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Product Overview and Design Intent
The HS-WL-980-C= is a ruggedized mounting solution designed for Cisco Catalyst IW6300 Heavy Duty and Meraki MR-HD access points in extreme environments. Engineered for industrial IoT (IIoT), oil/gas, and transportation sectors, it combines MIL-STD-810H durability with precision RF optimization. Key features include:
- Vibration damping: Reduces harmonic oscillations up to 7 Grms (10–2000 Hz)
- Corrosion-resistant 316L stainless steel construction (NACE MR-01-75 compliant)
- Tool-less AP retention via spring-loaded clamps for rapid field servicing
Technical Specifications and Compliance
Mechanical Properties
- Weight Capacity: 15.4 lbs (7 kg) with AP and external antennas
- Mounting Surfaces: Steel beams, concrete walls, poles (2”–8” diameter)
- Ingress Protection: IP66 (dust-tight, high-pressure water jet resistant)
Environmental Certifications
- Temperature Range: -50°C to 85°C (-58°F to 185°F)
- Hazardous Locations: Class I Div 2, ATEX Zone 2/22
- Salt Spray: 2,000-hour ASTM B117 compliance
Compatible Devices
- Catalyst: IW6300 Heavy Duty, IW9167D
- Meraki: MR-HD, MR86
- Aironet: 1552S (with AIR-ACC-1552S-ADPTR= kit)
Key Advantages Over Standard Mounts
Operational Reliability
- Galvanic Isolation: Prevents electrolytic corrosion between dissimilar metals
- Anti-Rattle Lock: Secures APs on vibrating machinery (e.g., wind turbines)
Signal Integrity
- Low-PIM Design: <-157 dBc for LTE/Wi-Fi coexistence in RF-dense areas
- Ground Plane Optimization: Minimizes VSWR to <1.5:1 across 2.4–6GHz bands
Regulatory Compliance
Eliminates need for external NEMA enclosures in harsh environments, cutting deployment costs by 40%.
Deployment Scenarios and Use Cases
Mining Operations
Mounts Catalyst IW6300 APs on tunnel boring machines withstanding 95% humidity and explosive dust.
Smart Grid Substations
Secures MR-HD APs on 138kV transformer racks while maintaining <3ms latency for SCADA systems.
Port Logistics
Survives saltwater exposure on cargo cranes, providing Wi-Fi 6 coverage for RFID tracking.
Installation Guidelines and Best Practices
Step 1: Surface Preparation
- Abrade mounting surface with 80-grit sandpaper to achieve 150 µin roughness for adhesive bonding.
Step 2: Bracket Assembly
- Attach vibration-damping pads to clamp arms using M8 bolts (45 Nm torque).
- Apply Cisco ARC-980 anti-seize compound on stainless-steel fasteners.
Step 3: RF Alignment
- Use Ekahau Sidekick to align AP azimuth within ±5° of target coverage area.
- Set antenna downtilt to 10°–15° for ground-level client optimization.
Performance Comparison: Industrial vs. Commercial Mounts
| Metric | HS-WL-980-C= (Industrial) | HS-WL-730-EC4-C= (Commercial) |
|---|---|---|
| Max Vibration | 7 Grms | 3 Grms |
| Temperature Tolerance | -50°C to 85°C | -40°C to 60°C |
| IP Rating | IP66 | IP42 |
| Deployment Time | 90 minutes | 45 minutes |
| 5-Year TCO | $2,100 | $850 |
Industrial mounts demand specialized labor but prevent 3x more downtime in harsh settings.
Common Deployment Challenges
Thermal Expansion
Use Cisco TSR-980 thermal spacers when mounting on carbon steel to prevent warping.
RF Interference
- Mitigation: Activate Cisco CleanAir 3.0 and set DFS channels manually
- Antenna Isolation: Maintain 4” vertical separation between dual-polarized antennas
Compatibility Issues
- Unsupported: Meraki MR46 (requires MR-HD adapter kit)
- Third-Party Antennas: Void warranty if gain exceeds 8 dBi
Procurement and Lifecycle Notes
The HS-WL-980-C= kit includes:
- 1x main bracket
- 4x M8 vibration-damping clamps
- 8x stainless steel cable glands
- 1x corrosion-resistant grounding strap
Cisco’s 5-Year Advanced Replacement Warranty applies only when installed with validated APs. For certified refurbished units, visit the [“HS-WL-980-C=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Critical User Questions Addressed
Q: Can it withstand chemical exposure in wastewater plants?
Yes—resists H2S, chlorine, and sulfuric acid at concentrations up to 5% pH.
Q: What’s the maintenance interval for lubrication?
Reapply Cisco LUB-980 grease every 18 months or 10K operating hours.
Q: Is painting allowed for camouflage in military apps?
Yes, using CARC-approved paints without exceeding 8 mil thickness.
Practical Implementation Insights
The HS-WL-980-C= is indispensable for extreme environments but overengineered for standard offices. Its 15.4 lbs capacity enables dual-AP deployments on mobile equipment—critical for autonomous mining trucks—but adds unnecessary cost in warehouses. For industries facing OSHA/NEC compliance audits, it’s non-negotiable; for others, commercial mounts paired with environmental enclosures offer flexibility. Always conduct a 72-hour salt spray test during piloting—real-world corrosion often outpaces lab simulations.