About the Access Point

Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Introduction

The Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Points are enterprise-class tri-band (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, 6 GHz) access points. CW9179F access point is the industry’s first enterprise-grade, Wi-Fi 7 certified high-density access point, made specifically for connecting large public venues and stadiums.

CW9179F is Cisco’s next-generation enterprise access point designed for high-density, high-performance deployments in indoor and outdoor environments such as stadiums, large public venues (LPV), auditoriums, and challenging industrial spaces.

The CW9179F access point support the CW-ANT-T-D3-N antennas. The CW-ANT-T-D3-N antennas are a single port, triple-band, directional antennas that support various deployment scenarios for both indoor and outdoor environments.

The CW9179F access point comes with both an integrated internal antenna and connectors for external antennas. The AP supports full interoperability with leading 802.11ax and 802.11ac clients and a hybrid deployment with other APs and controllers.

CW9179F Access Point is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) device designed for both indoor and outdoor environments, offering advanced connectivity and location services.

With a hybrid design supporting both internal and external antennas and flexible mounting options, the CW9179F adapts to a broad range of deployment scenarios.

Platforms Supported

The CW9179F AP hardware is supported on the following platforms:

  • Cisco Catalyst Center (formerly known as Cisco DNA Center) on-premises

  • Cisco Catalyst stack

  • Meraki cloud-based stack

A full listing of the AP's features and specifications is provided in the Cisco Wireless 9179F Access Point Data Sheet.

Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Point Features

The CW9179F is an advanced Wi-Fi 7 multi-band enterprise indoor and outdoor access point equipped with a quad-radio architecture. It supports 16 spatial streams with four flexible antenna configurations (2.4 GHz, 5 GHz LB, 5GHz HB, and 6 GHz) alongside additional radios for IoT and GNSS functionalities. The CW9179F AP delivers superior connectivity, expanded coverage, and support for advanced IoT applications.

  1. Radios and wireless capabilities

    • Scanning/AUX radio for real-time network monitoring and optimization

    • IoT radio with Bluetooth 6.0+ and Zigbee-ready features for smart device integration

    • MMCX connector to support CW-ANT-GPS1-M-00 antenna

    • Multiuser Multiple-Input, Multiple-Output (MU-MIMO) for simultaneous uplink and downlink connections

    • Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) supporting both uplink (UL) and downlink (DL) for efficient traffic scheduling and resource utilization

    • Spatial Reuse (BSS Coloring), enabling differentiation between multiple basic service sets for increased transmission efficiency

    • Supports Multi-Link Operation (MLO) for simultaneous data transmission across multiple bands and channels

    • Enables 4096-QAM (4K QAM) modulation for higher data rates

    • Offers Preamble Puncturing to utilize wider channels even in the presence of interference

    • Supports Multiple Resource Units (MRU) for efficient use of non-contiguous frequency resources

  2. Power and connectivity

    • Dual 10G Ethernet Ports supports the following speeds: 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, 5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps

    • Power over Ethernet (PoE): Fully compliant with 802.3bt/4-pair PoE, enabling all device features


      Note

      Before deployment, verify that all PoE injectors and switches provide the necessary power budget to enable all access point features.

    • Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE): Supported for port speeds of 100M, 1G, 2.5G, 5G, and 10G


      Note

      EEE functionality will require a future software update, including user configuration options.

    • Ethernet Cable Requirements:

      • CAT6: Recommended for distances up to 55m

      • CAT6A: Required for distances up to 100m

      • Environmental Considerations: Avoid routing cables near high-interference sources such as electrical panels or motors. Ensure cable installations comply with local building and fire safety codes

  3. Intelligent network capabilities

    • Target Wake Time (TWT): An energy-saving mode that allows battery-powered devices to stay asleep and wake only at predefined intervals for data exchange, optimizing energy efficiency.

    • CleanAir Pro Technology: Provides advanced spectrum intelligence for 2.4 GHz, 5 GHz, and 6 GHz bands. Supports high-speed spectrum analysis across channel widths from 20 MHz to 320 MHz Identifies and mitigates interference sources, optimizing network performance in real-time.

    • Flexible Radio Assignment (FRA): Dynamically switches radios between 5 GHz and 6 GHz bands based on client demand and network load, improving resource utilization.

    • Integrated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE): Enables IoT applications, such as location tracking and wayfinding.

    • Built-in GPS: Provides compliance for AFC (Automated Frequency Coordination), ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements for frequency use.

  4. Operating modes

    Catalyst Modes

    • Local mode: Default mode for client servicing, utilizing CAPWAP tunnels for centralized management. Handles both management and data traffic, known as central switching

    • FlexConnect mode: Allows local data switching, enabling continued operation during controller disconnection

    • Monitor mode: Acts as a dedicated sensor for: Intrusion detection systems (IDS). Rogue AP detection. Location-based services (LBS)

    • Sniffer mode: Captures and forwards wireless packets for remote analysis using tools like Wireshark or AiroPeek NX. Includes metadata like timestamps, signal strength, and packet size


      Note

      The mode requires the receiving server to be on the same VLAN as the controller management VLAN.

    • Site survey mode: Enables RF parameter configuration for site survey investigations, simplifying network planning and installation

    • SDA/fabric Mode: Supports Software-Defined Access (SD-Access) for advanced segmentation and policy enforcement

    Cisco Meraki Modes

    • Meraki Cloud mode: Refers to the operation of Meraki access points managed centrally using the Cisco Meraki Dashboard, a cloud-based platform

    • Site Survey or Standalone mode: A standalone operational mode for Meraki access points used specifically for wireless site surveys to analyze RF environments before deployment

  5. Flexible deployment

    CW9179F features a hybrid design that supports both indoor and outdoor scenarios.

    • Indoor Mode: This is the default configuration for CW9179F.

      For indoor use, an environment pack with an integrated EEPROM component attaches to the bay area. The system automatically detects indoor mode. The default configuration includes the pre-installed indoor environment pack.

    • Outdoor Mode: The outdoor environment pack is available as an optional add-on.

      When the outdoor environment pack is installed, the AP automatically detects this and adjusts the operating parameters to comply with weatherized usage.

  6. External interfaces

    Dual Ethernet Ports: Provides redundancy for uninterrupted connectivity in high-reliability environments

  7. Sensors

    • Integrated temperature, pressure or barometric, and accelerometer sensors

    • GNSS for AFC geolocation

  8. Software features

    • Software-Controlled Beam Steering (SCBS): Dynamically directs the antenna’s signal toward connected devices, improving signal strength, reducing interference, and enhancing overall wireless performance

    • Intelligent Capture: Probes the network to provide deep diagnostic insights, enabling troubleshooting latency, interference, and other performance issues

    • Cisco Catalyst Center support: Integrates with Cisco Catalyst Center to enable features such as: Cisco Spaces for location services

    • Apple FastLane for optimized iOS device performance

    • Cisco Identity Services Engine (ISE) for advanced security and network access control

    • Optimized AP roaming: Ensures client devices connect to the access point, providing the fastest data rates within their coverage range

  9. Antenna Design

    • Supports both indoor and outdoor operations

    • The flexible configuration provides main lobe coverage at 5 GHz and 6 GHz.

    • You can add a secondary external antenna for spot coverage at 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

AP model numbers and regulatory domains

Product ID

AP Type

Details

CW9179F

Access Point for stadium environments and large public venues, with internal antennas and connectors for external antennas

Wi-Fi 7 AP, tri-band, 802.11be with internal antennas and connectors for external antennas

For more information, see Cisco Wireless 9179 Series Access Points.


Note

With the new Wi-Fi 7 APs, Cisco now has one AP portfolio that can be used either with the Meraki cloud native network or Catalyst on-premise controller-based deployments. With the introduction of the one AP portfolio, it is essential to have a single product ID (PID) at manufacturing, to simplify logistics or operations.

This AP model is designed for global use under a single PID. To verify approval and to identify the regulatory domain that corresponds to a particular country, see https://www.cisco.com/c/dam/assets/prod/wireless/wireless-compliance-tool/index.html. Regulatory approvals are continually updated as they are obtained.

Physical specifications

Mechanical and Environmental Design

  • Physical Design: The CW9179F Wi-Fi 7 APs have Cisco Medium Gray color and textured surfaces. Status LEDs are visible on both the front and rear sides.

  • Mounting: A new articulating mount bracket (CW-MNT-ART3) allows for wall or pole mounting (2"-5" diameter, vertical or horizontal). The bracket provides angular adjustments with detents every 5° and markings every 10°, allowing for precise aiming (+/- 60° azimuth, +0°/-90° elevation).

  • Grounding: Supports an external grounding feature to earth ground using a standard outdoor AP grounding kit.

  • Operating Temperature: Designed to operate from -20°C to +60°C without solar load, and -20°C to +50°C with solar load.

Antennas and radios

The following sections provide detailed information about the AP's antennas and radios.

Internal antennas

The Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Point (CW9179F) supports internal antennas.

Table 1. Features and frequency band specifications

Features

2.4GHz Band

5GL Band

5GH Band

6G Band

Dimension

(W x L x H)

Access point (without mounting brackets): 18.7Wx 13.0Lx 2.9H in. (475mm x 330mm x 73mm)

Weight

Access point weight: 10.0 lb (4.54 kg)

Bracket weight: 3.8 lbs (1.72 kg)

Gain

6 dBi

12 dBi (0, +10)

12 dBi (0, +10)

Narr: 12 dBi, Wide: 7 dBi

BeamW (Az x El)

(66 - 85) x (59~79)

0: (33-36) x (30-36)

10:(33-36) x

(33-37)

0: (33-36) x (32~35)

10:(32~35) x

(33-36)

N: (35-37) x (32-34)

W: (81-84) x (33-35)

SLL

> 10 dBr

0: 27-30 dBr

10: 27 - 30 dBr

0: 25-27 dBr

10: 25~ 27 dBr

N: 23-25 dBr

W: 19-21 dBr

FBR

> 10 dBr

0: >30 dBr

10: > 28 dBr

0: >27 dBr

10: > 28 dBr

N: >27 dBr

W: > 26 dBr

Steering

+15 deg

+15 deg

External antennas

The Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Point (CW9179F) supports these external antennas:

Table 2. Supported external antennas

Antenna Model

Description

Connector Type

AIR-ANT2566D4M-R

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5 GHz, RPTNC

RPTNC

AIR-ANT2566D4M-RS

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5 GHz, RPTNC

 RPTNC

AIR-ANT2566P4W-R

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5 GHz, RPTNC

 RPTNC

AIR-ANT2566P4W-RS

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5 GHz, RPTNC

 RPTNC

AIR-ANT2588-P4M-NS

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5 GHz, N-type

N-type

CW-ANT-T-D3-N

4-port, 6 dBi gain, 2.4/5/6 GHz, N-type

N-type

CW-ANT-GPS1-M-00

GNSS dual-band, external, RHCP, 2 dBi

MMCX

Cisco Wireless 9179F Access Point with CW-ANT-T-D3-N Antenna

The CW-ANT-T-D3-N Antenna is a versatile and robust solution designed to support both indoor and outdoor access point deployments. Equipped with four external N-Type Male connectors and compatibility with Self-Identifiable Antennas (SIA) for the 6 GHz band, the CW-ANT-T-D3-N Antenna enables automatic recognition and configuration for optimized wireless performance. Its unique design and features make it an ideal choice for diverse environments, providing reliable connectivity and enhanced coverage for Cisco wireless access points.


Note

CW-ANT-T-D3-N is back-facing antenna with a 6/6/6 dBi Directional Mini Patch and N type connector.

The Cisco Wireless 9179F Wi-Fi 7 Access Point offers antenna ports that support only 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz, so the CW-ANT-T-D3-N the tri-band antenna does not provide 6 GHz connectivity on this access point.

For more information, see Cisco Wireless 9179F Access Point with CW-ANT-T-D3-N Antenna Installation Guide.

Figure 1. CW-ANT-T-D3-N antenna
Figure 2. CW9179F with CW-ANT-T-D3-N antenna

Operating frequency and effective isotropic radiated power

Table 3. CW9179F values for European Union (CE) region

Evaluation Mode

Frequency Range

EIRP Power Limit

(MHz)

(dBm)
2.4GHz WLAN 2400-2483.5 20
5GHz WLAN B1 5150-5250 23
5GHz WLAN B2 5250-5350 23
5GHz WLAN B3 5470-5725 30
5GHz WLAN B4 5725-5875 13.98
(EN 300 440 V2.2.1)
6GHz WLAN 5945~6425 LPI：23
(EN 303 687)
Bluetooth 2400-2483.5 9.96
IEEE 802.15.4 2400-2483.5 9.96
(Zigbee)
Table 4. CW9179F values for United Kingdom

Evaluation Mode

Frequency Range

EIRP Power Limit

(MHz)

(dBm)
2.4GHz WLAN 2400-2483.5 20
5GHz WLAN B1 5150-5250 23
5GHz WLAN B2 5250-5350 23
5GHz WLAN B3 5470-5725 30
5GHz WLAN B4 5725-5850 23
(IR 2030)
6G WLAN 5925-6425 LPI：23.98
(IR 2030)
Bluetooth 2400-2483.5 9.96
IEEE 802.15.4 2400-2483.5 9.96
(Zigbee)