So... you are a Wi-Fi design expert who needs perform a real-world RF design Wi-Fi APoS test. You choose to use a cutting edge AP that has a internal Directional antenna - such as the very popular Cisco 9176D1.
Until now you have had to rely on a DIY mounting solution, or maybe you have used a Wi-Fi AP mounting bracket that needed a few zip ties to "precisely" set an angled solution - hoping your customer doesn't look too closely ;-)
Some questions arise:
- What AP mounting bracket will you use?
- How will you safely mount it on your tall APoS kit?
- How will you set the exact AP angle you need to direct the internal antenna for coverage?
Vantage Point Products have the answer!
1) What AP mounting bracket will you use?
Don't struggle to make something work. Simply take a look at our "APoS AIM" AP mounting bracket - 100% UK designed and made, safe and secure.
Developed based on real site work feedback from Wi-Fi experts around the world - such as (but not limited to) Mark Rigby (CWNE / Verizon Busines UK), Oluseyi Oyesola and Pete Nugent (Cisco UK).
It is designed to mount all t-rail mountable AP's that weigh less than 2.5 kg (5.51 lb).
It is not 3D printed... instead it is precision CNC cut in the UK - made from non-conductive material that is strong, rigid, and stable - yet lightweight.
2) How will you safely mount it on your tall APoS kit?
The APoS AIM AP mounting bracket has been designed to have a female 1/4"-20 screw mount in its base. This makes it universally compatible with all tripods that have a male 1/4"-20 screw mount.
To mount your AP, simply attach the metal female t-rail 15/16" 24mm ceiling mount to the back of your AP. The female ceiling mount usually comes with your AP - i.e. Cisco AIR-AP-BRACKET-2 with AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R clips attached and set to 24mm 15/16".
Remove the top bar from our APoS AIM AP mounting bracket and slide its male t-rail 15/16" 24mm ceiling mount through the female part.
Easily lift the AP and joined top bar together and return to the APoS AIM AP mounting bracket, then insert the top bar into its rests.
Then tighten the lobe knobs fully to secure the top bar in place - then the AP and APoS AIM AP mounting bracket become one - all attached to the APoS tripod.
Parallel to ceiling is the most common position for historic AP's... but what do you do if you need to set an angle using an AP with internal Directional antenna?
3) How will you set the exact AP angle you need to direct the internal antenna for coverage?
The Cisco 9176D1 can be mounted to an APoS using Cisco's pole arm mounting bracket, the CW-MNT-ART2-00. However, while high quality, this pole arm mount is designed more for permanent installations - not for short term Wi-Fi APoS testing. Therefore, for Wi-Fi APoS work the CW-MNT-ART2-00 adds extra weight and also takes extra time to mount to the APoS - using tools for nuts, bolts, ubolts, zip ties, etc).
To save time and weight, the APoS AIM AP mounting bracket has been specifically designed to set any angle you wish for an AP.
In fact - that is what A.I.M stands for - Angle It Mount.
Simply loosen the lobe knobs - tilt the mounted AP - and securely tighten the lobe knobs again.
You can check the final angle of orientation and make any small adjustments to the APoS AIM AP mounting bracket by using a inclinometer app on your smartphone (all have accelerometers inside) or use your laser measure (most have a built in inclinometer).
(And because we know Wi-Fi engineers LOVE zip ties... we have cut some slots in our t-rail bar to pass those ties through and add extra security - you can thank Mark Rigby CWNE for that feature!)
The result? See for yourself!
Now you just have to attach PoE power to your AP, carefully elevate your APoS mast tripod to the desired height - check your surroundings - and carry on with your Wi-Fi survey.
What AP mounting bracket are you currently using for your APoS kit? Still using zip ties to set AP angles - hoping your customer doesn't look too closely? ;-)
Is it time to make your Wi-Fi site surveys safer, faster and more professional by upgrading to the APoS AIM AP mounting bracket?
Is it also time to upgrade your low reach, wobbly or heavy metal APoS kit?
Are you tired of using a slow, costly MEWP lift / Skyjack to elevate your APoS?
Then please take a look at our range or height options - 10ft 3m, 16ft 4.9m, 20ft 6.1m, 30ft 9,25m and 40ft 12.2m.
Please contact us and let us know the following basic data:
- Your AP makes and models (we check datasheet weight),
- Your height requirement
- Your survey environment (i.e. office, education, warehouse, stadium, et al)
Then we will advise you on the safest heigh you can reach, and how to get the most from our products in terms of safety and performance.
We ship worldwide using UPS (who also act as import broker).
We look forward to hearing from you!
