role of root bridge and the other non-root bridge. I use only one antenna out of 4 of the AIR-ANT5114P-N type, would it be advisable to use all 4 antennas? I need other antennas, are these too weak?
I increased the antenna gain, I set the local and client power to maximum, honestly I have no idea.

On a shorter distance, for example 200 meters, it works.

Attached is my config.

[Rich R]

Hi Bogdan

I'm not an expert on autonomous AP config for bridging so can't really help with that.
If you're not sure about the antenna you should get a wireless installer to do a site survey for you to advise on correct antenna.

Make you've been through all the guides:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/wireless/aironet-1570-series/products-installation-guides-list.html

> "I increased the antenna gain"
Note the antenna gain is not a setting as such - it's you telling the IOS what the actual gain of the installed antenna is, so that the AP can calculate the correct max EIRP for the country regulations.  Refer to https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/antenna/installation/guide/ant5114P.html
The actual gain of the antenna is 14dBi (5GHz) but you may be required to use an attenuator to reduce that according to country.

As to whether that is the correct antenna: if you want to use a point to point connection you would normally use a directional antenna - for example https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/antenna/installation/guide/ant5114p2m-n.html which is one of the 1572 data sheet specified antennas:
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-1570-series/datasheet-c78-732348.html#ProductSpecifications

Antennas

1572EAC/1572EC/1572IC ●  GPS Antenna: AIR-ANT-GPS-1 1572EAC/1572EC (external antennas) ●  Dual-Band ◦  AIR-ANT2568VG-N            6 dBi (2.4 GHz),               8 dBi (5 GHz)           Omni ◦  AIR-ANT2547VG-N            4 dBi (2.4 GHz),               7 dBi (5 GHz)           Omni ◦  AIR-ANT2547V-N              4 dBi (2.4 GHz),               7 dBi (5 GHz)           Omni ◦  AIR-ANT2588P3M-N=       8 dBi (2.4 GHz),               8 dBi (5 GHz)                   Directional ◦  AIR-ANT2513P4M-N=       13 dBi (2.4 GHz),             13 dBi (5 GHz)                   Directional ●  Single Band ◦  AIR-ANT2420V-N=            2 dBi (2.4 GHz),                                               Omni, right-angle ◦  AIR-ANT2450V-N=            5 dBi (2.4GHz),                                                Omni ◦  AIR-ANT2480V-N=            8 dBi (2.4 GHz),                                               Omni ◦  AIR-ANT2413P2M-N=       13 dBi (2.4 GHz),                   Directional, dual polarized 5 GHz ●  AIR-ANT5140V-N=               4 dBi (5 GHz),                                                  Omni, right-angle ●  AIR-ANT5180V-N=               8 dBi (5GHz),                                                   Omni ●  AIR-ANT5114P2M-N=          14 dBi (5GHz),                       Directional, dual polarized

For an overview of antenna options see https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/wireless/aironet-antennas-accessories/product_data_sheet09186a008008883b.html