DO I NEED ANTENNA(S)

[jackphipps]

I just purchased a Cisco 1242AG to use in the conference room. Do I need to place antennas on this unit?

Thanks from the old man

[scottmac]

Yes, you need antennas.

The 12xx series APs can handle many roles, so Cisco unbundled the antennas.

The connector is an "RP-TNC" ... you can find Cisco antennas, or third party antennas, on the Internet, or from the vendor where you got your APs.

Good Luck

Scott

[robert.wright]

Also the two antenna jacks are not for increasing coverage area. These are for diversity. Diversity is a way to get around an issue called multi-path.

Multi-path is a phenomenon which results in the signal reaching the receiver ( station or the AP ) via multiple different paths. =)

In easier to understand terms... If your antennas exceed 20" apart from one another your AP is going to freak out. =)

[Rob Huffman]

Hey Jack,

Just thought I would add a note to Scott and Robert's great info (two of my favourites!). Here are three antenna choices that might work for you in this environment (with the 1242). They are listed in in the attached guide as well. I am partial to the 5959 for a Conference room due to "look" and the ease of installation.

AIR-ANT4941

Omnidirectional

Single black dipole antenna with an RP-TNC connector. The antenna provides indoor omnidirectional coverage and is designed for use in the 2400-2500 MHz frequency band. It has a 90-foot articulation radius. It can be used with all radios that utilize an RP-TNC antenna connector.

AIR-ANT5959

Diversity Omnidirectional

Ceiling-mount diversity indoor antenna with RP-TNC connectors-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications for frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omnidirectional and has a nominal gain of 2.2 dBi. Its low profile allows it to remain unnoticed in the ceiling. It comes with a clip that permits it to be mounted to a drop-ceiling cross member.

AIR-ANT1728

Omnidirectional

Ceiling-mount indoor antenna with RP-TNC connector-This antenna was designed for WLAN applications with frequencies of 2400-2500 MHz. The antenna is omni directional and has a nominal gain of 5.2 dBi. It comes with a clip that allows it to be mounted to a drop-ceiling cross member.

From this excellent Antenna Reference Guide;

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps430/products_data_sheet09186a008008883b.html

Hope this helps!

Rob (another old guy!)