Cisco Aironet Active Sensor
A dedicated wireless network sensor designed for assuring optimal performance across the network

Notice: Discontinued Product

This unit has been discontinued and is no longer available for purchase. Please contact us for a replacement.

End of Sale (EOL): July 31, 2023

End of Support (EOS): July 31, 2028

For customers with active and paid service and support contracts, support will be available under the terms and conditions of customers' service contract.

Overview:

The Cisco Aironet Active Sensor is a dedicated wireless network sensor designed for assuring optimal performance across the network.

Aironet Active Sensor is a compact network sensor designed to monitor your wireless network.

With the Aironet Active Sensor, your IT department can simulate real-world client experiences so that it can validate wireless performance for critical venues and high-value locations such as conference halls and meeting rooms. Also, a scheduled test by the sensor helps make sure that your network can handle an influx of VIP clients so that they are able to have a smooth wireless experience free of drops and lag time. How does this device do all of this? Thanks to Cisco AirProbe, the Aironet Active Sensor can proactively test and accurately predict the user’s experience.

This means that your wireless network won’t be caught short when an increased number of devices connect to the network. You’ll already know how much bandwidth is available immediately before the event, and you can adjust accordingly.

Not only does the Active Sensor brilliantly simulate and predict wireless performance, but it’s also the perfect device for making sure that your network is running to its fullest potential. Using the Active Sensor, you can test your network with proactive monitoring capabilities. This capability allows you to learn about potential issues before it’s too late.

Only Cisco can provide high-fidelity insight at the ground level.

The Active Sensor can be plugged in anywhere. Other sensor products are often at ceiling level, sometimes providing IT with a less-than-accurate network assessment, since most clients are at eye level. When installed at the level where most mobile devices are apt to be, the Active Sensor allows for a better understanding and a more comprehensive simulation of real clients.

The Aironet Active Sensor is fully compliant with the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard and has full Cisco DNA Assurance support with Cisco DNA Center. It comes with multiple powering options:

Direct AC power plug
Power over Ethernet (PoE)
Micro USB power

The Aironet Active Sensor makes troubleshooting easier and enhances the context shown in Cisco DNA Assurance. Cisco DNA Assurance puts your data to work, gets 360-degree contextual insights across users, devices, and applications, and assures network performance with real-time and historical data analytics, to learn, adapt, and even detect problems before they happen.

Features and Benefits:

The Active Sensor supports reliable wireless connections that provide a robust, mobile end-user experience.

Feature	Benefit
802.11ac Wave 2 support	The Active Sensor can simulate clients that support 802.11ac Wave 2 and multiuser multiple-input multiple-output (MU-MIMO). MU-MIMO allows simultaneous data transmission to multiple Wave 2–capable clients to improve the client experience. Prior to MU-MIMO, 802.11n and 802.11ac Wave 1 access points could transmit data to only one client at a time. This was typically referred to as Single-User MIMO (SU-MIMO). The Active Sensor can also simulate clients that are 802.11ac Wave 1 compliant.
Integrated Bluetooth 4.1	Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 4.1 radio for location and asset tracking (future availability).

Technical Specifications:

Item	Specification
Authentication and security	Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) 802.1X, RADIUS Authentication, Authorization and Accounting (AAA) 802.11r 802.11i
Software	Cisco Unified Wireless Network Software with AireOS Wireless Controllers Release 8.5 or later and IOS-EX 16.12.1s or later
Maximum clients	Wireless network sensor acts as a client
802.11ac	2x2 single-user and multiuser MIMO with two spatial streams Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) 20-, 40-, and 80-MHz channels PHY data rates up to 866.7 Mbps (80 MHz on 5 GHz) Packet aggregation: A-MPDU (Tx/Rx), A-MSDU (Rx) 802.11 Dynamic Frequency Selection (DFS) Cyclic Shift Diversity (CSD) support
Ethernet ports	When AIR-MOD-POE is installed, provides backhaul capability to Cisco DNA Center
Bluetooth (future availability)	Integrated Bluetooth 4.1 (including BLE) radio Maximum transmit power: 4 dBm Antenna gain: 2 dBi
Data rates supported	802.11a: 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
	802.11b/g: 1, 2, 5.5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 54 Mbps
	802.11n data rates on 2.4 GHz:
	MCS Index¹		GI² = 800 ns				GI = 400 ns
	MCS Index¹		20-MHz Rate (Mbps)				20-MHz Rate (Mbps)
	0		6.5				7.2
	1		13				14.4
	2		19.5				21.7
	3		26				28.9
	4		39				43.3
	5		52				57.8
	6		58.5				65
	7		65				72.2
	8		13				14.4
	9		26				28.9
	10		39				43.3
	11		52				57.8
	12		78				86.7
	13		104				115.6
	14		117				130
	15		130				144.4
	802.11ac data rates on 5 GHz:
	MCS Index	Spatial Streams	GI = 800 ns				GI = 400 ns
			20-MHz Rate (Mbps)	40-MHz Rate (Mbps)	80-MHz Rate (Mbps)		20-MHz Rate (Mbps)	40-MHz Rate (Mbps)	80-MHz Rate (Mbps)
	0	1	6.5	13.5	29.3		7.2	15	32.5
	1	1	13	27	58.5		14.4	30	65
	2	1	19.5	40.5	87.8		21.7	45	97.5
	3	1	26	54	117		28.9	60	130
	4	1	39	81	175.5		43.3	90	195
	5	1	52	108	234		57.8	120	260
	6	1	58.5	121.5	263.3		65	135	292.5
	7	1	65	135	292.5		72.2	150	325
	8	1	78	162	351		86.7	180	390
	9	1	–	180	390		–	200	433.3
	0	2	13	27	58.5		14.4	30	65
	1	2	26	54	117		28.9	60	130
	2	2	39	81	175.5		43.3	90	195
	3	2	52	108	234		57.8	120	260
	4	2	78	162	351		86.7	180	390
	5	2	104	216	468		115.6	240	520
	6	2	117	243	526.5		130	270	585
	7	2	130	270	585		144.4	300	650
	8	2	156	324	702		173.3	360	780
	9	2	–	360	780		–	400	866.7
Maximum number of non-overlapping channels	A (A regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 8 channels (excludes 5.600 to 5.640 GHz) 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels B (B regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.720 GHz; 12 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels C (C regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels D (D regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels E (E regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 8 channels (excludes 5.600 to 5.640 GHz) F (F regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.745 to 5.805 GHz; 4 channels G (G regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.745 to 5.865 GHz; 7 channels H (H regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels I (I regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels				K (K regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.620 GHz; 7 channels 5.745 to 5.805 GHz; 4 channels N (N regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels Q (Q regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 11 channels R (R regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.660 to 5.700 GHz; 3 channels 5.745 to 5.805 GHz; 4 channels S (S regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.472 GHz; 13 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 11 channels 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels T (T regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.280 to 5.320 GHz; 3 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 8 channels (excludes 5.600 to 5.640 GHz) 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels Z (Z regulatory domain): 2.412 to 2.462 GHz; 11 channels 5.180 to 5.320 GHz; 8 channels 5.500 to 5.700 GHz; 8 channels (excludes 5.600 to 5.640 GHz) 5.745 to 5.825 GHz; 5 channels
Note: This varies by regulatory domain. Refer to the product documentation for specific details for each regulatory domain.
Available transmit power settings	2.4 GHz 20 dBm (100 mW) 17 dBm (50 mW) 14 dBm (25 mW) 11 dBm (12.5 mW) 8 dBm (6.25 mW) 5 dBm (3.13 mW) 2 dBm (1.56 mW) -1 dBm (0.78 mW)					5 GHz 20 dBm (100 mW) 17 dBm (50 mW) 14 dBm (25 mW) 11 dBm (12.5 mW) 8 dBm (6.25 mW) 5 dBm (3.13 mW) 2 dBm (1.56 mW) -1 dBm (0.78mW)
Note: The maximum power setting will vary by channel and according to individual country regulations. Refer to the product documentation for specific details.
Integrated antennas	2.4 GHz, gain 2 dBi 5 GHz, gain 3 dBi
Interfaces	1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T autosensing (RJ-45), PoE (optional with AIR-MOD-POE) Management console port (4-pin connector)
Indicators	Status LED indicates boot loader status, association status, operating status, boot loader warnings, boot loader errors
Dimensions (W x L x H)	Access point (without mounting bracket): 3.5 x 5.5 x 1.25 in (89 x 140 x 31.5 mm)
Weight	Access point without mounting bracket or any other accessories: 10 oz (280 g)
Environmental	Operating Temperature: 32° to 104°F (0° to 40°C) Humidity: 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Maximum altitude: 9843 ft (3000 m) @ 104°F (40°C) Nonoperating (storage and transportation) Temperature: -22° to 158°F (-30° to 70°C) Humidity: 10% to 90% (noncondensing) Maximum altitude: 15,000 ft (4500 m) @ 77°F (25°C)
System	256 MB DRAM 128 MB flash 710 MHz quad-core
Input power requirements	802.3af/at Ethernet switch AIR-MOD-AC-XX AIR-MOD-USB-XX
Powering options	8.5W (maximum)
Power draw	Kensington lock slot to lock device to mounting bracket
Physical security	Included with the access point: mounting bracket AIR-AP-BRACKET-NS or AIR-MOD-AC-XX
Mounting	AIR-MOD-POE for Ethernet and PoE powering AIR-MOD-AC-XX for direct electrical socket powering AIR-MOD-USB-XX for power via USB power source
Accessories	Cisco DNA Endpoint software subscription licenses are required for the Active Sensor AIR-DNA-EP-3Y – 3 Year Cisco DNA Endpoint license AIR-DNA-EP-5Y – 5 Year Cisco DNA Endpoint license AIR-DNA-EP-7Y – 7 Year Cisco DNA Endpoint license
Warranty	1-year limited hardware warranty
Compliance	Safety: UL 60950-1 CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60950-1 UL 2043 IEC 60950-1 EN 60950-1 Radio approvals: FCC Part 15.247, 15.407 RSS-247 (Canada) EN 300.328, EN 301.893 (Europe) ARIB-STD 66 (Japan) ARIB-STD T71 (Japan) EMI and susceptibility (Class B) FCC Part 15.107 and 15.109 ICES-003 (Canada) VCCI (Japan) EN 301.489-1 and -17 (Europe) IEEE standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g, 802.11n, 802.11h, 802.11d IEEE 802.11ac Security: 802.11i, WPA2, WPA 802.1X ◦ AES Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) types: EAP-Transport Layer Security (TLS) Protected EAP (PEAP) v0 or EAP-MSCHAPv2 EAP-Flexible Authentication via Secure Tunneling (FAST) Other: FCC Bulletin OET-65C RSS-102

Transmit Power and Receive Sensitivity:

		2.4 GHz Radio		5 GHz Radio
	Spatial streams	Total TX power (dBm)	RX sensitivity (dBm)	Total TX power (dBm)	RX sensitivity (dBm)
802.11/11b
1 Mbps	1	20	-98	NA	NA
11 Mbps	1	20	-89	NA	NA
802.11a/g
6 Mbps	1	20	-94	17	-94
24 Mbps	1	20	-87	20	-87
54 Mbps	1	20	-78	18	-78
802.11n HT20
MCS0	1	20	-93	20	-93
MCS4	1	20	-83	18	-82
MCS7	1	20	-75	16	-75
MCS8	2	20	-90	20	-90
MCS12	2	20	-80	18	-79
MCS15	2	20	-72	16	-72
802.11n HT40
MCS0	1	-	-	20	-90
MCS4	1	-	-	18	-79
MCS7	1	-	-	16	-72
MCS8	2	-	-	20	-87
MCS12	2	-	-	18	-76
MCS15	2	-	-	16	-69
802.11ac VHT20
MCS0	1	-	-	20	-93
MCS4	1	-	-	18	-82
MCS7	1	-	-	16	-75
MCS8	1	-	-	15	-71
MCS0	2	-	-	20	-90
MCS4	2	-	-	18	-79
MCS7	2	-	-	16	-72
MCS8	2	-	-	15	-68
802.11ac VHT40
MCS0	1	-	-	20	-90
MCS4	1	-	-	18	-79
MCS7	1	-	-	16	-72
MCS8	1	-	-	15	-68
MCS9	1	-	-	15	-66
MCS0	2	-	-	20	-87
MCS4	2	-	-	18	-76
MCS7	2	-	-	16	-69
MCS8	2	-	-	15	-65
MCS9	2	-	-	15	-63
802.11ac VHT80
MCS0	1	-	-	20	-87
MCS4	1	-	-	18	-77
MCS7	1	-	-	16	-69
MCS8	1	-	-	15	-65
MCS9	1	-	-	15	-63
MCS0	2	-	-	20	-84
MCS4	2	-	-	18	-74
MCS7	2	-	-	16	-66
MCS8	2	-	-	15	-62
MCS9	2	-	-	15	-60

Documentation:

Download the Cisco Aironet Active Sensor Datasheet (PDF).

Pricing Notes:

Pricing and product availability subject to change without notice.

Cisco Aironet Active Sensor A dedicated wireless network sensor designed for assuring optimal performance across the network