As 1550s APs go end-of-sale in March 2016, two model series are available to choose from Cisco Outdoor portfolio: full-feature 1570 and compact  1530. The latter in turn has two options:

● 15 30I: 3×3 MIMO with 3 spatial streams (2.4 GHz) and 2×3 MIMO with 2 spatial streams (5 GHz)

● 1530E: 2×2 MIMO with 2 spatial streams (2.4 GHz) and 2×2 MIMO with 2 spatial streams (5 GHz)

(1570 has 4×4 MIMO with 3 spatial streams)

The obvious benefit of 1530 is it’s compact and easy-to-mount design. We have just received one which we are going to install on a bus stop in order to provide internet service for waiting passengers. For this installation we chose the one with internal antennas.

I have decided to post some photos of the AP just in case anyone wants to see it closer. In my opinion it looks very nice.

Notice two ports named LAN and PoE. They are for daisy-chaining two APs (when one AP provides wired Ethernet to another). Here is a plug used to seal the network cable (copper is the only option):

My advice for everyone who acquiring this AP model to consider AIR-ACC1530-PMK2= mount kit that has tilt mechanism so you can direct the AP as needed. The one that comes by default suits you if you want to mount it on a pole vertically. As always – check the radiation pattern.

More detailed information can be found in Deployment Guide, provided by Cisco.