Cisco has introduced its latest access point models, the CW 9176 and 9178. The Cisco WiFi 7 access points bring even more performance-enhancing features and native Artificial Intelligence (AI)- based management. The highlight is their seamless deployment and onboarding, eliminating the need for regional SKUs–something Cisco has done for a long time.
As Lawrence Huang, a Cisco VP, explained in a blog, these location-aware access points essentially offer a self-configuring, out-of-the-box experience. The new models bring features that change how enterprises deploy and operate their wireless networks. Cisco is also making licensing for these new products relatively simpler.
The Cisco WiFi 7 access points can support the IEEE 802.11be standard with 320 MHz channel bandwidth, 4K QAM modulation, and multi-link operation. The new standard makes the channels 2x wider. Plus, the data transfer rate is 4x faster than WiFi 6 and 6E.
With faster and more reliable connectivity, these access points can easily power mission-critical applications. They are also designed to provide a more predictable and smooth WiFi experience for users.
Besides being Cisco’s first WiFi 7-ready models, these access points have a handful of other firsts.
The CW 9176 and 9178 are Cisco’s first-ever global access points. There are no regional SKUs—a single model for all regions. As soon as the device is turned on, it detects where it’s located. This makes deployment anywhere easy and quick. Enterprises won’t have to procure devices specific to the region they plan to use them.
Huang explains, “For the first time, we’re introducing truly global, converged access points—smart enough to detect their location the moment they’re plugged in. We’ve eliminated regional SKUs, creating a single product model that works anywhere in the world, automatically and seamlessly switching between cloud or on-premises management as needed.”
Cisco WiFi 7 access points are ready to be deployed in cloud, on-premise, and hybrid environments. Thanks to the built-in technology and simplified licensing, they automatically detect the environment and network management style and can seamlessly switch between them.
That makes them futureproof, as enterprises can switch from on-premise to cloud or vice versa without needing to procure new devices or change licenses.
AI features aren’t add-ons on these new network devices; they’re built-in and standard on both models. Some of those features are offered via the operating system Cisco Spaces. These AI features help improve performance and security.
For instance, the Cisco AI-Enhanced Radio Resource Management (RRM) automatically tunes the radio frequency for the wireless network.
AI-native features help make these WiFi 7 access points some of the most secure in the Cisco catalog. These advanced threat detection capabilities include device profiling, improved data encryption, and wireless security.
Of course, the WiFi 7 standard itself is the most secure, as it requires WPA3 security for compatible access points.
The ultra-wideband, Bluetooth Low Energy, and built-in GPS make the CW 9176 and 9178 series access points IoT-ready. They can support various IoT applications, including augmented reality (AR). With real-time asset tracking on Cisco’s intelligent platform, IoT-reliant operations can work much more efficiently and effectively.
With the latest access points, Cisco is introducing what it calls the Cisco Networking Subscription. With this new, simplified licensing structure, enterprises will have single, unified licensing and support packages, irrespective of how they deploy and manage the access points.
The devices also support ThousandEyes, Cisco’s digital experience assurance solution. This network performance and intelligence platform can help enterprises improve the wireless experience they deliver to their users.
Mike Hicks, Principal Solutions Analyst at ThousandEyes, explained in a blog the need for experience assurance with these new devices, “As organizations increasingly rely on external, unowned environments as part of their digital supply chain, providing consistent performance and flawless digital experience is now more critical than ever for business continuity, yet it is also increasingly challenging. Assurance tackles the complexities of modern digital environments by delivering contextual intelligence beyond legacy, domain-specific tools with a comprehensive, intelligent, and automated framework for IT management.”
The operating system that comes with the devices also packs strong features for network optimizations. “Wi-Fi 7 is more than a network for connectivity—it’s the foundation you need to build truly smart spaces. That’s why Cisco Spaces is included as part of every wireless subscription license. Out of the box, you’ll have access to rich AI 3D mapping, dynamic IoT services, precise asset tracking, and more,” Huang writes.
WiFi 7, or 802.11be, represents a significant leap in wireless technology. It offers significantly faster speeds (up to 40 Gbps), greater capacity, and improved reliability compared to WiFi 6 and 6E.
The key features of WiFi 7 include wider channel bandwidths, advanced modulation techniques, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO). These advancements enable Wi-Fi 7 to handle demanding applications like 8K video streaming, virtual reality, and online gaming with ease.
Additionally, WiFi 7 prioritizes energy efficiency, allowing devices to optimize power consumption and extend battery life. As Wi-Fi 7 continues to roll out, it promises to change how we connect to wireless networks, opening up new possibilities for consumers and businesses.
Moreover, WiFi 7 prioritizes security with advanced features like WPA3-Security 1.3 and 1.4. It offers stronger encryption and improved protection against brute-force attacks. It’s so far the most secure standard with threat detection and prevention mechanisms to protect wireless networks against various cyber threats, including phishing, ransomware, and data interception.
Cisco CW 9176 and 9178 WiFi 7 access points are available and will begin shipping to customers in December 2024. Industry insiders expect WiFi 7 adoption to pick up in 2025, which means these new Cisco access points will be in high demand.
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