A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is an outdoor wireless broadband platform that integrates Wi-Fi client access and wireless backhaul in a rugged, outdoor enclosure. It is a component of the Cisco Outdoor Wireless Networking solutions and the Cisco Unified Wireless Network architecture. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series consists of two models. The Cisco Aironet 1522 supports dual radios compliant with IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards. The Cisco Aironet 1524 has the capability to integrate up to 4 radios. The new mesh access point platform demonstrates our technology leadership in design innovation for radio versatility and provides flexibility for our customers to deploy wireless mesh network in a dynamic environment. Next generation radios such as 802.11n and WiMax can be easily integrated into the platform to take advantage of the latest wireless technology.
The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series uses an intelligent wireless routing algorithm to create a mesh network with other Cisco outdoor mesh access points. The wireless mesh network self-configures and self-heals to create and maintain optimal performance in the face of changing network and environmental conditions.
Q. What is the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series used for and where can it be deployed?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is used to create metropolitan-scale, outdoor wireless networks, providing access to any Wi-Fi-compliant client. It can also be deployed in industrial, and manufacturing environments to enable specialzed process related applications in factories. The rugged enclosure rated for extreme outdoor environment allows the 1520 Series to be ideal for deploying in utilities and energy markets such as the oil and gas fields (optional add-on required). With multiple uplink connectivity options such as ethernet, fiber and cable, it can be deployed by service providers using either fiber or cable along the street to provide broadband services for the community. An essential factor in any service mesh deployment is access to mounting, powering, backhaul, and clients. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series wireless broadband platform is the most flexible in fit, form, function, and growth available to the market today. What's more, centralized monitoring, roaming, and control make these access points easy to operate and maintain. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series provides flexible support for applications from bridging, point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, autonomous hotspots, hot zone mesh, seamless roaming, location management, and more. For more information, contact your Cisco representative.
Q. Where would you deploy a Cisco Aironet 1522 vs. a Cisco Aironet 1524?
A. If the city applications can be operated in the 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequency, the Cisco Aironet 1522 can meet this requirement. For public safety applications where 4.9GHz is required in addition to the 2.4GHz and 5GHz, then you would want to deploy the Cisco Aironet 1524. The Cisco Aironet 1524 can integrate three or more radios to meet this requirement.
Q. Are the enclosure size and mounting hardware the same on the two models?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1524 is a few inches longer in depth to accommodate the extra radios, the height and width are the same dimensions as the 1522 model. Mounting hardware is the same for both models.
Q. Is the Cisco Aironet 1522 and 1524 available now?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is currently available worldwide. The Cisco Aironet 1524 will be available starting Q1CY08.
Q. What are the benefits of the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series provides wireless access to Wi-Fi-compliant clients over a large, metropolitan-scale area. Wireless mesh access points can be installed anywhere that power is available. Wireless nodes communicate over the wireless network to route traffic between clients and the wired network.
The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series has numerous benefits. The series is:
• Cost-effective
– Compliant with the IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards and interoperates with any Wi-Fi-compliant client.
– Using the wireless network to communicate between nodes, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series eliminates the need to provision a network connection to each mesh access point.
– Providing support for 16 broadcast Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) to create multiple WLANs, the mesh network can be segmented to provide services to multiple user types.
– With the cable modem interface, fiber and Ethernet connections, it offers easy and flexible installation. It also supports several power options such as Power over Ethernet, Power over Cable, street light power, and has internal battery power backup.
• Easy to use and manage
– Zero-touch configuration deployment allows access points to be installed without requiring onsite configuration. Access points securely and automatically join the mesh network, deriving a systems-level configuration from Cisco wireless LAN controllers.
– Based on the Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP), the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is part of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network, which centralizes the main functions of the WLAN. Designed for large-scale WLANs, it takes a systems-level view toward device and RF management, security, and mobility.
– The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series operates over Layer 2, and is fully integrated into the existing network architecture. The same architecture designed for the indoors can be applied to the outdoor network, providing seamless integration as well as seamless roaming.
– An intelligent wireless routing algorithm based on Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP) delivers a dynamic, self-configuring, self-healing mesh network. When changes to the network topology or wireless environment occur, the access points automatically reroute traffic in response.
– Cisco wireless LAN controllers and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS) provide an easy-to-use and intuitive graphical user interface.
• Secure
– Compliant with 802.11i and Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series provides 802.1X authentication with various Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types and ensures data privacy with hardware-based Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption.
– Access points join the mesh network securely using X.509 digital certification. Hardware-based AES encryption over the wireless backhaul ensures data privacy.
• The industry leader in performance and scalability
– With dual-radio configurations based on 802.11a and 802.11b/g, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series allows for a pico-cellular architecture, minimizing interference and providing greater system capacity.
– Intelligent wireless routing ensures that the wireless backhaul is dynamically organized to provide the optimal performance at all times.
– Proactive key caching and support for mobility groups provide fast secure Layer 2 and Layer 3 roaming.
Q. What are the main features on the Cisco Aironet 1520?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is Cisco's next-generation, wireless broadband platform. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series:
• Supports various uplink connectivity such as gigabit ethernet, fiber and DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem for flexible deployment of high-speed broadband service.
• Is housed in a rugged NEMA 4X enclosure with internal backup battery.
• Has a 802.3af compliant Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) interface to power and connect PoE devices such as video surveillance cameras or IP sensors.
• Is a flexible access point that allows configuration for powering, mounting, and backhaul on the cable strand, buildings, street lights and poles, and can be used in rooftop access point (RAP) or mesh access point (MAP) applications.
• Uses single maximum-allowable output level client-access antennae and multiple receive antennae to maximize receive sensitivity, to enhance client coverage and link reliability.
• Has external status LEDs for checking access point power status and radio operation.
• Option to include a cable power module power module, allowing integration to the cable plant to balance RF levels to the modem as well as allowing local control of power to the access point.
• Through its modular design, allows easy field access for troubleshooting cable modem.
• Centrally handles software upgrades, radio resource management, and life status through the wireless LAN controller, making it unnecessary to visit each access point location.
Q. Is the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series compatible with other vendors' outdoor wireless access points?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series works together as a system to intelligently form a wireless mesh that dynamically optimizes the wireless routes, and self-heals in response to changing network and environmental conditions. It will not interoperate over wireless with other vendors' wireless access points. It will, however, interoperate with any Wi-Fi-certified client, including Cisco Compatible WLAN clients, for wireless access.
Q. Can I have a network with both Cisco Aironet 1520 Series and Cisco Aironet 1510 mesh access points?
A. It is possible to have a network with both the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series and 1510 mesh access points. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series needs to be deployed as a rooftop access point and the 1510 can be deployed as a mesh access point. Both the 1520 Series and 1510 can operate in the same plant; however, the WLAN controller will require a software upgrade to allow seamless operation. The 1520 Series is suited to mounting on poles and buildings. It is powered through local power using the Cisco Power Injector or unswitched street light power sources. The 1520 Series is more adaptable: in addition to being mounted like the 1510, the 1520 Series can be strand-mounted, and powered and connected to the cable plant for backhaul of data to the head end.
Q. What accessories are needed to deploy the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series requires:
• Power
• 2.4-GHz antennas
• 5-GHz antenna
If the access point is installed on a streetlight, a pole-mounting bracket is required.
If the access point is installed on a rooftop and connected to the network, an outdoor-rated Ethernet cable is required. Connection to a cable infrastructure would require the appropriate cable to plug into the DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem in the access point. A power injector may be used to provide PoE to rooftop access points. A pole mount bracket may also be required, depending on the installation method chosen.
Q. What antenna options are available for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. Cisco offers a set of antennas for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1. Antennas for Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
Part Number
Product Name
2.4-GHz Antenna
AIR-ANT2450V-N =
2.4-GHz, 5-dBi Omnidirectional Antenna with N Connector
AIR-ANT2480V-N =
2.4-GHz, 8.0-dBi Omnidirectional Antenna with N Connector
4.9 / 5-GHz Antenna
AIR-ANT5180V-N =
4.9 to 5.8-GHz, 8.0-dBi Omnidirectional Antenna with N Connector
AIR-ANT5114P-N =
4.9 to 5.8-GHz, 14.0-dBi Patch with N Connector
AIR-ANT5117S-N =
4.9 to 5.8-GHz, 17.0-dBi 90 degree sector with N Connector
AIR-ANT58G10SSA-N =
5.8-GHz, 9.5-dBi Sector Antenna with N Connector
Q. How many antennas do I need?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series supports Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) diversity on the 2.4GHz radio and uses three 2.4GHz antennas. One antenna is needed for the 5GHz radio. If 4.9GHz radio is used also, one more antenna will be required.
Q. What are the power options for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The power options for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series are listed in Table 2:
Table 2. Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Power Supply Options and Part Numbers
Part Number
Product Name
AIR-1520-CAB-PWR=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Cable Power Module and Power Supply
AIR-PWR-ST-LT-R3P=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Street Light Power Tap
AIR-CORD-R3P-40NA=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series AC Power Cord, 40 ft. N. Amer Plug
AIR-CORD-R3P-40UE=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series AC Power Cord, 40 ft. unterm, EU Harmonized
AIR-PWRINJ1500-2=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Power Injector
Q. What mounting options are available for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The mounting options for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series are listed Table 3:
Table 3. Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Mounting Options and Part Numbers
Part Number
Product Name
AIR-ACCPMK1520=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Pole Mount Kit
AIR-ACCSMK1520=
Cisco Aironet 1520 Series Strand Mount Kit
Q. Does the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series support quality of service (QoS)?
A. Yes, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series supports 802.11e prioritization to clients and for traffic forwarded over the wireless backhaul.
Q. What controllers can I use with the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
Q. Which IEEE 802.11 standards are supported by the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series supports the IEEE 802.11a, 802.11b/g, 802.11e, and 802.11i WPA and WPA2 industry standards.
Q. How is the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series managed?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series derives system-level management information on device configuration, security policies, and RF parameters from Cisco wireless LAN controllers. Cisco's controllers use Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) to define an innovative architecture for large-scale wireless LANs that centralizes certain functions of the 802.11 protocol and considers individual indoor and outdoor access points to be part of a larger system.
The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series and Cisco wireless LAN controllers are managed by the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS). Cisco WCS provides an easy-to-use, intuitive graphical user interface (GUI) that displays key network statistics, including traffic statistics, link characteristics, and client information. Up to 100 mesh access points can be managed per outdoor area map with Cisco WCS. Cisco WCS Version 4.0 and later has XML extensions for customers to write customized applications to support their business requirements.
Q. What security features are available on the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series provides all of the security features available with the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. This includes support for 802.11i and WPA2 security, providing 802.1X authentication and hardware-based AES encryption. Various EAP types are supported, such as Protected EAP (PEAP), Transport Layer Security (TLS), Tunneled TLS (TTLS), and Cisco LEAP. Additionally, traffic can be filtered by protocol or MAC addresses.
Security is provided over the wireless backhaul with X.509 digital certification to authenticate the access point to the wireless mesh and with hardware-based AES encryption for data privacy.
Q. What is the power draw from the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series?
A. The power draw varies with the type of options specified with the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series. Typical power draw is less than 25 watts. Maximum power draw can be up to 50 watts.
Q. What are the minimum / maximum receive levels for the cable modem?
A. -15 dBmv to 15 dBmv
Q. Can the mesh access point be reset from the Cable Modem Termination System (CMTS)?
A. No, the mesh access point cannot be reset by the CMTS. The CMTS manages and sets up the internal DOCSIS modem and brings up the connection but does not control the mesh access point. This function is handled by the wireless LAN controller.
Q. Is dynamic quality of service (DQoS) supported?
A. No, DQoS is not supported.
Q. How does Ethernet / WLAN QoS integrate with DOCSIS QoS?
A. The WLAN and DOCSIS QoS features operate completely independent of each other
Q. Can I telnet to the modem for maintenance purposes?
A. For DOCSIS security reasons, it is not possible to telnet to the modem. The modem is completely set up, managed, and analyzed by the CMTS.
Q. Are there any limitations on the cable modem configuration file to be aware of?
A. The cable modem is certified as DOCSIS 2.0 compliant. There should not be any limitations within that certification.
Q. How does deploying the Cisco Aironet 1520 affect my cable plant?
A. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series does not produce any adverse effect on the cable plant. A single Cisco Aironet 1520 Series access point can produce a significant amount of traffic, which must be accounted for in the CMTS channel layout.
Q. What versions of DOCSIS are supported?
A. DOCSIS 2.0. The modem will also drop down to DOCSIS 1.1 and 1.0 as a fallback. The net of this fallback is a reduction in throughput.
Q. Does the cable modem support classifiers?
A. Yes, the cable modem supports classifiers.
Q. What is my DOCSIS 3.0 migration plan?
A. The cable modem will need to be upgraded to support DOCSIS 3.0.
Q. How is the cable modem firmware upgraded?
A. Over the RF using SNMP/DOCSIS.
Q. What are the voltage tolerances of the cable version power supply?
A. Quasi square wave cable plant powering is available in the cable version of the power supply for Cisco Aironet 1520 Series. The tolerances of this cable power supply follow that of typical Scientific Atlanta RF line gear (35 to 90 VAC). See the data sheet for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series for specific details. http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/wireless/ps5679/ps8368/product_data_sheet0900aecd8066a16c.html
Q. What service tier bandwidth rates can be supported with the modem?
A. For commercial modems, three different bandwidth rates are supported: 5.12Mbps-QPSK, 10.2Mbps-16QAM, and 30Mbps-A-TDMA (SCDMA).
Q. Does the access point support PCMM or PacketCable (PCMM-PacketCable MultiMedia)?
A. No, we currently do no support PCMM ( PacketCable MultiMedia).
Q. Is CableLabs L2VPN supported?
A. No, currently CableLabs L2VPN is not supported
Q. What is the maximum distance from the pole that I can mount the mesh access point?
A. There is no limitation on the distance from the pole when mounting on the cable strand. The goal of mounting an access point is to place it in the optimal location for RF coverage; typically mounting an access point on the cable strand in an intersection allows the RF signal to have clear access down the street in multiple directions. The limiting factor is providing the proper vertical clearance from the street to the bottom of the access point. The AP also must follow SCTE recommendations for mounting any RF equipment on the cable strand. The Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is sized similar to a small four-port optical node, helping to ensure that no violations of mounting rules will occur when you follow typical cable equipment mounting practices.
Q. Can the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series be used for DOCSIS plant extension?
A. Yes, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is especially applicable for plant extensions to provide access service to business customers. A Cisco Aironet 1520 Series access point with an integrated DOCSIS modem provides the link for a root access point (RAP) to the remote business area with a mesh access point (MAP).
Q. How does the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series integrate to the outdoor cable plant?
A. When the cable modem interface is used, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series is powered by a coaxial feed and connects to the plant through a passive cable device such as a directional coupler. When the 1520 Series is used with an SFP for fiber backhaul of data, the access point will require both a fiber feed from a splice enclosure and coaxial feed for plant powering. In this case, the passive device used will most likely be a power passing splitter; the RF will be blocked on the RF/AC input board via a 75-ohm terminator. To strand-mount a 1520 Series access point as a mesh access point, you need a coaxial feed from a passive device like a splitter, power inserter, or directional coupler. The RF/AC input board will terminate the RF signal. Splice location of the passive cable device will typically take place on the RF input side of the amp or node to minimize impact to downstream RF levels. For details about powering impact to the plant, see the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series data sheet http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/products_category_buyers_guide.html#access_points
Q. How is placement determined in the RF plant?
A. Design varies according to the service offering, mounting rights, backhaul source, and power source. If you have power and mounting available, the access points will mesh automatically to RAP locations. Mesh distance to other mesh access points ranges from about 500 feet to 1000 feet, depending on the service offering and environmental constraints.
Q. Does the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series support WiMAX?
A. As with the Cisco Aironet 1500 Series, the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series integrates with our partner technology ecosystem to implement WiMAX backhaul.
