Cisco® Aironet® 1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Point (Figure 1) enables cost-effective and scalable deployment of a secure outdoor wireless LANs. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is designed for municipal Wi-Fi deployments for public access, public safety, or managed services, and for enterprise campus outdoor Wi-Fi extensions.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 supports dual-band radios compliant with IEEE 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards. Various uplink connectivity options are supported such as Gigabit Ethernet (1000BaseT), and small form-factor pluggable (SFP) for fiber (100BaseBX) or cable modem interface. Power options supported includes 480VAC, 12VDC, cable power, Power over Ethernet (POE), and internal battery backup. It also employs to form a dynamic wireless mesh network between remote access points, while delivering secure, high-capacity wireless access to any Wi-Fi-compliant client device (Figure 2).

The Cisco Aironet 1522 lightweight outdoor mesh access point's dual-radio configuration dedicates the 802.11a radio to access-point-to-access-point communications, allowing the mesh network to maximize all available channels, minimize the occurrence of interference from unlicensed devices, and minimize latency. The dual-radio configuration delivers high system capacity and performance through pico-cell designs.

Key Features on the Cisco Aironet 1522 are:

. The unified architecture centralizes key functions of the wireless LAN to provide scalable management, advanced security, seamless mobility, proven reliability, and mobility services, such as multiple Service Set Identifiers (SSIDs) and quality of service (QoS) for voice, video, and data applications. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is managed and monitored by Cisco wireless LAN controllers and the Cisco Wireless Control System (WCS). It supports zero-touch configuration deployment to easily and securely join the mesh network. Flexible, high-powered, high-sensitivity radio options, along with a selection of high-gain antennas, allow coverage to be scaled as capacity needs increase. Uplink connectivity can be via Gigabit Ethernet, fiber, or cable. The Cisco Aironet 1522 is compliant with Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2), which employs hardware-based Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) encryption between wireless nodes to provide end-to-end, enterprise-class security.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can be installed anywhere power is available, without the need for a network connection. Intelligent wireless routing is based on the Cisco's Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP), which is designed specifically for wireless environments. AWPP enables a remote access point to dynamically optimize the best route to the connected network within the mesh, mitigate interference and helping ensure high network capacity.

Deployment and management costs for the Cisco Aironet 1522 are reduced through support of zero-configuration deployments and through the ability of the access points to self-heal in response to interference or outages. The mesh access point can act as a relay node and can associate 2.4GHz clients at the same time.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 has a dedicated radio for the backhaul and another radio for local access, allowing the mesh network to maximize use of the total available channels. This results in more capacity than is available with solutions that use only a single radio. When more capacity is needed, additional sectors can be enabled-for example, by provisioning a network connection to additional access points. The mesh dynamically re-optimizes itself when this is done

Using the Cisco Lightweight Access Point Protocol (LWAPP) features, the Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access point can discover its LWAPP controller and automatically download the correct configuration and software for its role in the wireless mesh network.

Wireless mesh networks have unique features and requirements, and to address these features and requirements Cisco has built a new protocol that allows each node to determine its neighbor or parent intelligently, choosing the optimal path toward the controller. Unlike traditional routing protocols, AWPP takes RF details into account.

AWPP automatically determines the best path back to the LWAPP controller by calculating the cost of each path in terms of signal strength and number of hops. After the path is established, AWPP continuously monitors the best path conditions and changes routes if necessarily to optimize performance. AWPP also performs a smoothing function by signaling condition information to ensure that the ephemeral nature of RF environments does not impact network stability.

A core component of the Cisco Unified Wireless Solution is the use of X.509 certificates and AES encryption for LWAPP transactions. This X.509 and AES encryption is embedded into the wireless mesh solution with LWAPP transactions and by AES encrypting all traffic between mesh nodes. The complete packet path is from the Cisco controller to the access points and eventually to the users. The controller encapsulates user packets and forwards them to the correct roof top access point (RAP) over Ethernet. Roof top access point has a wired connection to the back haul and it wirelessly connect mesh access points (MAPs) at locations without a wired connection. RAP then encrypts the user data packets and transfers them over the backhaul. Data packets may travel through multiple mesh access points before reaching the destination MAP. After receiving the encrypted user data, the destination MAP decrypts them and sends them over the air to the client using the encryption method specified by the client.

For mutual authentication, Extensible Authentication Protocol / Pre-Shared Key (EAP / PSK) is now supported between the mesh access point nodes.

The same seamless mobility features delivered through the Cisco Unified Wireless Solution are delivered in the Cisco Outdoor Wireless Networking solution. Users can seamlessly roam in outdoor environments between the various Cisco Aironet 1520 mesh access points at different locations. If there is a Cisco indoor wireless network infrastructure, the user can also roam between the indoor and outdoor environment.

Just as the Cisco Unified Wireless Network solution allows the LWAPP access points to communicate with the controller via a Layer 2 (L2) or Layer 3 (L3) network, this flexibility is extended to the outdoor wireless mesh network.

The Cisco Outdoor Wireless Networking solution can scale to a few thousand mesh access points with a cluster of up to 24 controllers each with up to 16 multiple Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs). For large deployment, a Cisco 4400 Series controller can support up to 100 Cisco Aironet 1520 mesh access points. Capacity in a mesh network can be increased conveniently by adding the mesh access points at the edge of the network or by configuring more rooftop access points in the network. As with all large scale deployments, a professional site survey is required to determine the optimal number of access points required for best performance.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 is designed specifically for outdoor environments. It features antenna connectors for extended range or coverage versatility and more flexible installation options. In outdoor municipal wireless applications, for example, network operator can place Cisco Aironet 1522 mesh access points on buildings, or mount them on lamp posts, cable strands, and antenna towers connected with a wired connection. Several uplink connectivity options such as Gigabit Ethernet, fiber, and cable are supported on the Cisco Aironet 1522. This provides flexibility for deploying the mesh access point anywhere in the community. The access point without wired connection will use the 5-GHz radio to wirelessly connect to the other mesh access point.

The metal housing enclosure of the Cisco Aironet 1522 provides the rugged and extended operating temperature range required in harsh outdoor, hazardous environments such as oil fields and mining pits (optional, specific part numbers are required). The rugged enclosure allows the mesh access point to maximize network uptime, remaining available and reliable even in severe weather conditions.

With the 802.3af compliant PoE feature, mesh access points can connect to other IP devices such as video surveillance cameras and IP sensors. This allows easy and quick deployment of mission-critical monitoring applications at locations where infrastructure does not exists. Video cameras and monitor sensors can take advantage of the mesh access point to connect to the network, and data can be transmitted via secure Wi-Fi. With internal battery power backup, the mesh access point will continue to function reliably even when the power is temporarily down. This allows the network operator to continue to monitor any incident while the power is being restored.

Table 1 describes the features and benefits of Cisco Aironet 1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points.

Feature	Benefit
Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP)	• Forms a wireless mesh network between nodes. • Designed specifically for a multiradio platform to handle acute environmental interference as well as self-interference, optimizing • Dynamically optimizes traffic routes between nodes for high network resiliency and high system capacity. • Self-heals from interference or outages, reducing management costs. • Optimal Parent Selection scans all available channels to ensure that the mesh optimizes network capacity. • Exclusion listing provides an advance intelligence at the access point to exclude as a parent any access point through which a link to the controller cannot be established.
Bridging	• Bridges remote networks over wireless in a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configuration, eliminating leased lines or providing an alternative backhaul. • Allows remote peripherals, such as security cameras, to be bridged to the network. • Wireless link-distance adjustment allows the 802.11 protocols to be tuned for optimal performance over extended bridging distances.
Flexible, integrated dual-radio	• Dual-radio option provides separate channels for the mesh infrastructure and client access, enabling pico-cell design, minimizing system interference, and delivering high system capacity. • Complies with 802.11a and 802.11b/g standards for interoperability with any Wi-Fi-compliant client. • Supports optional wireless backhaul over the 4.9-GHz band for reduced interference for public safety licensees. • Single, integrated design simplifies deployment and management.
Standards-based LWAPP	• Centralizes functions of wireless LANs at Cisco wireless LAN controllers to enable intelligent, system-level device and RF management, security, and mobility across and between subnets. • Provides a consistent WLAN architecture between indoor and outdoor deployments. • Managed through easy-to-use and intuitive interfaces on Cisco wireless LAN controllers and Cisco WCS software.
Security	• X.509 digital certification prevents unauthorized devices from joining the wireless mesh network. • Hardware-based AES encrypts access-point-to-access-point traffic to help ensure privacy. • The Cisco wireless LAN controllers define the security policy for centralized applications. • Supports 802.11i, WPA2, and WPA standard security authentication and encryption for interoperability with any Wi-Fi-compliant client. Supported EAP types include subscriber identity module (SIM),Protected EAP (PEAP), Transport Layer Security (TLS), Tunneled Transport Layer Security (TTLS), and Cisco LEAP. • EAP / PSK is supported for mutual authentication between mesh access point nodes
Zero-touch configuration deployment	• Allows access points to securely join the wireless mesh network without needing to be configured on site at installation, reducing deployment costs. • Simplifies installations of new mesh access point when Bridge Group Names (BGN) are used.
Radio Resource Management (RRM)	• Interoperates with software at the controller to create an intelligent RF plane for self-configuration, self-healing, and self-optimization. • Detects interference from existing, unrelated WLAN access points and adjusts the RF parameters to optimize network performance.
Quality of Service	• Support for 802.11e Wi-Fi Multimedia (WMM) provides quality of service and seamless roaming for high-priority traffic such as voice or video. • Provides differentiated services for high-priority traffic. • Enables public safety and enterprise voice over IP (VoIP) and video applications.
Multiple Basic Service Set Identifiers (BSSIDs)	• 16 BSSIDs allow multiple virtual WLANs for different user types, such as public access, municipal services, police, or fire departments, and also enable wholesale business models.
Uplink options: • Cable Modem DOCSIS 2.0 with Cable Power Supply • Fiber Interface with 100BaseBX SFP • 1000BT Gig Ethernet	• Provides a flexible, cost-effective, and speedy deployment using various uplink connectivity options.
Internal battery backup option	Increased availability and reliability of network during power outages.
802.3af compliant Power over Ethernet (PoE) out	Provides flexibility and speedy deployment of IP devices in the field that connect to the mesh access point
Rugged Enclosure	Maximizes network uptime through reliability in severe weather conditions, including rain, lightning, wind and vibration from storms or road traffic.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 is ideal for outdoor wireless deployments, scaling from enterprise extensions of indoor wireless LANs to metropolitan-sized deployments. It supports a dual-radio configuration that enables pico-cell designs to deliver high system. Cisco's Adaptive Wireless Path Protocol (AWPP), designed specifically for wireless environments, provides dynamic path optimization and self-healing capabilities, making the Cisco Aironet 1522 easy to use and minimizing management costs.

The Cisco Aironet 1522 is part of the innovative Cisco Unified Wireless Network. It works with Cisco wireless LAN controllers and Cisco WCS to enable centrally, at a systems level, all management, security, and mobility services capabilities. This allows the network to smoothly operate across the indoor and outdoor wireless LAN.

Cisco Aironet 1522 Lightweight Outdoor Mesh Access Points deliver industry-leading performance for wireless mesh networking.

Table 2 lists specifications for the Cisco Aironet 1522.

Item	Specification
Wireless standards	Dual-radio configuration • 802.11a • 802.11b/g
Media Access Protocol	• Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
Data rates and modulation	• 802.11a: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) • 802.11b: 11, 5.5, 2, 1 Mbps, Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS) • 802.11g: 54, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 9, 6 Mbps, OFDM
Dual-radio option-Frequency band and operating channels	Regulatory version	802.11a	802.11b/g
	-A	5.250-5.350 GHz 3 channels 5.470-5.725 GHz 8 channels 5.725-5.850 GHz 5 channels 4.940-4.990 GHz 7 channels (2 non-overlapping channels)	2.412-2.462 GHz 11 channels ( 3 non-overlapping channels)
	-C	5.725-5.850 GHz 5 channels	2.412-2.472 GHz 13 channels
	-E	5.470-5.725 GHz 11 channels	2.412-2.472 GHz 13 channels
	-K	5.250-5.350 GHz 3 channels 5.470-5.630 GHz 7 channels	2.412-2.472 GHz 13 channels
	-N	5.725-5.850 GHz 5 channels	2.412-2.462 GHz 11 channels (3 non-overlapping channels)
	-P	4.910-5.090 GHz 6 channels	2.412-2.484 GHz 14 channels
	-S	5.725-5.850 GHz 5 channels	2.412-2.472 GHz 13 channels
	-T	5.470-5.725 GHz 11 channels 5.725-5.850 GHz 5 channels	2.412-2.462 GHz 11 channels (3 non-overlapping channels)
Transmit power (Maximum transmit power will vary by channel, data rate, and individual country regulations)	Maximum: • 2.4 GHz: 28 dBm • 4.9 GHz: 20 dBm • 5.8 GHz: 28 dBm
Receive sensitivity (typical)	802.11a 6 Mbps: -91 dBm 9 Mbps: -90 dBm 12 Mbps: -89 dBm 18 Mbps: -86 dBm 24 Mbps: -84 dBm 36 Mbps: -80 dBm 48 Mbps: -76 dBm 54 Mbps: -73 dBm	802.11b 1 Mbps: -96 dBm 2 Mbps: -96 dBm 5.5 Mbps: -95dBm 11 Mbps: -92 dBm	802.11g with MRC 1 Mbps: -96 dBm 2 Mbps: -96 dBm 5.5 Mbps: -95 dBm 6 Mbps: -91 dBm 9 Mbps: -91 dBm 11 Mbps: -92 dBm 12 Mbps: -91 dBm 18 Mbps: -90 dBm 24 Mbps: -89 dBm 36 Mbps: -86 dBm 48 Mbps: -80 dBm 54 Mbps: -80 dBm
Network interface	• 802.3u 10/100 Ethernet, autosensing • Fiber SFP; single strand, single-mode fiber • Cable (DOCSIS 2.0 Standard)
Networking features	• 16 Basic SSIDs • HTTP Webpage redirect
Management	• LWAPP-based • Managed by Cisco wireless LAN controller and Cisco Wireless Control System
Security	Wireless bridging/mesh • X.509 digital certificates • MAC address authentication • Hardware-assisted AES encryption Wireless access • 802.11i • 802.1X authentication, including EAP-PEAP, EAP-TLS, EAP-TTLS, Cisco LEAP • Hardware-assisted AES, WPA, Temporal Key Integrity Protocol-Message Identity Check (TKIP-MIC) encryption • VPN pass-through • IP Security (IPsec), Layer 2 Tunneling Protocol (L2TP) • MAC address filtering
Compliance	Safety • UL 60950 • CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950 • IEC 60950 • EN 60950 Radio approvals • FCC Part 15.247, 90.210 • FCC Bulletin OET-65C • RSS-210 • RSS-102 • AS/NZS 4268.2003 EMI and susceptibility • FCC part 15.107, 15.109 • ICES-003 • EN 55022
Dimensions	12.0 in x 7.8 in x 6.4 in. (30.48 cm x 19.81 cm x 16.26 cm) (including antenna mount)
Weight	14 lbs (6.35 kg)
Operating temperature	-40 to 55＜C (-40 to 131＜F) plus Solar Loading
Storage temperature	-50 to 85＜C (-58 to 185＜F)
Environmental ratings	• IP67 • NEMA 4X
Wind resistance	• Up to 100 MPH sustained winds • Up to 165 MPH wind gusts
Hazardous Safety Rating	• Class 1, Zone 2 / Div 2 (optional, see specific part numbers)
Federal compliance	• FIPS 140 - 2 certifiable
Immunity	• <= 5 mJ for 6kV/3kA @ 8/20 ms waveform • ANSI/IEEE C62.41 • EN61000-4-5 Level 4 AC Surge Immunity • EN61000-4-4 Level 4 Electrical Fast Transient Burst Immunity • EN61000-4-3 Level 4 EMC Field Immunity • EN61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD Immunity • EN60950 Overvoltage Category IV
Power options	• 90 - 480 VAC, 47-63 Hz • Power over Ethernet: 48 VDC, +/-10 percent • 12 VDC • 40-90 VAC quasi square wave; Power over Cable (PoC)