The following figures show the overall dimensions of the antenna and bracket.

Caution

For outside installations, make sure you do not mount the antenna upside down or block the bottom of the antenna at the cable exit. The correct mounting position is with the cable pointing down (towards the ground) so that any moisture will drain through the antenna drain holes. The antenna ships with a yellow mounting instruction label temporarily attached to the antenna radome.

The following instructions are common to most mast mounted installations. For specific installation instructions for each antenna, see the antenna data-sheet and the router hardware installation guide.

• Assemble your new antenna on the ground or a level surface at the installation site.
• Connect its coaxial cable while you are on the ground and attach the antenna to the mast.
• Ensure that the mast does not fall as you raise or remove it. Use a durable non-conductive rope secured at each two foot level as the mast is raised. Have an assistant tend the rope, ready to pull the mast clear of any hazards (such as power lines) should it begin to fall.
• Use the mounting bracket provided with the antenna.
• If the installation will use guy wires:
  • Install guy anchor bolts.
  • Estimate the length of guy wire and cut it before raising the mast.
  • Attach guy wires to a mast using guy rings.
• Carefully connect the antenna and mast assembly to its mounting bracket and tighten the clamp bolts.
  • In the case of a a guyed (tall, thin mast) installation, you must have at least one assistant to hold the mast upright while the guy wires are attached and tightened to the anchor bolts.
• Attach a “DANGER” label at eye level on the mast.
• Install ground rods to remove any static electricity buildup and connect a ground wire to the mast and ground rod. Use ground rods designed for that purpose, not a spare piece of pipe.

Because the antenna transmits and receives radio signals, they are susceptible to RF obstructions and common sources of interference that can reduce throughput and range of the device to which they are connected. Follow these guidelines to ensure the best possible performance:

• Mount the antenna to utilize its propagation characteristics. One way to do this is to orient the antenna vertically and mount it as high as possible.
• Keep the antenna away from metal obstructions such as heating and air-conditioning ducts, large ceiling trusses, building superstructures, and major power cabling runs. If necessary, use a rigid conduit to lower the antenna away from these obstructions.
• The density of the materials used in the building construction determines the number of walls the signal must pass through and still maintain adequate coverage. Consider the following before choosing the location to install your antenna:
  • Paper and vinyl walls have very little affect on signal penetration.
  • Solid and pre-cast concrete walls limit signal penetration to one or two walls without degrading coverage.
  • Concrete and wood block walls limit signal penetration to three or four walls.
  • A signal can penetrate five or six walls constructed of drywall or wood.
  • A thick metal wall causes signals to reflect off, causing poor penetration.
  • A chain link fence or wire mesh spaced between 1 and 1 1/2 in. (2.5 and 3.8 cm) acts as a harmonic reflector that blocks a 2.4-GHz radio signal.
• Install the antenna away from microwave ovens and 2-GHz cordless phones. These products can cause signal interference because they operate in the same frequency range as the device your antenna is connected to.
• Install the antenna in a vertical orientation to maximize signal propagation.

The following figure shows the parts included with the antenna bracket.

Note	One flange (not pictured here) ships attached to the antenna. The flange pictured here is the one that you attach to the wall or the pole.

You will need these tools to loosen and tighten the adjustment bolts on the bracket:

• A 1/2 in. (13-mm) wrench or socket

To mount the antenna on a wall or ceiling, you will need these supplies:

• Four mounting screws or bolts and wall anchors

Note	The fasteners and mounting surface should be capable of maintaining a minimum pullout force of 150 pounds (68 kg) to support the weight of the antenna and bracket plus the potential wind loading on the antenna.

To mount the antenna on a pole or mast, you will need either or both of these supplies:

• Slotted screwdriver to tighten the screws on the hose clamps
• A 5/16 in. (8mm) socket or box wrench

Note	The pole or mast must be rigid enough to hold the weight of the antenna plus the associated forces produced by wind loads. In addition, the pole or mast must be structurally strong enough to withstand the clamping force of the hose clamps

You may need the following tools and equipment, which are not provided:

• A drill and drill bit
• A pencil

Cisco recommends a high-quality, low-loss cable for use with the antenna, such as Cisco AIR-CAB005LL-R-N= (5 foot low-loss cable with RP-TNC and N-type connectors) for AP3702P, or AIR-CAB005LL-N= or AIR-CAB010LL-N= (5 foot and 10 foot N-type connectors, respectively) for AP1570. Four cables are required.

Note	Coaxial cable loses efficiency as the frequency increases, resulting in signal loss. The cable should be kept as short as possible because cable length also determines the amount of signal loss (the longer the run, the greater the loss)

Painting the antenna and the bracket does not affect its performance if you use standard exterior-grade, oil-based or latex paint. Do not use metallic or metallic-flake paints, which will degrade antenna performance.

Note	Before painting the antenna, cover the pressure-release vent on the rear, lower-left of the antenna with masking tape to prevent clogging.

Cisco recommends Krylon Fusion for Plastic or Rust-Oleum for Plastic (which might require a primer coat). For best results, follow the surface preparation suggestions from the paint manufacturer.