Cisco Wireless Controllers At-a-Glance

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Updated:June 4, 2024

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Table of Contents

 

 

Cisco® Wireless Controller solutions

Whether your wireless controller needs are more on premises or you lean toward a software-based solution, Cisco has you covered.

      Simplify workflow by centralizing the configuration and management of your access points

      Optimize performance by improving network performance with automated failover and mitigation of radio interference

      Add flexibility by allowing you to choose between appliance-based on-premises solutions, private cloud or public cloud solutions

      Integrate security by uncovering threats and providing content filtering and security based on user ID and location

We know that a wireless network isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation, so Cisco has a solution for any type and size of network.

On-premises Wireless Controllers

Cisco Catalyst® CW9800M Wireless Controller: This robust 1RU device is ideal for medium-sized deployments, this wireless controller features 2 x 25 Gbps and 4 x 1/10 Gbps uplinks, supporting up to 3,000 APs and 32,000 clients with maximum throughput of up to 50 Gbps. The Catalyst CW9800M wireless controller showcases a performance boost of up to 53% and a reduction in power consumption of up to 18% compared to the Catalyst 9800-40.

Cisco Catalyst CW9800H1 Wireless Controller: Designed for large-scale deployments, this wireless controller features 4 x 25 Gbps and 8x 1/10 Gbps uplinks, supporting up to 6,000 APs and 64,000 clients with a maximum throughput of up to 100 Gbps. The Catalyst CW9800H1 is a 1RU device that offers up to a 36% increase in performance and up to 40% lower power usage compared to the Catalyst 9800-80.

Cisco Catalyst CW9800H2 Wireless Controller: Designed for large-scale deployments, this wireless controller features 2 x 40 Gbps and 8 x 1/10 Gbps uplinks, supporting up to 6,000 APs and 64,000 clients with a maximum throughput of up to 100 Gbps. The Catalyst CW9800H2 is a 1RU device that offers up to a 36% increase in performance and up to 40% lower power usage compared to the Catalyst 9800-80.

Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 Wireless Controller: Ideal for large organizations and service providers, the 9800-80 can be scaled through modular uplinks. Powered by Cisco IOS® XE, the Cisco Catalyst 9800-80 is the most secure wireless controller that is always on.

Cisco Catalyst 9800-40 Wireless Controller: Ideal for midsize organizations, the 9800-40 is powered by Cisco IOS XE and brings high availability and top-notch security to the wireless network.

Cisco Catalyst 9800-L Wireless Controller: Perfect for small and medium campus deployments and distributed branches. The Catalyst 9800-L is consistent with the features the that the other Catalyst 9800 controllers employ.

Software-based Wireless Controllers

Cisco Catalyst 9800-CL Wireless Controller for Cloud: Powered by Cisco IOS XE, the 9800-CL gives you the flexibility to deploy your wireless controller in a private or public cloud. It offers high scale, performance, and resiliency catering to distributed branches, medium-sized campuses, large enterprises, and service providers.

Cisco Embedded Wireless Controller on Catalyst 9100 Access Point: Puts control right on the AP, delivering an easy-to-deploy and manage Wi-Fi 6 network without a dedicated physical appliance. Powered by IOS XE, adds to the Catalyst 9800 family’s deployment options and provides a clear upgrade path as your network needs grow.

These controllers also support the newest Wi-Fi 6E Catalyst 9100 access points.

Cisco Services

Migrate, adopt, securely manage, and accelerate deployment of your Cisco Wireless Controllers. Our services experts and full lifecycle of advisory, implementation, optimization, technical, managed, and training services help you transition to advanced mobility solutions, while supporting the reliability and security of your wireless network for desired business outcomes.

Learn more about Cisco Services at https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/wireless/service-listing.html.

Next step

Learn more about Cisco Wireless Controllers.

 

 

 

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