Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual Band Indoor Wireless Access Point with 5 Gbit/s Throughput

The Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI Dual Band Wireless Access Point is engineered to power enterprise networks that demand reliability, security, and scale. Designed for indoor deployments across campuses, conference facilities, hotel lobbies, and large office spaces, this access point delivers Wi-Fi 6 performance with backward compatibility for legacy devices. Built to support a dense client landscape, the 9117AXI integrates seamlessly with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, policy automation, and real-time analytics, turning complex wireless operations into simple, hands-off administration. With a robust feature set that includes OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, fast roaming, and advanced RF optimization, organizations can support high user density, bandwidth-intensive applications, and a growing ecosystem of IoT devices without sacrificing security or reliability.

At its core, the 9117AXI brings together dual-band operation, enterprise-grade security, and flexible deployment options. The access point is purpose-built to handle diverse workloads—from high-definition video conferencing and real-time collaboration to sensor networks and smart building devices. Its multi‑gigabit uplink capability enables fast wired backhaul to keep pace with wireless demand, while its intelligent Radio Frequency (RF) management minimizes interference and ensures consistent coverage across large areas. In addition to performance, Cisco’s emphasis on security—through robust encryption, secure provisioning, and policy-driven access—helps IT teams safeguard sensitive data without compromising user experience. In short, the Catalyst 9117AXI is a future-ready solution that scales with your organization’s needs while delivering a reliable, secure, and high-performance wireless experience.

• Wi‑Fi 6 performance with backward compatibility: Supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, delivering modern Wi‑Fi 6 capabilities while maintaining compatibility with older devices to protect existing investments.
• High-efficiency operation for dense environments: Built with OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and Target Wake Time (TWT) to maximize throughput and minimize airtime, ensuring smooth performance even in crowded spaces.
• Dual-band operation for flexible deployments: Simultaneous 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz radios enable optimized client association, better spectrum utilization, and predictable performance for a mix of devices and applications.
• Enterprise-grade security and policy control: Includes advanced encryption, secure boot, 802.1X authentication, and seamless integration with Cisco security and policy platforms for consistent protection across the network.
• Flexible, future-ready connectivity: Multi-gig Ethernet uplink with PoE support and simple integration with Cisco DNA Center for zero-touch provisioning, centralized management, and scalable automation.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI

• Standards and compatibility: IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax with 802.11d/h/i support for regulatory domain handling; dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) to maximize compatibility and performance across devices.
• Wireless throughput: Up to 5 Gbps aggregate wireless throughput, enabling fast access for bandwidth-intensive applications such as high‑definition video, virtual meetings, and real-time collaboration.
• Radio and antennas: Internally mounted antennas with support for modern radio features—OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and beamforming—to improve coverage quality and capacity in crowded environments.
• Uplink and port configuration: Multi‑gig Ethernet uplink (2.5GBASE‑T) providing a high‑speed wired connection to the core network, with PoE/PoE+ support to simplify power delivery and cabling.
• Security and access control: Enterprise-grade security including WPA3, 802.1X, and integrated policy enforcement; designed to work with Cisco security services and threat protection features.
• Management and analytics: Cisco DNA Center ready for centralized management, policy-based automation, firmware updates, and real-time analytics to optimize performance and security across the wireless fabric.
• RF optimization features: Cisco CleanAir and adaptive RF management for interference detection, channel optimization, and proactive remediation to maintain clean wireless channels.
• Physical design and deployment: Indoor, ceiling-mount friendly form factor with streamlined cabling and heat dissipation designed for enterprise installations.
• Environmental and operating conditions: Engineered for indoor environments with reliable operation across typical office temperatures and humidity ranges, supporting continuous, high-performance service.

How to Install Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI

• Plan your deployment: Assess building layout, occupancy patterns, and RF environment. Identify high-traffic areas, potential interference sources, and optimal mounting locations to maximize coverage and performance.
• Prepare the site and hardware: Choose a suitable ceiling or wall mount, confirm available PoE+ power on the network switch, and verify that the switch supports the multi‑gig uplink requirements of the 9117AXI.
• Connect and power: Mount the AP securely, connect the Ethernet uplink to a PoE-enabled switch, and apply power. Ensure network reachability for initial provisioning.
• Initial provisioning: Use Cisco DNA Center or the local management interface to adopt the AP, apply a baseline configuration, and enable essential security policies and SSIDs.
• Optimize RF and verify performance: Run a site survey to validate coverage, adjust channel plans, power levels, and RF parameters. Monitor performance with built‑in analytics and make iterative refinements as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What Wi‑Fi standards does the Cisco Catalyst 9117AXI support? A: It supports IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, with dual-band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz operation and regulatory domain support through 802.11d/h/i for compliant deployments.
• Q: What is the maximum wireless throughput of this access point? A: The 9117AXI delivers up to 5 Gbps of aggregate wireless throughput, which supports demanding workloads and a large number of simultaneous clients in enterprise environments.
• Q: How is the device powered and what uplink options does it offer? A: The AP supports PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) with a multi‑gig Ethernet uplink (2.5GBASE‑T) to ease cabling and improve backhaul capacity for dense deployments.
• Q: Is the 9117AXI compatible with Cisco DNA Center? A: Yes. It is designed for seamless integration with Cisco DNA Center, enabling centralized management, policy automation, and telemetry to optimize performance and security across the wireless fabric.
• Q: What security features are included? A: The access point provides enterprise-grade security with strong encryption, 802.1X authentication, secure provisioning, and compatibility with Cisco security services to help protect data and devices across the network.