Cisco Aironet AP2802E Wireless Access Point — IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2, 1.30 Gbps

Engineered for large, distributed enterprises that demand robust, scalable Wi‑Fi, the Cisco Aironet AP2802E is a cornerstone of modern network design. This access point is built to take full advantage of IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2, delivering faster, more reliable wireless performance across crowded campuses, multi‑story office buildings, and hospitality environments. With the AP2802E, organizations gain the flexibility to deploy at scale, simplify management, and future‑proof their wireless infrastructure as user devices and applications evolve. Whether you’re expanding coverage city‑wide or consolidating multiple locations, this Cisco Aironet AP2802E blends enterprise‑grade reliability with streamlined installation and powerful security features.

• The Cisco Aironet AP2802E supports IEEE 802.11ac Wave 2, enabling higher throughput, improved user experience, and more efficient spectrum use for dense client populations. Its design focuses on delivering strong performance in challenging environments, such as large offices, conference spaces, and high‑density areas where many devices connect simultaneously.
• Designed for large enterprises, the AP2802E provides flexible deployment options with ceiling or wall mounting and compatibility with centralized controllers or cloud‑based management. This versatility helps IT teams optimize coverage while maintaining consistent security and policy enforcement across locations.
• Security and guest access are baked into the platform, offering enterprise‑grade encryption, secure onboarding, and granular access controls. With support for modern authentication and authorization methods, organizations can safeguard sensitive data while delivering seamless user experiences for staff and visitors alike.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) power input and efficient hardware design simplify installation by reducing cable runs and eliminating bulky, dedicated power supplies. This enables rapid site surveys, quicker rollouts, and easier upgrades during future network refresh cycles.
• Management and analytics are integrated with Cisco’s robust ecosystem. From on‑premises Wireless LAN Controllers to cloud‑based services and Cisco DNA Center, the AP2802E aligns with existing infrastructure, helping IT teams monitor performance, apply policy, and optimize network operations in real time.

Technical Details of Cisco Aironet AP2802E

Technical specifications for the Cisco Aironet AP2802E are designed to deliver dependable performance in demanding environments. While exact figures should be verified against the supplier’s specifications and official Cisco documentation for your UPC or SKU, the AP2802E is widely recognized for combining wave 2 capabilities with enterprise‑grade features that support scalable, secure wireless networks.

• IEEE standards: 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wave 2 compatibility to support legacy devices while enabling high‑throughput wireless connections on current client devices.
• Aggregate data rate: The AP2802E delivers up to about 1.3 Gbps of combined wireless throughput, enabling fast file transfers, smooth video conferencing, and responsive application performance in busy environments.
• Radio architecture: Dual‑band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to balance coverage and capacity, with advanced antenna techniques to optimize signal quality and client‑to‑AP performance.
• Security: Enterprise‑grade security features including robust encryption, 802.1X authentication, and flexible guest access control to protect networks from unauthorized access.
• Management: Compatible with Cisco Wireless LAN Controllers and Mobility Express for standalone deployment, with options to scale to Cisco DNA Center or other cloud‑based management platforms as the network grows.
• Power and mounting: PoE (and related standards) support for easy installation, with ceiling or wall mounting options to fit architectural requirements and optimize coverage.
• Deployment environment: Engineered for dense user populations and high client density scenarios, with features designed to reduce interference, improve airtime efficiency, and maintain stable performance under load.

How to Install Cisco Aironet AP2802E

• Plan placement for optimal coverage by evaluating ceiling heights, furniture layout, and potential interference sources. For best results, mount the AP2802E at a central location on the ceiling or high on a wall, ensuring line‑of‑sight coverage in problem areas and corridors while avoiding obstructions that could degrade performance.
• Prepare power and connectivity by connecting the AP2802E to a PoE switch or injector. PoE simplifies wiring, reduces the need for nearby electrical outlets, and accelerates installation across multiple sites.
• Adopt a deployment model: use a Cisco Wireless LAN Controller (WLC) for centralized management and policy enforcement, or configure Mobility Express for a standalone, management‑friendly solution in smaller environments or branch offices.
• Configure essential wireless settings, including SSIDs, security policies (WPA2‑Enterprise recommended), and guest access options. Align SSID design with your organization’s network segmentation strategy to separate corporate traffic from guest connectivity securely.
• Conduct a site survey and performance validation. After deployment, verify signal strength in critical areas, assess roaming behavior, and tune channel assignments to minimize interference and optimize airtime efficiency. Use controller analytics and monitoring tools to maintain performance over time.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the maximum theoretical data rate of the AP2802E? The AP2802E supports up to approximately 1.3 Gbps of combined wireless throughput, depending on client capability, channel width, and network conditions.
• Does the AP2802E support MU‑MIMO? Yes. As a Wave 2 access point, it includes technologies designed to improve capacity and efficiency in environments with many concurrent clients.
• What mounting options are available? The unit is designed for ceiling or wall installation, with antenna flexibility to optimize coverage across rooms and corridors.
• Is PoE required for operation? PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) is supported, enabling streamlined installation and centralized power management from compatible switches or injectors.
• Can I manage the AP2802E in the cloud? Yes. The AP supports Cisco’s traditional centralized controllers and mobility options, and is compatible with Cisco DNA Center and other cloud‑based management approaches for scalable, policy‑driven administration.