Is 4x4:3 MIMO in 3700AP better than 3x3:3 in 2700 for Wall Penetration

[mo shea]

Hi...

I wanted to know whether it really matters, the 3700AP vs the new 2700AP for environments like ours where the APs encounter concrete walls and the signal strength drops.

Now the only difference I saw is that 3700 has 4×4:3 MIMO, whereas the 2700 has 3×3:3 MIMO. Would the 3700 AP be a better choice for such environment or MIMO has nothing to do with signal strength via barriers, only beamforming matters?

All help is appreciated

[Leo Laohoo · Accepted solution]

MIMO and "obstacle penetration" have no relevance whatsoever.  

Because the "hardware" or radio are almost similar, you'll see very little difference.  

[George Stefanick]

We are putting together a 1 million dollar purchase of Cisco 3700 access points. We looked at great lengths both the 2700 and 3700. The 4x4:3 and 3x3:3 really isn't that significant. Most clients are 2x2:2 and only a few are 3x3:3. Most mobiles are 1x1:1. 

We chose the 3700 because we want the module availability. 

Hope this helps ..

[Rasika Nayanajith]

We chose the 3700 because we want the module availability.

You mean 802.11ac wave2 module :) or WIPS ?

I would like to see which access layer switch model you choose for these APs at your access layer. Wait for this to come & then choose your access layer product accordingly. 

Rasika

[George Stefanick · Accepted solution]

Hey Ras,

We get one shot at this and will be deployed the next 7 years .. The flexibility is beneficial and the discounts we are getting because of volume make sense. WIPS and H**o will be nice options .. 

[Scott Fella]

Leo and George are on point here. Just to add. Cisco developed their access points with the thought of being able to replace them in the future and still providing the same coverage. That being said, you will not gain coverage from a 1700, 2700, or 3700. The EIRP will determine your overall power and thus your coverage. 

You our need to supply 802.1at/PoE+ to also achieve 4x4:3 on the 3700 or else it will default to 3x3:3, so keep that in mind.  Modularity is the key with the 3600's and 3700's to future proof your wireless if your plan is to utilize any or the modules that will be provided. 

Scott