Higher bandwidth, unified license: Cisco's new Wi-Fi 7 access points

Cisco has introduced the new Catalyst 9176 and Catalyst 9178 WLAN access points, which deliver Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and IoT sensor technology. The manufacturer is also changing the licensing model at the insistence of customers and completing the integration of the on-premises and cloud management product lines.

A key feature of the new devices is support for Wi-Fi 7, which, according to the manufacturer, offers significantly higher bandwidths of theoretically up to 23 Gbit/s for the 9176 and 24 Gbit/s for the 9178. A key feature of Wi-Fi 7 is Multi-Link Operation (MLO), which enables devices to communicate simultaneously via multiple channels. This is intended to reduce interference, increase the reliability of the connection and reduce latency times. However, Cisco does not currently specify which of the many MLO variants are supported. The answer to an inquiry from the iX editorial team is still pending.

Hardware details of the 9176 and 9178 models

The Catalyst 9176 is equipped with three radio modules that support a total of 12 spatial streams (4x4 MU-MIMO). The advanced features include 4K QAM, preamble puncturing for 320 MHz channels and support for OFDMA (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access). The model also offers an ultra-wideband (UWB) function for location determination with an accuracy of less than one meter and a 10 GbE uplink. It also includes a GNSS/GPS chip to automatically apply each country's regulatory requirements for frequency usage, as well as a power-saving mode to turn off antennas when they are not needed.

The model is equipped with a USB 2.0 port that enables so-called app hosting, i.e. the provision of containers on the access point. One application for this is the integrated provision of a ThousandEyes agent for network monitoring and fault diagnosis.

The 9178-AP is equipped with four radios and a total of 16 spatial streams to meet the need for high bandwidth and network stability in large environments. The AP offers 2x10GbE uplinks and is equipped with a built-in position sensor to enable continuous verification of the installation after deployment.

The Catalyst 9176 series is available in two variants: 9176I with omnidirectional antennas and 9176D1 with directional antennas, such as those used in stadiums. Both models support 802.3bt Cisco UPOE (Universal Power over Ethernet) for power supply, while 802.3af PoE is only sufficient for the configuration without antennas. There is also a BLE 5.3 function for location determination in both access points.

The Catalyst 9176 models are equipped with 4096 MByte DRAM and 16 GByte flash memory onboard. The manufacturer has not yet provided any information on MACSec support, which competitors now offer.

On-premises or cloud

Both models offer an initial self-configuration ex works to identify whether they are operated on-premises or in the cloud, which should simplify and speed up installation. Device profiling is also integrated, which automatically detects and categorizes devices based on their behaviour in the network. The manufacturer calls this feature AI-native. How much AI is really behind it remains to be seen.

The access points support both the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controller and Meraki Cloud Management, which provides administrators with various management options. The manufacturer is taking the standardization of on-premises and cloud even further. The access points should require a uniform Cisco Networking Subscription for cloud and on premises instead of a dedicated DNA subscription for on premises or a Meraki Cloud Management Subscription. This should be exciting for existing customers who are already using one of the two Cisco technologies and are thinking about switching.

Cisco has also changed its strategy for the new devices and now only provides a single SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) worldwide instead of offering different models for different regions. This standardization is intended to simplify both the provision and management of the devices for global companies. According to Cisco, the new access points will be available to order from November 2024 and the first devices will be delivered in December 2024.

(dahe)