Cisco Catalyst CW9164I-MR
Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points
High-Performance Wi-Fi 6E Wireless Access Point
The Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points offer top-tier performance with Wi-Fi 6E technology, delivering tri-band 802.11ax compatibility and separate radios for security, RF management, and Bluetooth®. With added flexibility for both cloud- and on-premises management, the Catalyst 9164 ensures maximum network investment protection and supports the hybrid work environment. The access points harness the 6 GHz band to create a network that is more secure, reliable, and offers higher throughput with reduced device interference. The 9164 model includes one 2x2:2 and two 4x4:4 radios, supporting high-density environments.
Key Features
- Wi-Fi 6E Compliance: Takes advantage of the 6 GHz band for better throughput, capacity, and minimal interference.
- Tri-band Configuration: Supports concurrent 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz radios, providing a total frame rate of up to 7.49 Gbps.
- Cloud or On-Premises Management: Choose between Cisco DNA Center or Meraki Cloud for comprehensive network management.
- Versatile Deployment Options: Easily switch between cloud-based and on-premises network management without additional hardware.
Technical Specifications
- Wireless Standards: 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6E), backward-compatible with 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
- Frequency Bands:
- 2.4 GHz (2x2:2 MU-MIMO)
- 5 GHz (4x4:4 MU-MIMO)
- 6 GHz (4x4:4 MU-MIMO)
- Aggregate Data Rate: ~7.49 Gbps tri-radio aggregate frame rate
- Ethernet Ports: 1 x 2.5 Gbps mGig Ethernet port
- USB Port: 1 x USB 2.0 (Type A) with 4.5W power budget
- Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Integrated for IoT and location-based services
- RF Management: Dedicated scanning radio for RF analytics, WIDS/WIPS, and Wi-Fi location tracking
- Security:
- AES hardware-based encryption
- WPA3 support for enhanced wireless security
- 802.1X with Active Directory integration
- Air Marshal with 24x7 rogue AP detection and RF threat monitoring
Cisco Meraki Cloud Management
The Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points can be paired with Meraki Cloud Management, offering a unified and intuitive browser-based dashboard for network configuration and monitoring. With the Meraki platform, IT administrators can automate network optimization, deploy policies at scale, and manage a full-stack network. The cloud interface allows for real-time monitoring, automatic firmware updates, and hassle-free remote diagnostics.
Management Features:
- Automated RF Optimization: The Meraki cloud gathers RF data from the 9164’s dedicated radio to fine-tune channel selection, transmit power, and client settings for optimized performance.
- Real-Time Alerts and Troubleshooting: The Meraki dashboard sends real-time alerts and offers remote diagnostic tools for quick issue resolution.
- Automatic Firmware Updates: Keep your access points up-to-date with seamless cloud-based updates, reducing manual intervention.
Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst 9800 WLC Support
The Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points are also compatible with Cisco DNA Center and Catalyst 9800 Wireless LAN Controllers. This enables real-time analytics, threat detection, and automation for consistent network management.
Key Integrations:
- Cisco DNA Spaces: Location-based services for tracking devices and people within the network.
- Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE): Advanced security and authentication integration.
- Cisco DNA Analytics and Assurance: Real-time insights with advanced analytics to optimize performance and security.
Product Highlights
- Wi-Fi Location Tracking: Real-time tracking via a dedicated scanning radio.
- Bluetooth Low Energy: Supports Bluetooth Beacon and scanning for IoT applications.
- Voice and Video Optimizations: Features like QoS, WMM, and DSCP ensure smooth performance for voice and video applications.
- Enterprise Security and Guest Access: Simplified guest access with enterprise-grade security, including PCI compliance reports for secure retail deployments.
Designed for High-Density Deployments
The Catalyst 9164 is engineered for environments such as offices, schools, hospitals, retail shops, and hotels, providing a high-performance network with enterprise-grade security. It’s ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications like voice (Cisco WebEx) and high-definition video, as well as high-density deployments where numerous devices are connected simultaneously.
Advanced Features
- Multi-User Multiple Input Multiple Output (MU-MIMO): The Catalyst 9164 supports DL/UL MU-MIMO and OFDMA, allowing multiple devices to receive data at once, improving overall network efficiency.
- IoT and Bluetooth Low Energy Integration: Built-in BLE capabilities support location-aware applications and future-proof deployments.
- Application-Aware Traffic Shaping: Automatically prioritize critical applications while managing recreational traffic with built-in Layer 7 inspection.
Self-Configuring, Always Up-to-Date
The CW9164 is a self-configuring access point, automatically connecting to the Meraki cloud to download its configuration. With scheduled firmware updates, network administrators can ensure that the network stays secure and runs the latest features.
Meraki Health and AI Analytics:
- AI/ML-Based Anomaly Detection: Provides insights for proactive network management.
- Advanced Location Analytics: Visualize client density and movement across your floor plan with dashboard-based graphs and API integration.
Flexible Management Options
Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points offer the flexibility of managing your network on-premises with Catalyst 9800 Wireless LAN Controllers or via the cloud using the Meraki dashboard. You can easily switch between these management modes as your network requirements evolve.
With superior performance, seamless management, and enterprise-level security, the Cisco Catalyst 9164 Series Access Points are the ideal choice for businesses looking to future-proof their networks for hybrid work and next-generation wireless technologies.