Macro and micro cells on 2800 and 3800

[aleopoldie]

Hello,

I read many docs about the Macro and micro cells features on AP's 2800/3800, I understood the difference between both, but I am wondering how to implement them ?

[Scott Fella · Accepted solution]

You must enable the FRA 5GHz on the supported AP to have a micro cell. The macro cell is on the default 5GHz radio and you only get a micro cell if the FRA is configured for 5GHz also on the same AP.

https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/wireless/controller/technotes/8-3/b_cisco_aironet_series_2800_3800_access_point_deployment_guide/b_cisco_aironet_series_2800_3800_access_point_deployment_guide_chapter_01001.pdf

[aleopoldie]

Hello Scott,

Thank you for these informations !

If I understand well (please correct me if I'm wrong), if we turn FRA to have a second 5 GHz radio, we will have 2 cells for the AP, 1 macro and 1 micro, and what about the 2.4 GHz ? It will not be used anymore ? meaning we have to ensure clients don't support 2.4 GHz only ?

[Evan Wheatley]

Correct, if FRA is used on the AP and it has changed both radios to 5GHz, it will only be able to serve 5GHz clients. As you've alluded there will be a marco and micro cell. 

Fred Niehaus has presented about this several times, check this video out from when he reviewed the technology at Tech Field Day earlier this year.. https://vimeo.com/253962410

[Evan Wheatley]

Correct, if FRA is used on the AP and it has changed both radios to 5GHz, it will only be able to serve 5GHz clients. As you've alluded there will be a marco and micro cell.

Fred Niehaus has presented about this several times, check this video out from when he reviewed the technology at Tech Field Day earlier this year.. https://vimeo.com/253962410

[aleopoldie]

Great, thank you for your answer !

[Scott Fella]

No problem. Glad to help.