Understanding Cisco’s 9120 and 9130 Access Points: Best Use Cases

Cisco's 9120 and 9130 access points are advanced WiFi 6 solutions, providing high-performance and reliable wireless connectivity. While similar in terms of features and performance, they’re designed for different use cases. It’s essential to choose the right model for your specific application.

In this article, we’ll compare the Cisco 9120 vs. 9130 access points, examining key features, specifications, and best use cases to help you make an informed decision for your network. 

Cisco 9120 vs 9130: Key Features and Specifications

Cisco's Catalyst 9120 and 9130 series access points (APs) represent a significant advancement in WiFi technology. These access points offer high-performance, reliable, and future-proof wireless connectivity. Designed to meet the demands of modern networks, these access points are compatible with the latest WiFi 6 and later standards and deliver exceptional performance and capacity.

Both the 9120 and 9130 APs feature:

• Wi-Fi 6 Support: Leveraging the latest WiFi standard, they offer faster speeds, increased capacity, and improved efficiency.
• MU-MIMO Technology: Enables simultaneous communication with multiple devices, reducing latency and enhancing overall network performance.
• OFDMA: Dynamically divides the available spectrum, allowing multiple devices to share the same channel more efficiently.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE): Simplifies deployment by providing power and data over a single Ethernet cable.

Within each series, Cisco offers various models, with differences in antenna configurations and use cases. Here’s a breakdown:

Cisco 9120 Models and Specifications:

Cisco 9130 Models and Specifications:

Aruba AP 550 vs. Cisco 9130 AP

Comparing Cisco 9120 vs. 9130 Access Points

When it comes to the differences between Cisco Catalyst 9120 vs. 9130, the differences aren’t that significant. The primary distinction lies in their use cases:

• Cisco 9120 APs are ideal for mid-sized environments but can also be used in larger spaces. However, you would need more units to cover the same area as the 9130 models. 
• Cisco 9130 APs are optimised for large environments, offering extended range and higher performance, making them ideal for large enterprises or high-demand areas. 

Technical differences between the two are minor but contribute to their varying applications:

Best Use Cases for the Cisco 9120 APs

The Cisco 9120 APs are best suited for scenarios that require high-density wireless connectivity. With its dual-band configuration and efficient MU-MIMO technology, this series performs well even in crowded areas. However, it’s important to note that 9120 models are for indoor use only. 

Common use cases include:

• Retail Stores and Malls: Enable omnichannel experiences and support in-store connectivity for staff and customers. 
• Convention Centers: Deliver connectivity to multimedia systems and support numerous attendees and exhibitors with reliable internet access. 
• Educational Institutions: Ideal for schools and universities, providing high-speed WiFI for students, faculty, and staff.

Best Use Cases for the Cisco 9130 APs

The Cisco 9130 AP series offers superior performance and coverage, making it ideal for large spaces. Its tri-band configuration and robust antennas provide extended range and high throughput, ensuring seamless connectivity across various environments.

Common use cases include::

• Large Enterprises: Provide high-speed WiFi throughout corporate campuses and data centers, supporting mission-critical applications.
• Healthcare Facilities: Ensures reliable connectivity in hospitals, laboratories, and clinics for staff and patients. 
• Hospitality Venues: Offer seamless WiFi experiences in hotels and resorts for both staff and guests, supporting private and public access. 
• Outdoor Environments: While primarily designed for indoor usage, the 9130 can be deployed in protected outdoor spaces like campus grounds and industrial facilities. 
• Stadiums: The stadium-specific models of the series can easily handle large crowds, providing seamless WiFi access for fans.

9120 vs. 9130 Cisco: How to Choose One

When selecting between the Cisco 9120 and 9130, consider these factors to make the best choice for your network: 

• Network Density: For high-density environments, the 9120's dual-band configuration is a better choice. For example, it can be a good solution for offering public wifi connectivity where many individual devices may need to connect in a small space. 
• Required Range: The 9130's tri-band configuration offers an extended range, making it ideal for larger areas, allowing you to cover a larger space with fewer APs.
• Bandwidth Demands: The 9130's 4x4:4 configuration can provide superior performance if your network requires high bandwidth. It features three radios: two 5 GHz radios and one 2.4 GHz radio. This tri-radio configuration allows the access point to serve more client devices simultaneously, increasing capacity as needed.
• Budget Constraints: Consider your budget when choosing between the two models, as the 9130 has a slightly higher price point.

Additional Considerations

Both the Cisco 9120 and 9130 series integrate seamlessly with the Cisco DNA center, enabling centralised management, automation, and advanced security features. Both models are designed with future-proofing in mind, supporting emerging WiFi standards for long-term investment. 

Procure with PivIT!

If you are still unsure about which Cisco AP - 9120 vs 9130 - is the best fit for your network, PivIT can help. Our procurement specialists will find the right models for your application by assessing your current infrastructure and performance needs. 

We also provide cost-saving solutions through our procurement services, helping clients save significantly on capital expenditure. Whether you’re considering the Cisco 9120 or 9130, PivIT offers tailored options to meet your network’s needs at the best price. 

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FAQs

How fast is the Cisco 9130 access point?

The Cisco Catalyst 9130 Series can operate in 5 GHz 8x8 or dual 5 GHz 4x4 mode. By default, the 9130 Series is configured in 5 GHz 8x8 and 2.4 GHz 4x4 mode. This default setting maximizes throughput per radio, particularly benefiting environments with multiple MU-MIMO clients.

What are the max clients for Cisco 9120 access points?

The maximum number of clients per interface supported by the Cisco 9120 access point is 200. This comes out to 400 per access point. However, expect the QOE to be lower with all clients connected. 

What is the speed of the Cisco 9120 access points?

The Cisco Catalyst 9130 Series offers uplink speeds of 2.5 Gbps, 1 Gbps, and 100 Mbps. Notably, these speeds are supported over Category 5e cabling, which is an industry first. Additionally, the 9130 Series supports 10GBASE-T (IEEE 802.3bz) cabling. An integrated Bluetooth Low Energy 5 radio enables IoT applications like location tracking and wayfinding.

Is it worth upgrading to WiFi 6/6E access points?

Upgrading to WiFi 6/6E access points can be a smart investment if many devices are connected to your network. It provides faster speeds that are ideal for use cases like online gaming or 4K video streaming. These newer standards also offer lower latency and improved efficiency. However, upgrading may not be necessary if your current WiFi network is performing adequately for your needs.