Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI Dual Band 802.11ax 5.38 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point - Indoor

The Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series with Wi‑Fi 6 represents the next generation of enterprise access points, engineered to deliver resilient, secure, and intelligent wireless connectivity. This indoor model, the C9115AXI, is designed to provide steady performance in demanding environments—from busy corporate campuses and high‑density offices to classrooms, hospitals, and retail spaces. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to expand, these APs are built to support a growing number of connected devices and bandwidth‑intensive applications without sacrificing user experience. The C9115AXI embodies Cisco’s commitment to intent‑based networking, offering simplified deployment, robust security, and proactive performance optimization that help IT teams enforce policies, monitor health, and scale operations with confidence. With Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, this access point improves spectrum efficiency, reduces latency, and enables faster, more reliable connections for employees, guests, and a wide array of IoT devices. In essence, the C9115AXI is a powerful foundation for modern digital workspaces, enabling higher productivity, better collaboration, and a more secure, intelligent wireless experience across the organization.

• Wi‑Fi 6 technology delivers higher throughput, lower latency, and more efficient spectrum use in high‑density environments, enabling seamless collaboration, real‑time applications, and reliable video conferencing even in crowded offices or classrooms.
• Dual‑band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) supports an aggregate data rate of up to 5.38 Gbit/s, with OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and wider channel support to optimize performance for modern devices and fluctuating network loads.
• Resilient enterprise design with built‑in security features and scalable management, ensuring trusted connectivity, secure boot, and reliable firmware updates to help defend the wireless fabric against evolving threats.
• IoT‑ready capabilities enable streamlined device onboarding, policy enforcement, and quality‑of‑service controls that support a growing ecosystem of sensors, wearables, and smart devices without compromising user experience.
• Management compatibility with Cisco’s centralized solutions, including Cisco DNA Center, which simplifies provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement across the wireless network for predictable performance and rapid issue resolution.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI

• Product family: Cisco Catalyst 9115 Series
• Wireless standard: IEEE 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6)
• Bands: Dual‑band (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz)
• Maximum data rate: Up to 5.38 Gbit/s aggregate
• Deployment: Indoor enterprise access point for ceiling or wall mounting
• Security and management: Built‑in security features with policy‑based controls and compatibility with Cisco management ecosystems

how to install Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI

Installing the Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI is designed to be straightforward for IT teams already using Cisco wireless infrastructure. Begin by selecting an appropriate indoor mounting location that provides optimal coverage for your space—typically high on a ceiling or on a wall near central areas to minimize interference and maximize line‑of‑sight connections to users and devices. Ensure the installation site has access to a reliable PoE (Power over Ethernet) connection or a compatible power source as specified by your network design, since PoE enables both data transmission and device power in a single cable, reducing clutter and simplifying cabling in dense deployments.

Mount the AP securely using the supplied hardware, following Cisco’s installation guidelines for hardware clearances and ventilation. After mounting, connect the AP to your PoE switch or power injector and verify that the device powers on correctly. Access to the AP’s management interface can typically be obtained through your network’s DHCP‑assigned address or by using Cisco’s management tools as part of your existing network infrastructure. Initial configuration should include ensuring the AP is enrolled in your central management system, applying the correct security posture, and associating the device with the appropriate wireless SSIDs.

Configure the wireless networks to align with your security and policy requirements. This includes setting up 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz SSIDs, enabling modern security protocols (such as WPA3‑based configurations where appropriate), and applying robust user and device authentication methods. QoS policies should be defined to prioritize critical business applications and latency‑sensitive traffic like voice and video. For IoT devices, establish dedicated channels or VLANs with appropriate access controls to prevent cross‑traffic from impacting user experience. After the initial setup, perform RF optimization using Cisco’s analytics and health monitoring tools to adjust transmit power, channel selection, and airtime efficiency in response to real‑world conditions found in your environment.

Finally, update the device firmware to the latest release to ensure you benefit from the newest performance optimizations, security patches, and feature enhancements. Establish a routine for firmware management and periodic health checks, and integrate the APs into your ongoing network assurance and security monitoring workflows. With proper planning and centralized management, the C9115AXI can scale from small deployments to large campuses, delivering consistent performance while reducing operational complexity for IT teams.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the maximum data rate of the Cisco Catalyst C9115AXI?

A: The access point supports a dual‑band configuration with a theoretical aggregate data rate of up to 5.38 Gbit/s, enabling efficient handling of multiple high‑bandwidth applications and devices in dense environments.

Q: Is the C9115AXI suitable for indoor enterprise deployments?

A: Yes. The C9115AXI is specifically designed for indoor enterprise use, delivering reliable coverage, secure connections, and scalable management in offices, campuses, classrooms, healthcare facilities, and retail settings.

Q: Does this AP support Wi‑Fi 6 features?

A: The device is built on the Wi‑Fi 6 (802.11ax) standard, bringing enhanced throughput, improved spectral efficiency, OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and better performance in high‑density scenarios.

Q: Can I manage the C9115AXI with Cisco DNA Center?

A: Yes. The C9115AXI is designed to integrate with Cisco’s centralized management ecosystem, including Cisco DNA Center, which helps automate provisioning, monitoring, and policy enforcement across the wireless network.

Q: What kind of security features are available with this access point?

A: The C9115AXI includes enterprise‑grade security features aligned with Cisco’s security framework, enabling secure onboarding, policy‑driven access controls, and regular firmware updates to protect against evolving threats. For environments with stringent security requirements, you can implement strong authentication, segmentation, and monitoring through the device and its management platform.