Wireless Design / External antennas

[Michael Kiessling]

Hi all,

it's some time ago when I designed a larger wireless infrastructure in an industrial/warehouse environment. Back then it was standard to use APs with external antennas to meet alle the challenges (high ceilings eg 7-15m, very long floors with high level racks, etc...). When I had a look at the current AP models (Catalysts + Meraki) it looks like that APs with external antenna options are very rare now... Is there any new technology or design change I missed? Do you really install APs with internal antennas at 10m high ceilings?

Can someone enlighten me, please?

[marce1000]

    - 'Despite your subject' ;    consider a wireless site survey always mandatory 

 M.

[Leo Laohoo]

9124AXE and IW9167E are external-rated APs without an antenna (requires external antennas).  The 9167EH is rated for "Hazard" conditions.

9124AXE is powered by a Broadcom chip (BCM) and 9167 is Qualcomm (QCA).

In the next few weeks, WNBU will be announcing a new batch of lineups, the Catalyst 917X (17.15.1), to confuse the choices.

[Haydn Andrews · Accepted solution]

In the WIFI 6 range there are the 9120AXE models that can be used for external antennas

the WIFI 6E range there is not alot of options due to the regulatory requirement on external antennas with 6GHz dependending on where you are which is why there are no a lot of external antenna options.

I am still using 9120/ 9130 APs due to this with external antennas within my warehouses, although I expect in the next 12 months the regulatory approvals for AFC to be sorted and then we will see the 6GHz models come out with external antennas.

As stated already get a wireless survey done, there are some 6GHz with directional antennas built in that may suit the requirements. Generally wouldnt recommend putting internal antenna at 10m 

[Michael Kiessling]

Many thanks guys The clue to regulatory work is still going on with the 6GHz spectrum really makes sense. I will go for Wifi6 APs with external antennas (since we focus is on 5GHz coverage at the moment) and keep an eye on new wireless products for future installations.

[Karsten Iwen]

I would also look if the CW9166-D1 with internal directional antennas matches your needs (available with Meraki or Catalyst persona). For Wi-Fi 6 with only 5GHz, you could use the 9130's Dual 5 mode and connect two third-party antennas, one for the left row and one for the right row. That can reduce the costs. So many options ...