Cisco Catalyst C9115I Dual Band 802.11ax 5.38 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point

The Cisco Catalyst C9115I is the next generation enterprise wireless access point built for resilience, security, and intelligent performance in demanding environments. Engineered to support hyperconnectivity, it delivers reliable Wi‑Fi 6 coverage for high-density workplaces, campuses, hospitality venues, and IoT-heavy operations. With dual-band operation, a staggering 5.38 Gbit/s aggregate data rate, and advanced features like OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and 160 MHz channel support, the C9115I maximizes capacity while reducing latency. This access point is designed to scale with your network as IoT devices proliferate and applications demand more bandwidth, all while providing strong security, simple management, and flexible deployment options. Cisco’s commitment to reliability means you get a robust, secure wireless fabric that performs consistently across floors and rooms, even in challenging environments. Integrated with Cisco DNA Center and compatible with Cisco’s broader security and analytics ecosystem, the C9115I helps IT teams provision, monitor, and optimize wireless services with precision, enabling proactive optimization and a better user experience across the organization.

• Blazing Wi‑Fi 6 performance for dense environments: The Cisco Catalyst C9115I delivers a high‑throughput, low‑latency experience through 802.11ax, featuring 4x4 MU‑MIMO, OFDMA, and 160 MHz channel support where available. This powerful combination increases per‑user throughput, reduces airtime contention, and sustains fast, reliable connections as device density grows—ideal for lecture halls, conference centers, large offices, and busy retail spaces.
• Enterprise‑grade security and policy control: Security is embedded at every layer, from secure boot and encrypted management to advanced threat protection and robust access controls. The C9115I integrates with Cisco’s security architecture, enabling consistent policy enforcement, secure device onboarding, and protection of sensitive data in transit across both employee devices and IoT endpoints.
• IoT readiness with intelligent management: As IoT deployments expand, this AP is designed to handle massive device counts without compromising user applications. It leverages smart RF controls, dynamic airtime optimization, and policy‑driven configurations to keep IoT devices responsive while prioritizing critical business traffic. Real‑time telemetry and analytics provide visibility into device health, network utilization, and application performance to inform proactive optimization.
• Simple, scalable management for modern networks: The C9115I supports straightforward deployment and ongoing management. With Power over Ethernet (PoE) for easy cabling, seamless adoption into Cisco DNA Center, and centralized policy and firmware management, IT teams can deploy, monitor, and update dozens or hundreds of APs from a single pane of glass.
• Resilient design for flexible deployment: The dual‑band architecture and robust hardware are paired with a flexible form factor suitable for ceiling or wall mounting in diverse environments. Built to endure high user loads, heat, and interference, the C9115I maintains stable performance across campuses, multi‑tenant buildings, and hospitality venues, delivering consistent coverage and reliable connectivity floor after floor.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9115I Dual Band 802.11ax 5.38 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point

• Wireless Standard: 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6)
• Frequency bands: Dual‑band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz
• Aggregate data rate: Up to 5.38 Gbps
• Antenna configuration: 4x4 MU‑MIMO with OFDMA and support for up to 160 MHz channels
• Security features: WPA3, secure management, and integrated threat protection
• Power and networking: Power over Ethernet (PoE) support for simplified installation
• Management and integration: Designed for Cisco DNA Center; supports scalable, policy‑driven management and analytics

How to install Cisco Catalyst C9115I

Plan your deployment carefully to maximize coverage, performance, and security. Use an RF site survey to map coverage, identify potential interference sources, and determine optimal mounting locations. Follow these implementation steps to install the C9115I quickly and reliably:

• Plan coverage and survey the site: Evaluate room sizes, furniture layouts, and traffic patterns to determine the best mounting heights and locations. Use channel planning to minimize interference and optimize 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz utilization.
• Mount the AP securely: Install the C9115I on ceiling or wall mounts using the supplied hardware. Ensure there is adequate clearance for airflow and that mounting surfaces can support the device’s weight and security requirements.
• Connect to power and network: Use PoE from a compliant switch or power injector to provide power and a wired uplink. Verify LED indicators confirm power, connection speed, and link status before proceeding.
• Adopt and configure: Adopt the AP into Cisco DNA Center or your preferred centralized management platform. Apply baseline policies, radio profiles, security settings, and appropriate QoS rules to support both user devices and IoT endpoints.
• Validate performance and optimize: Run connectivity tests with representative client devices, monitor throughput, latency, and interference, and adjust RF profiles as needed to achieve optimal coverage across the site.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum wireless data rate of the Cisco Catalyst C9115I? A: The C9115I delivers up to 5.38 Gbps of aggregate data rate across the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands, enabling high‑speed connectivity for dense client environments.
• Q: Does the C9115I support Wi‑Fi 6 features? A: Yes. It is built on 802.11ax and includes OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, 1024‑QAM, and enhanced airtime efficiency for improved performance in crowded spaces.
• Q: How is the device powered? A: It supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) for flexible, clean installations and easier cabling, with compatibility across PoE and PoE+ deployments where available.
• Q: Can this access point be managed centrally? A: Absolutely. It integrates with Cisco DNA Center for centralized management, policy enforcement, and analytics, enabling scalable operation across multiple sites.
• Q: Is the C9115I suitable for IoT‑heavy deployments? A: Yes. Its advanced RF controls and security features allow it to handle large numbers of IoT devices while maintaining strong performance for traditional user devices.