Cisco Meraki Catalyst 9166 – Ultra-High Performance Wi-Fi 6E Wireless

The Cisco Meraki Catalyst 9166 series Wi-Fi 6E access points enable operation in the 6GHz band to produce a network that is more reliable and secure, with higher throughput, more capacity, and less device interference. These access points provide three 4×4 radios and a host of cutting-edge features, including integrated environmental sensors and IoT radios.

The Catalyst 9166 Series even offers an internal directional antenna model – the Catalyst 9166D1 – designed for use cases and areas with high ceilings such as auditoriums, warehouses, and other large open space areas. The Catalyst 9166D1 should be leveraged where typically external antennas would be required. And because the Catalyst 9166D1 uses a built-in directional antenna, it eliminates the need for additional hardware to achieve ideal wireless coverage.

Operational management is flexible because customers can change their network management whenever they want. If a network with Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points was originally an on-premises deployment, it can be changed to cloud-based management without the need to purchase and redistribute additional hardware, saving you money as you network your way.

With the industry’s leading on-premises network platform (Catalyst) joining the industry’s leading cloud IT platform (Meraki), these access points provide an unparalleled network experience. For organisations that need a wireless solution to deliver a reliable, flexible, and superior experience for your users, the Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points are the best choice.

Flexible Deployment Options

With the flexibility to choose between cloud- and on-premises management, the Catalyst 9166 Series Access Point ensures network investment protection and unlocks the power of hybrid work. The Wi-Fi 6E-compliant access point takes advantage of the 6-GHz band expansion to produce a network that is more reliable and secure, with higher throughput, more capacity, and less device interference. The access points come with three 4×4 radios and provide a host of cutting-edge features.

With the industry’s leading network architecture (Catalyst) joining the industry’s leading cloud IT platform (Meraki), this access point provides an unparalleled network experience. For organisations that need solutions to power hybrid work, and that allow their people to work anywhere at any given time with elevated, secure, and connected experiences, the Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points are the best choice.

Operational management is not static, as customers are able to change their network management whenever they want. If a network with Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points was originally an on-premises deployment, it can be changed to cloud-based management without the need to purchase and redistribute additional hardware.

Cisco Meraki Cloud Management

Pairing the Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points with the Meraki cloud platform gives organizations a unified IT experience for network monitoring and management. The Meraki dashboard provides an intuitive and interactive web interface connecting your network to the industry’s leading cloud IT platform.

Through the dashboard, Meraki provides sophisticated and scalable tools to automate network optimisation, deploy policy and segmentation configurations across thousands of sites and devices, and manage a full-stack network from SD-WAN to Access to IoT technologies. The platform supports over 3.5 million active networks around the world.

Working together, the Catalyst 9166 Series and Cisco Meraki offer such features as:

• Cisco DNA Spaces
• Cisco Identity Services Engine
• Meraki Health intelligent optimisation and assurance
• Meraki Vision, smart cameras, and sensors for network closet monitoring

Cisco DNA and Catalyst 9800 WLC support

Cisco Catalyst 9166 Series Access Points can also be paired with Catalyst 9800 WLC and Cisco DNA Center. Cisco DNA Center allows you to understand your network with real-time analytics, quickly detect and contain security threats, and easily provide network-wide consistency through automation and virtualisation.

Working together, the Catalyst 9166 Series and Cisco DNA offer such features as:

• Cisco DNA Spaces
• Cisco Identity Services Engine
• Cisco DNA Analytics and Assurance along with Intelligence Capture (iCAP)

For information about Cisco DNA, refer to the Cisco DNA Solution Overview.

Software configurable flex radio architecture for 6 GHz support

The Cisco Catalyst Wireless 9166 supports a software-defined flex radio which can be operated in either a 5 GHz or 6 GHz mode. This provides an option to operate the AP in either a dual 5 GHz configuration or a true tri-band configuration.

Tri-band configuration unlocks the use of the new spectrum in the 6 GHz frequency range, which provides additional channels to increase throughput and reduce interference and noise from legacy devices. 6 GHz support ensures that the CW9166 supports future technologies.

High-Performance 802.11ax compatible wireless

The CW9166 is a cloud-managed 4×4:4 802.11ax compatible access point that raises the bar for wireless performance and efficiency. Designed for next-generation deployments in offices, schools, hospitals, retail shops, and hotels, the CW9166 offers high throughput, enterprise-grade security, and simple management.

The CW9166 provides a maximum of 7.78 Gbps* aggregate frame rate with concurrent 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz radios. A dedicated fourth radio provides real-time WIDS/WIPS with automated RF optimization, and a fifth integrated IoT radio delivers Bluetooth scanning and beaconing.

With the combination of cloud management, high-performance hardware, multiple radios, and advanced software features, the CW9166 makes an outstanding platform for the most demanding of uses—including high-density deployments and bandwidth or performance-intensive applications like voice (Cisco WebEx) and high-definition video.

CW9166 and Meraki cloud management

Management of the CW9166 is through the Meraki cloud, with an intuitive browser-based interface that enables rapid deployment without time-consuming deployment complexity and time-consuming staging process. Since the CW9166 is self-configuring and managed over the web, it can be deployed at a remote location in a matter of minutes, even without on-site IT staff.

24×7 monitoring via the Meraki cloud delivers real-time alerts if the network encounters problems. Remote diagnostic tools enable immediate troubleshooting over the web so that distributed networks can be managed with a minimum of hassle.

The CW9166’s firmware is automatically kept up to date via the cloud. New features, bug fixes, and enhancements are delivered seamlessly over the web. This means no manual software updates to download or missing security patches to worry about.

Product Highlights

• 4×4:4 MU-MIMO 802.11ax compatible
• 7.78 Gbps tri-radio aggregate frame rate
• 24×7 real-time WIDS/WIPS and spectrum analytics via dedicated fourth radio
• Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy Beacon and scanning radio
• Single 5 Gbps mGig Ethernet port support
• USB 2.0 host interface (Type A connector) with 4.5W power budget
• Enhanced transmit power and receive sensitivity
• Full-time Wi-Fi location tracking via dedicated 3rd radio
• Integrated enterprise security and guest access
• Application-aware traffic shaping
• Optimized for voice and video
• Self-configuring, plug-and-play deployment
• Sleek design blends into office environments

Cisco Universal Mount Bracket (AIR-AP-BRACKET-2) included with CW9166D1 Access Point.

Optional Articulating AP Arm (CW-MNT-ART2-00) or T-Rail mount attachment (AIR-AP-T-RAIL-R=) may be purchased separately.

License Details

All Meraki products use the Meraki cloud for centralised management and control. The Meraki cloud is licensed on a “per device, per year” basis and is required for each device to operate. Licensing options may differ between products.

In addition to Meraki Cloud Access; license features include:

• Lifetime* hardware warranty and advanced overnight replacement at no additional cost
• Frequent Security and Firmware Upgrades
• 24 x 7 Cisco Meraki Support

*Excluding accessories (1YR), outdoor access points (1YR), security cameras (3YR or 5YR depending on model) and environmental sensors (3YR).