The Cisco 2800 Series access point, used for enterprise connectivity in various settings, has been around for some time. First released in 2016, the 2800 series is WiFi 5-enabled and capable of supporting a high data throughput.
Although newer standards have emerged and Cisco has offered more advanced access points compatible with WiFi 6 technology, these models remain viable for connecting end devices.
As of October 2022, the Cisco Aironet 2800 Series access points have reached the end-of-life milestone, meaning they’re no longer made or sold by Cisco. However, third-party vendors may continue to sell them. More importantly, support is available until 2027, which can be further extended with the help of third-party maintenance.
In this article, we will provide the following:
- All of the details about Cisco 2800 access points.
- An outline around whether they’re the right solution for your business.
- An explanation about what happens after end-of-service.
Overview Of Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Point
.jpg?width=700&height=468&name=Graph01%20(2).jpg)
(Data: source)
Cisco Aironet 2800 series access points were introduced with support for the 802.11ac Wave 2 standard, also called WiFi 5. They’re an efficient product that takes a hands-off approach to connectivity for end devices. In other words, they're empowered with features that enable them to maximize WiFi performance.
The 2800 series models can also be used as an OfficeExtend Access Point (OEAP). A remote employee can access the corporate network without setting up a VPN. Remote workers can connect their devices by creating their own network partition using the Cisco User Defined Network feature. Simply put, the series is hybrid and remote work-friendly.
These access points are suitable for high-density applications, providing seamless connectivity in offices and public spaces with many end devices. Furthermore, the Multiuser Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MU‑MIMO) technology enables the devices to split the spatial stream between clients (up to three spatial streams).
Various models in the series are most suitable for indoor environments, and other specialized models are designed to withstand more rugged conditions. The models also offer variations in antennas (internal or external).
Highlight Features
The Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points have advanced features to enhance wireless connectivity. Here are the key features:
WiFi 5 Support With 2.6 Gbps Speeds
These access points support the 802.11ac Wave 2 protocol, offering a potential connection rate of up to 2.6 Gbps per radio. So, the theoretical speed is up to 5.2 Gbps. The speed is twice as much compared to similar WiFi 5 supporting models from competitor brands.
High-Density Experience
The High-Density Experience (HDX) feature provides top-notch RF architecture, ensuring excellent coverage for a high density of client devices. Thanks to features like custom hardware in 802.11ac Wave 2 radios, Cisco CleanAir®, ClientLink 4.0, cross-access point noise reduction, and optimized client roaming, users experience a seamless wireless experience.
Flexible Radio Assignment And Intelligent Mode Selection
Flexible Radio Assignment enables intelligent operating mode determination based on the RF environment. These access points can operate in different modes, such as 2.4-GHz and 5-GHz mode, Dual 5-GHz mode, and Security Monitoring and 5-GHz mode.
Dual 5-GHz radio support allows both radios to operate in 5-GHz client serving mode, achieving over-the-air speeds of 5.2 Gbps and increasing client capacity. A Smart antenna connector provides advanced network design flexibility for high-density environments.
With 160-MHz channel support and Dynamic Bandwidth Selection, the access points can switch widths, ensuring optimal wireless network performance. Optimized access point roaming ensures client devices connect to the access point, offering the fastest data rate within their coverage range.
Other Notable Features
Additional features include Zero-Impact Application Visibility and Control, Auto Link Aggregation (LAG) support, ClientLink 4.0 technology for improved downlink performance, and CleanAir 160 MHz for proactive spectrum intelligence.
Cisco Mobility Express allows flexible deployment without a physical controller, making it ideal for medium-sized deployments. It supports up to 100 access points, making it a viable solution for schools, universities, hospitals, malls, offices, and other facilities. The easy setup of the 2800 Series Access Points ensures a hassle-free deployment on networks.
Model Comparison
The models that make up the Cisco 2800 series include two distinct types (one of which is configurable).
Here are the models and their unique part numbers:
(Data: source)
- Cisco Aironet 2800i Access Points
AIR-AP2802i-x-K9
AIR-AP2802i-x-K910 (Pack of 10 APs)
- Cisco Aironet 2800i Access Points Configurable
AIR-AP2802i-x-K9C
AIR-AP2802i-x-K9C10 (Pack of 10 APs)
- Cisco Aironet 2800e Access Points
AIR-AP2802e-x-K9
AIR-AP2802e-x-K9 (Pack of 10 APs)
- Cisco Aironet 2800e Access Points Configurable
AIR-AP2802e-x-K9C
AIR-AP2802e-x-K9C (Pack of 10 APs)
The “x” in the part numbers above represents the regulatory domain. The domains determine whether the part is certified for use in a country and complies with the regulations there.
For instance, AIR-AP2802e-H-K9 is available in Bahrain, whereas AIR-AP2802e-F-K9 is for Indonesia.
Cisco Aironet 2800i vs. 2800e
The Cisco 2800i models are suitable for indoor environments with internal antennas. They’re dual-band and controller-based, with support for 802.11a/g/n/ac. On the other hand, the Cisco 2800e models can work for indoor but more challenging environments, for example, with higher temperatures or humidity.
Also, the 2800e models feature external antennas. As a result, they offer more flexibility in customizing coverage. These are suitable for applications where a specific coverage pattern is needed.
Both 2800i and 2800e offer configurable variants.
Licensing Requirements
As is the case for many Cisco networking products, including access points, a Cisco DNA license is also required for the Aironet series. While it’s an added cost to the device's price tag, it offers additional benefits. You need it to get the most out of your access points.
The main job of the Cisco DNA software is to help you understand the network through analytics. So, it can be good for detecting problems with hardware early on. The Cisco 2800 series can run features like Flexible Radio Assignment, High-Density Experience, and Identity Service Engine with a Cisco DNA subscription.
More importantly, you need the Cisco DNA license to use them with a wireless controller like the Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series. Customers can choose from the perpetual Network Essentials or the Advantage license, which packs in more advanced features and capabilities for Cisco networking devices.
Who Is It For?
The Cisco Aironet 2800 Series access points are designed to meet the wireless networking needs of various businesses and organizations. These access points suit companies of different sizes and industries, particularly those with demanding wireless requirements.
Here are some types of companies and scenarios where these access points may be used:
Large Enterprises
Businesses with large office spaces, multiple floors, or extensive facilities can tap the high-performance and scalability features of the Cisco 2800 Series. The access points are designed to provide reliable and efficient wireless connectivity in high-density environments, with tens or hundreds of desktop or mobile devices connected to the network simultaneously.
It can also extend the connectivity to nearby branch offices and annexes or even reach remote workers at home.
Education Institutions
Schools, colleges, and universities often have diverse wireless demands, as many students and faculty need Internet connectivity on various devices. The Cisco 2800 Series can support the connectivity needs of educational institutions, especially large ones with multi-building campuses. These can offer seamless wireless experiences in classrooms, libraries, and other campus areas.
Healthcare Organizations
Hospitals and healthcare facilities can use the Cisco 2800 Series to connect computers, phones, and medical devices to their local network. These Cisco access points can provide the necessary performance and reliability for healthcare environments.
Retail
Retailers with large stores or shopping complexes can benefit from the Cisco 2800 Series' ability to handle high-density scenarios. It enables efficient wireless communication for point-of-sale systems, inventory management, and customer engagement applications.
Hospitality Industry
Hotels and resorts can use 2800 series access points to connect to wireless networks to support guest services, conference activities, and administrative functions. The WiFi 5 support can allow hotels to offer reliable and fast connectivity to employees and guests.
Manufacturing and Warehousing
Companies in manufacturing or warehousing with expansive facilities can deploy the Cisco 2800 Series models 2800e designed to endure tougher conditions. These can ensure seamless communication between devices, machinery, and inventory management systems while withstanding heat, dust, or moisture to some extent.
End-of-Life And End-of-Service Dates For Cisco 2800 Access Points
The Cisco Aironet 2800 series has been in the market since 2016. The company announced the series' end-of-life (EOL) dates in October 2022.
According to the memo, the end-of-sale date was October 31, 2022. However, the end-of-support date is five years after, on October 31, 2027. What does that mean? Cisco will no longer provide maintenance support for the devices, and there will be no updates or replacements. The end of software maintenance is supposed to be May 1, 2024. No software maintenance updates will be released beyond this point.
While Cisco has ceased production and direct sales for this series, it will continue to provide support for the foreseeable future. These dates are very important to consider if you’re buying any models or already have them as part of your infrastructure.
You may still be able to get your hands on them in new or used condition from value-added resellers (VARs). However, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) support will end in a few years.
Beyond End-of-Service
The end-of-life announcement is typically a signal from the OEM that it’s time to refresh the equipment. However, in the case of Cisco 2800 access points, customers still have support available until 2027. But what about after?
Refresh
One solution is refreshing the access points, especially with the new series capable of supporting WiFi 6, which is even faster than its predecessor.
Cisco Aironet 2800 access points can be replaced with Cisco Catalyst 9100 wireless access points. They’re much more advanced and support WiFi 6 and WiFi 6E. When you refresh depends on several factors. For instance, some companies tend to refresh as soon as end-of-life dates are announced, but that’s an expensive undertaking and may be unnecessary if there’s no technical need and the equipment is in good shape.
You should also consider when the security or OS updates will stop. In some situations, they may be a dealbreaker; for instance, if you need the features released, a new OS version is unavailable for the 2800 access points.
Third-Party Maintenance
Chances are the access points will continue working beyond the stipulated 2027 end-of-support deadline. However, since Cisco will no longer provide support, you must find a third party to maintain them.
Third-party maintenance can save aging equipment, particularly those that have reached the end of service life (EOSL). With support from a third party, you can continue to use the access points for a little longer.
OneCall, PivIT’s maintenance service, has helped enterprises delay refresh cycles and save money on expensive (and unnecessary) replacements. With around-the-clock technical support, you can rely on the access points without worrying about them failing. All of that is available much lower than you pay for maintenance with Cisco.
That just gives you more time to find a suitable replacement from Cisco or another OEM that suits your needs and budget better.
OneCall Saves Customer $75,000 Compared to Smart Net
Final Thoughts
Enterprises have widely used Cisco 2800 series access points since their release. They’re compatible with the now ubiquitous WiFi 5 and provide various features that make them a reliable way to connect end devices to your network wirelessly.
While they’re gradually reaching the end of support, they can meet technical and business requirements easily. If you want to extend their life beyond EOSL, you can put them on a third-party maintenance program like OneCall.
FAQ
How fast is the Cisco Aironet 2800 access point?
The Cisco Aironet 2800 series access points can achieve a speed of 5.2 Gbps theoretically. However, the actual speed may be lower depending on various factors like distance or RF performance.
What is the recommended replacement for Cisco 2800 series access points?
Cisco 2800 series access points can be replaced with the Catalyst Series 9100 models from Cisco. These are AI-optimized access points that pack in more power and better security.