Cisco Launches Wi-Fi 7 Access Points at Cisco Live Melbourne (CLMEL)
At Cisco Live Melbourne (CLMEL), Cisco unveiled its highly anticipated Wi-Fi 7 access points. The company introduced three high-performance Wi-Fi 7 AP models, with more models expected to be released soon. These access points are compatible with Meraki and Cisco 9800 WLCs for easy management.
New Cisco Wi-Fi 7 Access Points for Global Deployment
Cisco’s new Wi-Fi 7 access points are designed for global use, meaning they can be deployed anywhere without concerns about regulatory domain restrictions. This makes them ideal for organizations operating in multiple regions, simplifying the ordering and deployment process.
The initial models announced include:
- CW9178I
- CW9176I
- CW9176D1 (with Integrated Directional Antenna)
For more in-depth information on Cisco Wi-Fi 7, check out the recorded session from Cisco Live featuring Anand Gurumurthy on the topic: Wi-Fi 6E Adoption and Preparing for Wi-Fi 7 (BRKEWN-2024). The session will soon be available at ciscolive.com.
Unlock the Full Potential of Wi-Fi 7 with the 6GHz Spectrum
Wi-Fi 7 operates across three bands: 2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz. To fully leverage Wi-Fi 7’s speed and capacity, it is essential to take advantage of the 6GHz spectrum. If you’re already utilizing 6GHz with Wi-Fi 6E, you’re ahead of the curve, but Wi-Fi 7 promises even greater performance, especially for enterprise wireless networks.
While many enterprise vendors have rolled out Wi-Fi 7 access points, the technology is still in its early stages in the enterprise sector. Now is the time to start planning for Wi-Fi 7 adoption.
Key Recommendations for Wi-Fi 7 Migration
For a successful Wi-Fi 7 migration, planning is crucial. Here are the top recommendations:
- Switch Infrastructure: Ensure your network is equipped with multi-gigabit (mGig) switches for high-speed performance.
- Power over Ethernet (PoE): Use UPoE (IEEE 802.3bt) to ensure your access points receive the necessary power for optimal operation.
- Security: Implement WPA3 security to ensure Wi-Fi 7 functions securely and efficiently.
