Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points for Catalyst 9800 and CW9800 controller networks

The Cisco Wi-Fi 7 range

Figures are Cisco's, from the Cisco and Meraki data sheets for each model (checked 8 Nov 2026):

The CW9171I "Operates in either 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz or 2.4 GHz and 6 GHz mode" (Cisco ordering guide) and suits lower-density rooms; the CW9172I and CW9172H are the mainstream 2x2 models; the CW9174 and CW9176 add 4x4 radios and 5G or 10G uplinks; the CW9178I and CW9179F are quad-radio models for the busiest spaces. Cisco lists the CW9179F under both indoor and outdoor models.

Cisco Wi-Fi 7 models and part numbers

Press Add next to a part number to put it in your basket. Where a subscription or support option goes with the hardware, you choose it in the same step and it goes into your basket with the hardware. Part numbers come from the vendor; we confirm each line, quantity and term when we quote.

Part numbers: -CFG, -RTG and global use

Cisco says: "Beginning with Wi-Fi 7 products, Cisco Wireless access points are global use access points. This means that you are no longer required to order using regulatory domain codes or management mode-specific part numbers." The same part number works in the UK and can run on premises or in the Meraki dashboard; Cisco's ordering guide adds that "Global use access points automatically onboard to the network management mode of choice, determining the physical locality upon install."

Most indoor models come as a -CFG (configurable) and a -RTG (ready to go) part number; the outdoor CW9177 models and the CW9179F use the bare model code. Codes ending ++ are Cisco's TAA-compliant variants, available on request. We confirm the right code for each line at quote.

Licences you order with each access point

Cisco's CW9172 data sheet states: "Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points, including the 9172 Series, require a Cisco Networking Subscription, either Cisco Wireless Essentials or Cisco Wireless Advantage licenses." So each AP goes into the basket with one of:

• LIC-CW-E: Cisco Wireless Essentials.
• LIC-CW-A: Cisco Wireless Advantage.

Both sit within the Cisco Networking Subscription (CISCO-NETWORK-SUB), where Cisco gives 36 months as the standard minimum term for a new subscription. Cisco describes its wireless software tiers like this: Essentials covers "basic automation, monitoring, and easy management", while Advantage adds "Policy-based automation with Cisco Software-Defined Access", "Assurance and AI network analytics" and "Location analytics with Cisco Spaces". A Cisco Smart Account is needed for the licences; we can set one up or link yours as part of the quote. Licence-only renewals are on softwarelicensing.uk (opens in a new tab).

What you order with it

Subscription and support part numbers for the hardware above. We confirm the right tier, term and quantity at quote.

Cisco Wireless Essentials or Advantage (Cisco Networking Subscription)

Controllers and management

On premises, Cisco Wi-Fi 7 access points join a Catalyst 9800 or CW9800 wireless controller. The CW9800L supports Wi-Fi 7 APs and up to 500 of them; the CW9800M up to 3,000; see Cisco wireless controllers for every model and the C9800 vs CW9800 comparison. The controller itself needs no licence to boot; the licence is per access point, as above.

For wired and wireless management, assurance and automation across the campus, add Cisco Catalyst Center. Cisco's Embedded Wireless Controller was a Wi-Fi 6 feature, so it is not an option for these models.

The same access points can also be managed from the Meraki dashboard; that route is on our sister store, see Meraki Wi-Fi 7 (opens in a new tab) on cloudnetworking.uk. Model codes in the table above link to the matching cloudnetworking.uk model page.

PoE, uplinks and 6 GHz

• Power: Cisco lists 30 W for full function on the CW9172I, 802.3bt Class 5 (32 W maximum) on the CW9172H, 802.3bt Class 5 (39 W maximum) on the CW9176I, 802.3bt Class 6 (45.1 W maximum) on the CW9177 outdoor models and 802.3bt Class 6 or UPOE (47 W maximum) on the CW9179F. The larger models run with some radios reduced on 802.3at PoE+. Cisco recommends the CW-INJ-8 injector where a switch port cannot supply enough.
• Uplinks: 2.5G mGig on the CW9171I and CW9172, 5G on the CW9174, 10G on the CW9176, two 10G ports on the CW9178I and CW9179F, and 10G copper plus an SFP+ port on the CW9177.
• 6 GHz: in countries where 6 GHz is not allowed, Cisco says "the 6-GHz radio will be disabled". The global-use APs set themselves up for the country they are installed in.

Multigigabit PoE switches to match are on Catalyst 9300 and managed PoE switches; the PoE budget guide has worked examples.

Injectors, mounts and accessories

Codes from Cisco's price list (8 Nov 2026), all orderable with no end-of-sale date:

External antennas for the CW9174E and CW9177E are chosen with the AP; we list the right antenna part numbers in your quote.

Replacing Catalyst 9100 Wi-Fi 6 access points

Cisco's end-of-sale notice EOL15855 gives 31 Dec 2026 as the last order date for the indoor C9105AX, C9115AX and C9130AX families, with support until 31 Dec 2031; the C9120AX reached end of sale early, in July 2026. Cisco's migration table names the Cisco Wireless 9176I for the C9120AXI and the 9174E for the C9120AXE. Current Wi-Fi 6 and 6E models are on Cisco access points.

Warranty

Cisco's terms for each model are in its data sheet (for example, Cisco lists an enhanced limited lifetime warranty for the CW9179F). These are Cisco's terms; any support we add is confirmed at quote.

How to order

How ordering works. Press Add next to a part number and it goes into your basket; where the hardware needs a subscription or support term, you pick it in the same step. Add mounts, injectors and accessories, then View basket and Request a quote. We check every line, quantity and term against your site and come back with a personalised quote by email. Nothing is charged online. We can also design, supply, stage, install and configure the wireless network as a project, with the scope confirmed at quote (see network installation).

Vendor sources

• Cisco Catalyst 9800 / wireless ordering guide (updated 26 Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco Wireless 9172 Series data sheet (updated 15 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco Wireless access points (opens in a new tab)