Cisco Catalyst C9117AXI 802.11ax 5 Gbit/s Wireless Access Point

The Cisco Catalyst C9117AXI is purpose-built for modern enterprises that demand high-density wireless connectivity, reliable performance, and intelligent management. This Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) access point delivers superior throughput, enhanced efficiency, and robust security to support the ever-growing number of devices, real-time applications, and mobility demands found in today’s corporate campuses, healthcare facilities, universities, and hospitality environments. Engineered to scale with your network, the C9117AXI integrates seamlessly with Cisco’s Catalyst ecosystem, enabling centralized policy control, advanced analytics, and streamlined onboarding across distributed locations. With its enterprise-grade design and resilient operating features, this access point helps IT teams reduce network complexity while delivering an exceptional user experience for employees, guests, and IoT devices alike.

• Blazing-fast Wi‑Fi 6 performance: The C9117AXI leverages 802.11ax to deliver high-throughput wireless access with improved efficiency in dense environments, enabling smooth video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and bandwidth-heavy applications for large workgroups.
• Up to 5 Gbit/s aggregate throughput: Designed for enterprise networks, this AP provides substantial headroom for concurrent users, demanding cloud services, and next-generation applications, ensuring fast, reliable connections throughout campuses and office floors.
• Advanced Wi‑Fi features for reliability and low latency: OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and target wake time (TWT) optimize spectrum usage, reduce interference, and extend device battery life, delivering consistent performance as device density grows.
• Secure, policy-driven access: Built with enterprise-grade security in mind, the C9117AXI supports robust encryption, secure onboarding, and integrated threat defense to protect users, devices, and data across wireless networks.
• Flexible deployment and seamless management: Compatible with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst management, this AP supports centralized provisioning, analytics, and scalable policy enforcement, simplifying operations from small campuses to large distributed sites.

Technical Details of Cisco Catalyst C9117AXI

• Wireless Standard: 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6); backward compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac devices
• Aggregate Throughput: Up to 5 Gbit/s (throughput depends on client capabilities and network configuration)
• Frequency Bands: Dual-band operation (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz) with concurrent service
• Security Features: WPA3, secure boot, device integrity checks, Cisco Trust Anchor, and integrated threat defense options
• Management: Native compatibility with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst management platforms for centralized configuration, policy enforcement, and analytics
• Power and Installation: PoE-enabled (IEEE 802.3af/at typical configurations vary by model and switch); ceiling or wall-mount capable with standard mounting accessories
• Deployment Footprint: Designed for scalable expansion across enterprise campuses, multi-building facilities, and dense office environments

how to install Cisco Catalyst C9117AXI

• Plan your deployment: Conduct a site survey to determine optimal AP placement for coverage, capacity, and interference mitigation. Map high-density zones and identify interference sources to maximize performance.
• Prepare mounting location: Choose a secure, accessible location on ceilings or walls that provides clear line-of-sight to key areas while minimizing physical obstructions and exposure to environmental hazards.
• Install mounting hardware: Attach the appropriate ceiling or wall mount bracket, ensuring the AP is firmly secured and oriented to optimize antenna performance and client coverage.
• Connect power and network: Use PoE (IEEE 802.3af/at) from a compatible switch or power injector. Connect the AP to the network, ensuring access to the management controller or cloud-based management system as required.
• Initial configuration: Access the management interface via the controller or local web UI, and perform the initial setup. Create SSIDs, assign security policies (WPA3 or equivalent), and apply appropriate segmentation for guests, devices, and staff.
• Policy and performance tuning: Implement RF spectrum optimization, channel planning, and QoS policies. Enable features like OFDMA and MU-MIMO as required by your client density and application mix to maximize efficiency.
• Validation and monitoring: Run a site survey post-deployment to confirm coverage and capacity. Monitor live performance, roam behavior, and device connectivity through Cisco analytics dashboards for ongoing optimization.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What standards does the Cisco Catalyst C9117AXI support? A: It supports 802.11ax (Wi‑Fi 6) with backward compatibility to prior Wi‑Fi standards, enabling improved efficiency and performance across mixed-device environments.
• Q: What is the maximum wireless throughput? A: The access point is designed for up to 5 Gbit/s aggregate throughput, with real-world speeds dependent on client capabilities, network configuration, and environmental conditions.
• Q: Is the C9117AXI secure by design? A: Yes. It includes enterprise-grade security features such as secure boot, device integrity checks, and support for modern encryption standards. Additional threat defense options can be enabled through Cisco security platforms.
• Q: Can this AP be managed centrally? A: Absolutely. It is designed to integrate with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst management tools, enabling centralized provisioning, policy enforcement, analytics, and scalable management across sites.
• Q: Does it support PoE? A: Yes, the C9117AXI is designed for PoE-enabled deployments, allowing flexible installation without nearby power outlets, suitable for ceilings, walls, or strategic placement in large spaces.
• Q: Is it suitable for high-density environments? A: Yes. With Wi‑Fi 6 features like OFDMA, MU‑MIMO, and TWT, the C9117AXI is optimized for dense user populations, supporting more concurrent connections with lower latency and better resource utilization.