Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual-Band Indoor Wireless Access Point

The Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual-Band Indoor Wireless Access Point is engineered for the modern enterprise, delivering the speed, reliability, and security needed to support dense workspaces, smart offices, classrooms, healthcare facilities, and retail environments. This Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point combines advanced radio technologies with a scalable management framework to optimize every connected device, from laptops and smartphones to IoT sensors and video collaboration systems. Built to simplify deployment and minimize operational overhead, the 9117AXI helps you unlock higher user satisfaction, improved application performance, and stronger protection against evolving security threats—without sacrificing ease of use or control.

• Unmatched speed and efficiency with Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, enabling higher aggregate throughput and improved per-user performance. The 9117AXI supports multi-user MIMO and OFDMA, which expand capacity in crowded environments, reduce contention, and deliver smoother experiences for latency‑sensitive apps like video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and cloud-based desktops. In real-world deployments, this means more devices can connect confidently, with fewer drops and consistent service levels even during peak hours.
• Dual-band design for reliability and flexibility, offering simultaneous operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands. This enables better separation of legacy devices from newer clients and provides a resilient foundation for roaming users. With intelligent band steering, airtime fairness, and dynamic channel selection, the Catalyst 9117AXI minimizes interference, maximizes coverage, and ensures critical applications stay responsive across the workspace.
• Enterprise-grade security and policy enforcement to protect users and data. The 9117AXI supports modern encryption standards and secure provisioning workflows, helping organizations meet stringent regulatory requirements. Features such as secure device onboarding, centralized authentication, and scalable access controls empower IT teams to enforce consistent security policies while maintaining a seamless user experience.
• Scalable management and seamless integration within the Cisco Catalyst ecosystem. This access point is designed for centralized lifecycle management through Cisco DNA Center and compatible controllers, enabling zero-touch provisioning, automated firmware updates, and simplified monitoring. As your network grows, the 9117AXI expands capacity without sacrificing visibility, analytics, or control, making it ideal for large campuses, multi-building deployments, and evolving hybrid environments.
• Flexible indoor deployment with practical installation options and power efficiency. The 9117AXI supports straightforward mounting on ceilings or walls and is designed for indoor environments where aesthetics and unobtrusive placement matter. Power over Ethernet (PoE) support reduces cabling complexity and installation costs, while energy‑efficient radio operation helps lower total cost of ownership without compromising coverage or performance.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual-Band Indoor Wireless Access Point

• Product type: Indoor wireless access point designed for enterprise deployment
• Wireless standards: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax/d/h/i
• Radio bands: Dual-band operation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Maximum throughput: Up to 5 Gbps aggregate wireless data rate
• Security features: Enterprise-grade encryption and secure provisioning to support large-scale deployments
• Management: Cisco DNA Center-ready with centralized management, analytics, and policy enforcement
• Power and connectivity: PoE/PoE+ capable for flexible installation; supports standard Ethernet uplink

How to install Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual-Band Indoor Wireless Access Point

• Plan your deployment with a site survey or heat map to identify high-density areas and optimize placement for uniform coverage. Consider ceiling or high-wall mounting locations to maximize line-of-sight to client devices and minimize obstructions. Prepare a clear ceiling or wall route for cabling and ensure your PoE switch or controller can provide sufficient power and bandwidth to meet anticipated client load.
• Mount the AP securely using the included hardware, choosing a location that balances performance, aesthetics, and accessibility for management. Ensure appropriate clearance around the device for cooling and for future maintenance or firmware updates. If you’re integrating with existing Cisco infrastructure, align the AP with your controller or DNA Center domain to simplify adoption and policy application.
• Connect the device to a PoE-enabled switch or power injector and verify physical connections. Confirm link status and color indicators on the unit, and use your network management tool to verify that the AP appears in the inventory and is ready for adoption. Enable appropriate VLANs and IP addressing to ensure smooth onboarding and traffic routing.
• Adopt and configure the AP through your Cisco management platform. Create SSIDs aligned with your security posture (for example, separate corporate and guest networks), apply appropriate authentication methods, and tune radio settings (bandwidth, channel width, power) to balance performance and coverage. Enable security features, guest access controls, and policy-based controls to enforce device and user access across the network.
• Validate coverage and performance after deployment. Run throughput and latency tests, check roaming behavior as clients move between APs, and monitor device health through the management console. Plan for periodic firmware updates and ongoing optimization based on analytics and user feedback to sustain peak performance and security posture over time.

Frequently asked questions

• What environments is the Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI best suited for? It is designed for indoor enterprise spaces that require high-density wireless coverage, such as large offices, conference centers, classrooms, healthcare facilities, and retail spaces. The device’s Wi‑Fi 6 capabilities and advanced management features help ensure reliable connectivity for multiple devices and bandwidth-intensive applications in busy environments.
• Does the 9117AXI support PoE power delivery? Yes. The access point supports Power over Ethernet (PoE or PoE+) for flexible, cable-efficient installation, reducing the need for separate power sources and simplifying deployment in ceilings, walls, or shared spaces.
• Is this AP compatible with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst management tools? Absolutely. The 9117AXI is designed for centralized management through Cisco DNA Center and compatible Catalyst controllers, enabling streamlined provisioning, policy enforcement, firmware updates, and rich analytics across the wireless fabric.
• What wireless standards does it support? It supports a broad range of standards, including 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, along with the d/h/i specifications that enhance coverage of legacy devices while delivering the efficiency and capacity benefits of Wi‑Fi 6 for modern clients.
• Can I use this AP for guest networks and secure corporate access? Yes. The device is built to support segmented networks with multiple SSIDs, robust authentication options, and policy controls that help protect corporate resources while offering secure, convenient guest access.
• How do I ensure optimal performance after installation? Regularly monitor client distribution, run site surveys if coverage gaps appear, adjust radio settings to minimize interference, and keep firmware up to date through your management console to benefit from performance enhancements and security patches.