Item: Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Cisco Aironet Product Series

Cisco Access Point

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We are running hundreds of Cisco access points . We are using it to provide reliable access to sdwan and internet services. We are utilizing following models: 9115, 9120, 3802, 2802 in flexconnect mode. Using local switching and local authentication in any location. We are supporting sites with Meraki wifi solutions.

Pros and Cons

Catalyst 9115i
Catalysts 9120i
Aironet 3802
Aironet 2802
MR55

Packet capture on Meraki APs - missing both direction
Sniffer mode on 9120 not working well with 9800 controller

Return on Investment

Increased performance of ax ssids
Flexibility with azure wireless controllers 9800cl
Meraki decreased our troubleshooting options

Performance

Cisco is providing the best in class access points. We would be focusing Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points to have the common platform. We are waiting for cloud implementation on DNA or cloud monitoring of 9800cl in Meraki dashboard. It's reliable, tagging gives a lot of flexibility. Virtualization finally works as expected.

Scalability

We have around 600 Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points. Mostly 9120 axi and 9115axi. The solution is very stable and reliable in configuration. We haven't noticed any performance issues. We are running it on multiple floors, flex mode with local auth and local switching. We can only report successful stories from these deployments.

Time to Value

We don't use zero touch. We are utilizing DHCP options for deployment services. Site tagging is preconfigured before deployment- this allows to limit configuration time to a minimum (minutes). The most time consuming is the image upgrade in the new deployment offices. Additionally doing the phy work extends the deployment time.

Access Point Management

Cisco Catalyst 9800 Series Wireless Controllers

Wlc allows to calculate the proper power levels with rrn technology. Properly adjust tpc make the cell big enough or helps to identify the wrongly deployed wifi topologies.

Alternatives Considered

Cisco Aironet 3800 Series Access Points and Cisco Aironet 2800 Series Access Points

We are migrating from Aironet platform to Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points. That's more flexible, and we do it to sync switching, SDWAN, and wifi under one family.

Key Insights

Do you think Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points's feature set?

Yes

Did Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Cisco Catalyst Center

Likelihood to Recommend

I would recommend Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points to everyone, we find the best in class. We understand the gaps but still these are the most stable solutions on the market. We are missing flexibility on Meraki APs.- sniffing, packet capturing, debugging. Catalyst 9800-cl controller support in Meraki Dashboard would be great, hope Cisco will do it soon!

Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points you dreamed of!

Modules Used

Overall Satisfaction with Cisco Catalyst 9100 Access Points