In this blog, we'll take a quick look at the functions, features and power level comparisons for Cisco Access Points. I thought it would be useful to have these in one place for easy comparison.
As regulations have changed, so the powers the APs can transmit have been allowed to increase.
The newer APs have more antennas, so the total radiated power across all antennas should be considered.
Of interest in the tables below are the maximum regulatory powers per channel - an important concept, since all channels are not the same. This concept is often overlooked and one of the reasons we see poorly designed RF coverage. Note how these have changed from the older 3500 series AP to the news X702i series.
Starting with the current model of the 1702i, you have a capable, budget level AP.
| Band | Avaiable Power Levels (dBM) | Features |
| 2.4GHz | <1-22> One of: 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 | PY data rates up to 867 Mbps (80MHz in 5GHz) |
| 5 Lower | <2-11> One of : 2 5 8 11 | Requires 15 watts (802.11af - Standard PoE) |
| 5 Middle | <3-18> One of: 3 6 9 12 15 18 | 3x3 MIMO with two spatial streams |
| 5 Upper | <1-22> One of: 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 | 2.4GHz antenna gain = 4 dBi |
| 5GHz antenna gain = 4dBi 20-, 40- and 80-MHz Channels |
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| Supports CleanAir Express |
The 2702i is a step up from the 1702i and offers an additional 5GHz antenna for improved 5GHz performance.
| Band | Available Power Levels (dBM) | Features |
| 2.4GHz | <1-22> One of: 1 4 7 10 13 16 19 22 | PHY data rates up to 1.3Gbps (80 MHz n 5GHz) |
| 5 Lower | <2-8> One of: 2 5 8 | Various power requirements, up to 15 watts |
| 5 Middle | <2-8> One of: 2 5 8 | 3x3 MIMO with three spatial streams (802.11af - Standard PoE) |
| 5 Upper | <2-23> One of: 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 | 3x4 MIMO with three spatial streams (Enhanced PoE or 802.3at - PoE+) |
| 2.4GHz antenna gain = 4dBi 5GHz antenna gain = 4dBi 20-, 40- and 80-MHz channels |
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| Supports standard CleanAir feature set |
The older 3502i is next up. Formerly the top end AP it's now end of sale and, although still capable, is no longer available.
| Band | Available Power Levels (dBM) | Features |
| 2.4GHz | <-1-20> One of: -1 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 | PHY data rates up to 300 Mbps |
| 5 Lower | <-1-17> One of: -1 2 5 8 11 14 17 | Requires 12.95 watts (802.11af - Stadard PoE) |
| 5 Middle | <-1-17> One of: -1 2 5 8 11 14 17 | 2x3 MIMO with two spatial streams |
| 5 Upper | <-1-17> One of: -1 2 5 8 11 14 17 | 2.4GHz antenna gain = 4dBi |
| 5GHz antenna gain = 3dBi 20- and 40-MHz channels |
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| Supports standard CleanAir feature set |
The stopgap 3602i didn't see much light of day, bridging the gap between the 3502i and the release of the 802.11ac 3702i AP.
| Band | Available Power Levels (dBM) | Features |
| 2.4GHz | <2-23> One of: 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 | PHY data rates up to 450 Mbps (40-MHz with 5GHz |
| 5 Lower | <2-14>One of: 2 5 8 11 14 | Requires 15 watts (802.11af - Standard PoE) |
| 5 Middle | <2-14>One of: 2 5 8 11 14 | 4x4 MIMO with three spatial streams |
| 5 Upper | <2-23> One of: 2 5 8 11 14 17 20 23 | 2.4GHz antenna gain = 2dBi |
| 5GHz antenna gain = 4dBi 20- and 40-MHz channels |
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The 3702i is currently the top-end AP offered by Cisco. It has a additional antenna, four total, and can handle three spatial streams. It also supports the 802.11ac standard.
| Band | Available Power Levels (dBM) | Features |
| 2.4GHz | PHY data rates up to 1.3Gbps (80-MHz with 5GHz) | |
| 5 Lower | Various power requirements, up to 19.6 watts | |
| 5 Middle | 4x4 MIMO with three spatial streams | |
| 5 Upper | 2.4GHz antenna gain = 4dBi | |
| 5GHz antenna gain = 4 dBi 20- and 40-MHz channels |
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| Supports Clean Air with Wireless Security Module (WSM) |
Another thing to keep in mind is that one of the key differences between the newer AP types is the number of antennas. More antennas and you have more even coverage, more special streams and higher throughput. It's not to say a 1702i won't give you perfectly good coverage, because it will, but if you're looking to push your network, the extra capacity in the more advanced APs might be useful.
Please contact us should you have any questions or need advice on APs.