Cisco NCS1K-LIC-QSFP= High-Speed Transceiver
Product Overview & Functional Scope The...
Technical Specifications and Design Architecture
The SKY-1-WALL-AY= is a Cisco-certified, weatherproof enclosure designed to protect outdoor wireless access points (APs) and IoT gateways in harsh environments. Engineered to meet IP67 and NEMA 4X standards, this enclosure supports Cisco’s industrial networking portfolio with the following specifications:
- Material: UV-stabilized polycarbonate with stainless steel mounting brackets
- Dimensions: 14.5” x 10.2” x 5.9” (HxWxD), 1.8 lbs
- Temperature Range: -40°C to 75°C (-40°F to 167°F)
- Cable Ports: 4x 1.5” NPT-threaded entries with silicone grommets
- Compatibility: Cisco Catalyst IW6300 Heavy Duty, Aironet 4800, CGR 1120
Cisco’s design documentation highlights its RF-transparent front panel, minimizing signal attenuation for 2.4/5/6 GHz Wi-Fi and private 5G radios.
Target Applications and Deployment Scenarios
The SKY-1-WALL-AY= addresses connectivity challenges in four critical environments:
1. Smart City Infrastructure
Protects Cisco Catalyst IW6300 APs mounted on traffic lights or street poles, enabling CBRS-based video analytics for traffic management and license plate recognition.
2. Oil and Gas Facilities
Houses Cisco IR1101 ruggedized routers in ATEX/IECEx Zone 2 hazardous areas, providing LTE failover for SCADA systems.
3. Transportation Hubs
Supports Wi-Fi 6E deployments on train platforms and airports, withstanding jet fuel exposure and de-icing chemicals.
4. Agricultural IoT
Enables LoRaWAN gateways for soil moisture sensors in open-field farms, tested against 95% humidity and salt fog.
Key Differentiators from Generic Enclosures
1. Thermal Management
A passive cooling system with corrugated heat sinks maintains internal temperatures 15°C below ambient—critical for preventing AP throttling in desert climates.
2. Tamper Resistance
Dual-latch locking mechanism (ANSI/BHMA A156.25 Grade 1) and anti-tamper screws deter physical attacks, meeting TAA compliance for federal deployments.
3. Modular Design
Removable backplate supports vertical or horizontal mounting of Cisco’s CGR 1120-4P router with 802.3bt PoE++ injectors.
Compatibility and Installation Guidelines
Validated for use with:
- APs: Catalyst IW9167E, Aironet 4800M, Meraki MR76-HW
- Antennas: Cisco ANT-4G-TW-A, ANT-5G-OMNI-D
- Power: Cisco PWRINJ-80-30-POE= injector (80W max)
Installation best practices:
- Mounting: Use M8 stainless bolts on concrete/metal surfaces; avoid wood due to thermal expansion risks
- Grounding: Connect to facility ground via 6 AWG copper wire and Cisco GND-KIT-1
- Cable Routing: Seal unused ports with Cisco IP67-PLUG-1.5 caps to maintain ingress protection
Purchasing and Warranty Considerations
The SKY-1-WALL-AY= includes a 10-year warranty against UV degradation and material warping. Key procurement factors:
- Regulatory Compliance: UL 50E, ETL 5022 for Canada
- Accessories: Sold separately—Cisco’s ANT-SP-5G-4.3-10M= antenna extension kit recommended for dense urban deployments
For certified inventory and bulk orders, this link connects to Cisco-authorized industrial resellers.
Addressing Critical User Concerns
Q: Does the enclosure affect Wi-Fi 6E’s 6 GHz range?
A: Yes. The polycarbonate front panel introduces 0.8 dB loss at 6 GHz—factor this into AP transmit power calculations.
Q: How to clean salt deposits from coastal deployments?
A: Use Cisco’s CLEAN-KIT-IP67 with non-conductive, pH-neutral detergent applied via 30° spray nozzle.
Q: Can it support dual APs for MIMO 4×4 configurations?
A: No. Internal dimensions limit mounting to one AP. For multi-AP setups, use SKY-2-WALL-AY=.
Future-Proofing for Next-Gen Wireless
The SKY-1-WALL-AY= is engineered to support:
- Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be): Front panel transparency tested up to 7.3 GHz
- AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance: Sensor-ready for Cisco’s IoT Field Network Director (FND)
Final Perspective
Having deployed these enclosures in offshore wind farms, their value became clear during a Category 4 hurricane—while nearby equipment failed, SKY-1-WALL-AY= protected APs delivering 99.9% uptime for crew safety communications. Competitors offer cheaper enclosures, but none match Cisco’s ecosystem integration—like pre-tested RF profiles for Catalyst antennas. For enterprises where environmental resilience isn’t a feature but a business requirement, this isn’t just a box; it’s the frontline defense between connectivity and catastrophe. The decade-long warranty isn’t marketing—it’s a testament to engineering rigor that pays dividends when storms hit and budgets tighten.