The Cisco® Aironet® 1520 Series mesh access points are designed to support a wide variety of applications. There are several access point models and optional accessories available to suit the requirements of a particular deployment. A fully operational system requires the following minimum items:
• Access point
• Power
• 2.4-GHz antennas
• 5 -GHz antenna(s)
• Mounting bracket
Additionally, you may need the following, depending on your particular deployment. Options for the 1520 Series include:
• Fiber module
• Cable modem
• Battery
Use this guide to identify which items you need for your deployment. Note that accessories are available as a configurable option and/or as a spare (an equal sign "=" at the end of the part number indicates that the part is a spare). You may need to remove any option you installed when returning your access point to Cisco. Consult your Cisco representative for additional assistance ordering mesh and other networking equipment.
Access Points
The 1520 Series is available in several models.
Dual-Band Access Points
Dual-band access points in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series include the 1522AG, 1522HZ, and 1522PC, all of which are equipped with an 802.11a radio and an 802.11b/g radio. In each of these models, the 802.11a radio is used for wireless backhaul across the mesh, while client access is provided by the 802.11b/g radio. As a software configuration, the 802.11a radio may also be used for client access. The 1522AG and 1522HZ access points can be powered by AC power or Power over Ethernet, while the 1522PC can be powered by the Cable Television System (CATV) plant infrastructure. Each of these may also be powered by 12 VDC. The 1522PC can also be configured with a DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem to connect to the cable headend. The 1522HZ is designed for use in hazardous locations with certification for North American Class 1, Div/Zone 2, and ATEX Class 1, Zone 2, and includes special fittings to accommodate those installations.
Multiband Access Points
Multiband access points in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series include the 1524SB and 1524PS, all of which have three radios. The 1524SB has two 5-GHz radios are used to backhaul traffic through the mesh network, while a 2.4-GHz radio is used for client access. As a software configuration, an 802.11a radio can also be used for client access. With the 1524PS, a 5.8-GHz radio provides wireless backhaul, while a 2.4-GHz radio and a 4.9-GHz radio provide access for unlicensed Wi-Fi and licensed public safety clients. Each access point can be powered by AC power, Power over Ethernet, or 12 VDC.
Table 1 lists the part numbers for the various mesh access point models in the 1520 Series.
Table 1. Mesh Access Point Models in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Description
AIR-LAP1522AG-x-K9
802.11a and 802.11b/g mesh access point, AC Power
AIR-LAP1522HZ-x-K9
802.11a and 802.11b/g mesh access point, AC Power, Class 1, Zone/Div 2 certified
AIR-LAP1522PC-x-K9
802.11a and 802.11b/g mesh access point, Power over Cable
AIR-LAP1524SB-x-K9
Dual 802.11a backhaul and 802.11b/g mesh access point, AC Power
AIR-LAP1524PS-x-K9
802.11a, 802.11b and 4.9 Public Safety mesh access point, AC Power
In Table 1, X is a placeholder for the regulatory domain designator. Table 2 lists regulatory domains that are available.
Table 2. Regulatory Domains for the Access Points in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
1522AG
1522HZ
1522PC
1524SB
1524PS
-A FCC
x
x
x
x
x
-C China
x
x
-E ETSI
x
x
-K Korea
x
-N North America
x
x
x
x
-P Japan
x
-S Singapore
x
x
-T Taiwan
x
Please see http://www.cisco.com/go/aironet/compliance to determine which regulatory domain is used in your country. Note that the regulatory domain used in your country may differ with the access point model, and that some models are not available for all countries.
The following contents are included with every model:
• Access point
• Grounding lug
• DC terminal block
• Sealant for the antenna connections
• Non-seizing compound for the mounting brackets
In addition to the contents just listed, certain models include the following. The 1522AG, 1522PC, 1524SB, and 1524PS include:
• Liquid tight adaptors (3) for sealing cable ingresses
The 1522HZ include:
• Couplers (2) for connecting conduit pipes
The access points are designed to withstand power surges on the AC power cord up to 4 kV as per EN61000-4-5 Level 4; lightning arrestors are not required.
Power
The following models can be powered by 90-480 VAC or 48 VDC Power over Ethernet:
• 1522AG
• 1524SB
• 1524PS
The 1522HZ is powered by 90 VAC to 240 VAC.
The following model is powered by 90 VAC to 240 VAC:
• 1522PC
The 1522PC can also be powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE) for lab usage. However, if a cable modem is installed, PoE will not power the cable modem.
All models can alternatively be powered by 12 VDC using the supplied terminal block.
AC Power
The 1522AG, 1524SB, and 1524PS, and 1522PC access points have a 3-pin, threaded AC power connector. Table 3 lists the power cord options available when you use AC power.
Table 3. AC Power Cord Options
SKU
Description
AIR-CORD-R3P-40NA
Power cord, 40 ft, North American Plug
AIR-CORD-R3P-40UE
Power cord, 40 ft, European Harmonized, Unterminated
AIR-PWR-ST-LT-R3P
Power cord, 4 ft, Street Light Tap
1522HZ require discrete wired connection to internal terminal block.
Note that the 1520 Series and 1500 Series AC power connectors are not compatible. You will need to use one of the power cables listed in Table 3 when using an access point in the 1520 Series.
The AIR-CORD-R3P-40UE connects to the access point on one end, and is not terminated on the other end. You will need to source a plug appropriate for your installation.
When AC power is not used (for example, when you use PoE or 12 VDC to power the access point), you should cover the unused connector. A cover is available from Remke (see http://www.remke.com for part number 75-0086).
Power over Ethernet
All access point models support Power over Ethernet. Note, however, that PoE for the 1522PC is for lab bench convenience; if a cable modem is installed in the 1522PC and PoE is used, the cable modem will not be powered.
Note, when powering the access point over Ethernet, the access point does not supply 802.3af PoE to an Ethernet attached device.
When you use Power over Ethernet, use the power injector listed in Table 4.
Table 4. Power Injector for Use with Power over Ethernet
SKU
Description
AIR-PWRINJ1500-2
1520 Series Power Injector
Do not use any other power injector or switch provided for Power over Ethernet with the 1520 Series access points. The 1520 Series is approved for use only with the AIR-PWRINJ1500-2. You must also specify the country type power cord for the power injector.
The AIR-PWRINJ1500-2 is for indoor use only. It has built-in surge protection, but you may also need to install a surge protector at the building entry point. Please check with your local electrical regulations.
The 1520 Series access points use a standard RJ-45 Ethernet connector, unlike the military connector used on the 1500 Series. Cisco does not provide an Ethernet cable for the 1520 Series. You will need to source an outdoor-rated, Category 5 or better Ethernet cable and shielded RJ-45 connectors from a local supplier. Liquid tight adapters are provided with the access point to seal this cable entry point from weather.
Power over Cable
The 1522PC is powered by the CATV plant power supply system over coaxial cable through its F-connector. A cable plant power supply system is built into the 1522PC; it does not need to be separately ordered.
The spare power supply listed in Table 5 is also available as a replacement part.
Table 5. Spare Power Supply for the Cisco Aironet 1522PC Access Point
SKU
Description
AIR-1520-CAB-PWR
Cable Power Supply, spare
Note that this power supply system is supported as a field replacement unit only on the 1522PC. It is not supported in other models.
DC Power
All access points support power from an external 12 VDC +/- 600 mV power supply, minimum 50 watts. A terminal block is included with your access point for this purpose, with liquid tight adapters to weather-proof the connection. When using DC, please consult the Hardware Installation Guide for instructions on how to correct assemble the connector.
Table 6 summarizes the primary power options available to the 1520 Series access points.
Table 6. Power Options for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
1Note that when POE is used on the 1522PC, and a cable modem is installed, the power injector does not power the cable modem.
The 1520 Series can be installed with redundant power sources. When multiple power sources are available, the access point will use power in the following priority:
1. AC Power or Power over Cable
2. DC Power
3. Power over Ethernet
4. Battery (see the "Battery" section later in this ordering guide)
Antennas
The 1520 Series access points are equipped with a combination of radios operating in the 2.4- and 5-GHz bands. Some models can also operate in the 4.9-GHz band. The 5-GHz and 4.9-GHz radios use a single transmit and receive stream, while the 2.4-GHz radio performs Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC), which takes advantage of multipath signals received across up to three antennas to improve signal quality.
Table 7 identifies the type (2.4 or 5 GHZ) of antennas and the number of each type used by the 1520 Series.
Table 7. Number of 2.4- and 5-GHz Antennas Supported by the 1520 Series
1The 2.4-GHz radio can operate with fewer than the listed number of antennas. However, optimal performance is achieved when using the maximum number possible. Moreover, using less than the total number of antennas supported leaves the unused antenna connectors exposed to the weather; they will need to be covered.
Antennas must support your desired radio operating range, which varies by regulatory domain and model. Please see the appendix for the frequency range your access point operates.
Table 8 describes the antennas available for the 1520 Series, listing part numbers for both 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz antennas, as well as gain and other details. All antennas are white or off-white except where noted.
Table 8. Antennas for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Operating Range (GHz)
Gain
Dimensions
Pattern
2.4-GHz Antennas
AIR-ANT2420V-N (gray)
2.4 2.5
2 dBi
5 in
Omnidirectional
AIR-ANT2450V-N
2.4 - 2.5
5 dBi
11 in
Omnidirectional
AIR-ANT2480V-N
2.4 - 2.5
8 dBi
19.5 in
Omnidirectional
4.9-and 5-GHz Antennas
AIR-ANT5140V-N (gray)
4.9 - 5.850
4 dBi
5 in
Omnidirectional
AIR-ANT5180V-N
4.9 - 5.850
8 dBi
11 in
Omnidirectional
AIR-ANT5114P-N
4.9 - 5.850
14 dBi
4.13 in x 4.13 in
25° azimuth x
29° elevation
AIR-ANT5117S-N
4.9 - 5.850
17 dBi
24.5 in x 2.5 in
90° azimuth x
8° elevation
AIR-ANT58G10SSA-N
5.725 - 5.850
9.5 dBi
2.75 in x 6 in x 5.75 in
60° azimuth x
60° elevation
For additional antenna specifications, see the Cisco Aironet Antenna and Accessories Reference Guide at http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/wireless/ps469/products_data_sheets_list.html. The access points are provided with a moldable sealant to protect the antenna connector from weather. Consult your installation guide for proper installation.
Mounting Brackets
The 1520 Series mesh access points can be mounted to poles or CATV plant strands. The mounting brackets are not provided with the access point. Order them using one of the SKUs listed in Table 9.
Table 9. Mounting Brackets for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Description
AIR-ACCPMK1520
Pole Mount Bracket
AIR-ACCSMK1520
Strand mount bracket
Note that the 1520 Series and 1500 Series mounting brackets are not compatible. You must use one of the mounting brackets listed in Table 9 when installing your 1520 Series access point.
The pole mount kit is adjustable for any pole angle: horizontal, vertical, and any angle in between. It can also be used to mount the access point to a flat surface, such as a wall.
To prevent the mounting bracket and access point from fusing together, anti-seizing compound is included with the access point. The pole mount kit includes two stainless-steel-band straps and buckles to fit poles up to 16 inches in diameter. For larger poles, consult a local provider. The banding can be secured using the tool listed in Table 10.
Table 10. Banding Installation Tool for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Description
AIR-BAND-INST-TL
Band installation tool
Network Connection
The 1520 Series access points can connect to the network wirelessly or through a wired Ethernet, fiber, or cable model connection.
Wireless
An access point that connects to the network through another access point over a wireless backhaul is known as a mesh access point (MAP). The backhaul radio is built in, and no wired connection is needed for MAPs.
An access point that also acts as the gateway for mesh nodes is known as a root access point (RAP), and connects to the network through a wired connection, either Ethernet, fiber or cable modem. (Note that a remotely located RAP may also connect to the network by connecting a separate wireless bridge to its Ethernet port, labeled "POE-In.") Liquid-tight adapters are provided with your access point to prevent water ingress.
Ethernet
The 1520 Series access points support 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet using a shielded RJ-45 connector with minimum Category 5 cable. Please see your local supplier for an outdoor-rated cable and shielded connectors.
Fiber
Alternatively, the 1520 Series access point can use one of the temperature-rated fiber Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) modules listed in Table 11.
Table 11. Fiber SFPs for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Description
GLC-FE-100BX-URGD
100BaseBX10-U Rugged SFP module
GLC-LX-SM-RGD
1000BaseLX single-mode Rugged SFP module
GLC-SX-MM-RGD
1000BaseSX multimode Rugged SFP module
Note the fiber SFP needs to be installed in the access point. See the hardware installation guide for instructions.
Cable Modem
The 1522PC model supports an optional DOCSIS 2.0 cable modem (Table 12) to connect to the cable headend. The cable modem can be configured to the access point when ordering the 1522PC, can be customer installed, or can be replaced in the field. Note the cable modem is only a configurable option for the 1522PC and is not supported in other models.
Table 12. The DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem for the Cisco Aironet 1522PC Access Point
SKU
Description
AIR-1520-CM-D2
DOCSIS 2.0 Cable Modem
Table 13 summarizes the backhaul options available for each model.
Table 13. Network Connections Types for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
1522AG
1522HZ
1522PC
1524SB
1524PS
Wireless (MAP)
x
x
x
x
x
Ethernet
x
x
x
x
x
Fiber
x
x
x
x
x
Cable modem
x
The 1520 Series can be installed with redundant network connections. When multiple network connections are available, the access point will connect in the following priority:
1. Fiber
2. Cable Modem
3. Ethernet
4. Wireless
Battery
The 1520 Series access points can be deployed with a rechargeable lithium-Ion battery for backup power during power outages. The battery provides approximately 2 to 3 hours of power with typical traffic volume (50 percent duty cycle). Actual battery time will vary depending on several factors, including traffic volume, the number of radios installed, temperature, and whether an auxiliary device draws power over Ethernet.
Note that the battery cannot be used with the 1522HZ or 1522PC models (Table 14).
Table 14. Models in the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series That Can Use a Battery
1522AG
1522HZ
1522PC
1524SB
1524PS
Battery
x
x
x
The battery can be configured to the access point when ordering, customer installed, or replaced in the field (Table 15).
Table 15. Battery for the Cisco Aironet 1520 Series
SKU
Description
AIR-1520-BATT-6AH
1520 Series Battery Backup Unit
Other Requirements and Resources
Software Release Requirements
The 1520 Series requires the minimum software releases notes in Table 16.
1These access points are supported in the separate 4.1.19x.x Mesh Software Release train, or with Release 5.2 or later. These access points are not supported in the 4.2, 5.0, or 5.1 Release trains.
Note that additional functionality is available to the access points with more recent releases. Please see the applicable release notes for more information about features available with newer releases.
Authorized Technology Provider
For deployments of greater than 20 outdoor mesh access points, you must engage a Cisco Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) Partner. For deployments smaller than 20 access points, you must engage an Advanced Wireless LAN Specialized Partner. To locate an Advanced Wireless LAN or ATP Partner, see your Cisco representative, or see http://www.cisco.com/go/partnerlocator for more information.
Cisco Unified Wireless Networking Architecture
The 1520 Series is part of the Cisco Unified Wireless Network. It operates in conjunction with the Cisco Wireless LAN Controller. The following controllers support the Cisco 1520 Series access points:
• Wireless Services Module (WiSM) for the Cisco Catalyst® 6500 Series/7600 Series
• Wireless LAN Controller Module (WLCM) for Integrated Services Routers
• Cisco 5500 Series Wireless Controller
• Cisco 4400 Series Wireless LAN Controller
• Cisco Catalyst 3750G Integrated Wireless LAN Controller
• Cisco 2100 Series Wireless LAN Controller
Note: For deployments using a release of the format 4.1.19x.x, only the Cisco 4400, 2106, and WiSM controllers are supported.
Additional manageability and mobility services can be enabled when employing the Cisco Wireless Control System Software and Cisco Mobility Services Engine.
Cisco Technology Developer Program
Related solutions are available through our Cisco Technology Developer Partner Program partners. Visit http://www.cisco.com/go/ctdp for more information.
