Controllerless Networks

We've recently refreshed one of our schools with all AP-515 access points.  Due to the type of ceiling we had no choice but to mount them on the wall (bracket R3J18A).   Depending on the room, each AP could be mounted on a different wall inside the classroom (mostly near hallway facing in the classroom).  They've been online for 6+ months we have not been able to identify an problems with RF. Clients seems to be happy. However, we have been looking at purchasing Oberon wall right-angle mounts for all this building.   
Does the orientation matter that much and should we be looking looking to invest in right-angle mounts?

Thanks.

Yes orientation will change the coverage pattern on the AP-515. The 515 has internal down tilt omnidirectional antennas. Meaning the signal is mostly down out the sides.

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Dustin Burns

Lead Mobility Engineer @Worldcom Exchange, Inc.

ACCX 1271| ACMX 509| ACSP | ACDA | MVP Guru 2022
If my post was useful accept solution and/or give kudos
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"Built-in antennas are optimized for horizontal ceiling mounted orientation of the AP. The downtilt angle for maximum gain is roughly 30 degrees"
you can refer to the datasheets for more details on the antenna pattern plots. it means that single coverage directly at the back of he AP is minimal.


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Any opinions expressed here are solely my own and not necessarily that of Hewlett Packard Enterprise or Aruba.
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Original Message:
Sent: Nov 11, 2022 02:00 PM
From: Dustin Burns
Subject: AP-515 mount orientation in classrooms

Yes orientation will change the coverage pattern on the AP-515. The 515 has internal down tilt omnidirectional antennas. Meaning the signal is mostly down out the sides.

------------------------------
Dustin Burns

Lead Mobility Engineer @Worldcom Exchange, Inc.

ACCX 1271| ACMX 509| ACSP | ACDA | MVP Guru 2022
If my post was useful accept solution and/or give kudos
------------------------------

The AP-515 has polarization diversity and for indoor environments such as a classroom (as long as it's not an extraordinary large classroom) wall mounting should be fine. You will achieve coverage of the classroom the AP is in. Do take in to consideration that your strongest signal (the gain is horizontally biased for a ceiling mounted AP - so in your case it is stronger both vertically and within the 360º plane of the face of the AP) may be shooting both into the floor above and below if your classrooms are in a multi-level building.

I always prefer a ceiling mounted Access Point for indoor environments, especially schools. I am able to better plan and visualise (conceptually) how my signal propagates through the environment.

Maybe before an investment in brackets, if you haven't already done so, it would be useful to have some survey data from a tool like Ekahau. This would provide you more data to help evaluate whether or not the right angle brackets are worth the spend.

This is very helpful.. Thank you
Original Message:
Sent: Nov 14, 2022 05:11 PM
From: Matthew Sutherland
Subject: AP-515 mount orientation in classrooms

The AP-515 has polarization diversity and for indoor environments such as a classroom (as long as it's not an extraordinary large classroom) wall mounting should be fine. You will achieve coverage of the classroom the AP is in. Do take in to consideration that your strongest signal (the gain is horizontally biased for a ceiling mounted AP - so in your case it is stronger both vertically and within the 360º plane of the face of the AP) may be shooting both into the floor above and below if your classrooms are in a multi-level building.

I always prefer a ceiling mounted Access Point for indoor environments, especially schools. I am able to better plan and visualise (conceptually) how my signal propagates through the environment.

Maybe before an investment in brackets, if you haven't already done so, it would be useful to have some survey data from a tool like Ekahau. This would provide you more data to help evaluate whether or not the right angle brackets are worth the spend.